1. Confucianism and Taoism
WHI. 4f—China
Confucianism and Taoism

2. Origins of Confucianism
Confucius also known as K’ung-fu-tzu is the founder
Born in 551 B.C.E.
Confucius was a scholar and wanted to advise rulers

3. Origins of Confucianism
Confucius never wrote his teachings
Students later collected them in what is known as the Analects
The Analects provide the basic teachings of Confucius and is the most important text in Confucianism

4. Philosophy of Confucianism
Confucius was not concerned with the divine/holy
Confucius’ main concern was how to promote social order and a moral/ethical government

5. Philosophy of Confucianism
Based on parent child relationships, also known as filial piety
Respect for one’s elders*
Humans are naturally good
Opposite of legalism
Correct and moral behavior would bring peace, order, and stability

6. Philosophy of Confucianism
Harmony exists when people accept their place in society
Six relationships
Worship and praise the ancestors
Code of politeness (still used in China today)
Emphasis on education

7. Six Relationships—DO NOT WRITE
Parent to Child
Filial piety
Husband to Wife
Wife subordinate to husband
Elder Sibling to Younger Sibling
Ruler to Minister
Teacher to Student
Friend to Friend
Only equal relationship

8. Origins of Taoism The founder of Taoism is Lao-Tzu (Laozi)
Born around the 6th Century—was a contemporary of Confucius
Is the author of Tao Te Ching—the foundational/sacred text of Taoism

9. Origins of Taoism
Lao Tzu believed people had lost touch with their essential self (the Te) and the way (the Tao) of harmony in the universe
The Tao Te Ching was written to help people understand and follow the Tao

10. Philosophy of Taoism
The goal is to live in harmony with nature (follow the Tao)
The simple life leads to peace and happiness
P’u (the uncarved block)—in our most basic state we contain great power

11. Philosophy of Taoism Have few desires and be humble—seek humility
“Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.” 
“The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know.” 
Belief of Wu Wei (action less action)
Going with the flow, doing what comes natural

12. Belief shared by Taoism and Confucianism
Yin and Yang represents opposites in nature (Part of Confucianism and Taoism)

13. Yin
-Down
-Cold
-Wet
-Death
-Negative
-Feminine
-Time
-Passive
-In
-Day
-Autumn and Winter
Yang
-Up
-Hot
-Dry
-Life
-Positive
-Masculine
-Space
-Active
-Out
-Night
-Spring and Summer

14. Winnie The Pooh

15. The Three Vinegar Tasters
Siddhartha Gautama
Lao Tzu
Confucius