1. Mulan
Finding elements of Confucianism and numerous Chinese Inventions in the Disney film Mulan…

2. Philosophies

3. Philosophies

4. Confucianism:
Based on the teachings of Kong Fu Zi (first called Confucius by Europeans). China, B.C.E.
Philosophy focuses on respect for elders, education, proper conduct, and government service.
5 Relationships:
King and Subject
Parent and Child
Husband and Wife
Sibling and Sibling
Friend and Friend
In order to be at peace, one must show absolute respect for authority.

5. Philosophies

6. “You must feel the force all around you…”
Daoism:
Based on the philosophy of Laozi, China: B.C.E.
The goal in life is to achieve Dao (“oneness with the universe/nature”)
Best way to find peace is being in harmony with nature.
Balance the forces of Yin and Yang (calm and powerful)
“You must feel the force all around you…”

7. The Big Three Chinese religions/philosophies
Confucianism:
Buddhism:
Daoism:
honor family
From India
4 noble truths
obey the laws
Be Like Water
The ‘WAY’
Kong Fu Zi
8-fold path
stop wanting
community, not self
Siddhartha Guatama
Nirvana
yin and yang
worship ancestors
Lao Tzi
good vs. evil
honor parents
Hard work
light vs. dark
Balance, harmony w nature
reach enlightenment

8. Confucianism: Buddhism:
Daoism: Founder = Lao Tzi (China) Religion that emphasizes living in harmony with nature, finding the natural balance in the ‘Dao’, ‘chi’ or ‘way’
The Big Three Chinese religions/philosophies
Philosophies
Confucianism:
Founder = Confucius (China)
Philosophy focused on attaining virtues by respecting elders, honoring family, serving in government & studying Confucius
Buddhism:
Founder = Siddhartha Gautama (India)
Religion founded on the teachings of Buddha & promises escape from suffering
4 Noble Truths:
1 Existence is suffering
2 The cause of suffering is desire
3 End desire to end suffering
4 Follow the eightfold path to end desire
Eightfold Path = Right Understanding, thinking, speech, conduct, livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration
Yin Yang
Light Dark
Man Woman
“It’s about the community, not the individual. Serve your country, obey the laws, practice self-cultivation…”
Good Evil
“Stop wanting things to reach enlightenment…”
“You must feel the force all around you…”
“I want to honor my parents, my family & my ancestors…”

9. Defending China Service to country
Philosophies
Watch the opening GREAT WALL SCENE from the film Mulan. List any elements Confucianism that are presented:
Defending China
Service to country
Confucianism
Buddhism
Daoism

10. “A girl can bring her family great honor” Honoring family
Philosophies
Watch the “PLEASE BRING HONOR TO US ALL” clip from the film Mulan. List any elements of Confucianism that are presented:
“A girl can bring her family great honor”
Honoring family
“We all must serve the emperor”
“Men like girls who are obedient”
Confucianism
Buddhism
Daoism

11. Philosophies
Watch the “First minutes from the film Mulan. List any elements of Confucianism that are presented:
Mulan says she is to “uphold the family honor”
Chinese Soldiers bravely defend the wall (community over individual)
Efforts to impress the matchmaker
Father prays to ancestors
Various song lyrics
Conscription notices sent throughout China (draft to serve country)
Father tells Mulan, “you dishonor me”
Buddhism
Confucianism
Daoism

12. Discussing of family honor
Philosophies
Watch the MUSHU INTRODUCTION clip from the film Mulan. List any elements of Confucianism that are presented:
Ancestor Worship
Discussing of family honor
Confucianism
Buddhism
Daoism

13. Chinese Philosophies Mini-Quiz!
1) Escape from suffering
2) End desire (‘stop wanting things’)
3) Honor your parents
4) Worship/honor your ancestors
5) Balance in nature
6) Serve in government
7) Yin & Yang
8) Reach enlightenment
9) Do good, whether rich or poor
10) Lead by example
11) Feel the force around you
12) We are all connected
13) The community is more important than the individual
14) Being ‘one’ with your surroundings
15) Simplicity
Buddhism
Confucianism
Yin Yang
Light Dark
Man Woman
Good Evil
Daoism