These religion while at first seem almost clumped together for convenience they do actually share common aspect. Confucianism came from Daoism, at least in part. Shintoism and Native American faiths both have spirits. Yoruba and Native American religions both incorporate dancing in their rituals. The exact origin of Daoism is messy, there is however an important man Laozi who is said to be a follower of Confucius (Wilkinson, 251). Important concepts are yin, yang, and qi. Yin and yang are “two primal forces” (Wilkinson, 252). When the two are in balance it allows for people to live in peace (Wilkinson, 254). Qi is “the vital energy or life force” (Wilkinson, 252). Qi flows in a set path in the body and because of this has allowed acupuncture to heal the body (Wilkinson, 254). Daoism allows people …show more content…
to create and ass their own books or scriptures, resulting with them having over 1,000 books (Daoism.pptx, 14). There are two parts to Daoism Jia and Daojiao. Jia is just the philosophy of Daoism. It is about living in tranquility with all in existence and Daojiao is the religious Daoism (Daoism.pptx, 5 & 15). A concept in the religious part of Daoism is the attainment of immortality (Wilkinson, 252). The ideals that followers look to their rulers to show are wise ruling, develops a sense of detachment, does not like material goods, and does not look to dominate others because they can (Wilkinson, 254). Much like every other faith Daoism encourages its followers to be good people and do good deeds. The indigenous religion of Japan is Shinto (Shinto.pptx, 2). Shinto dates all the way back to prehistoric times (Wilkinson, 263). Shinto followers believe in and worship Kami, which is the spirts of every natural occurring event or object, sometimes relating to specific families (Wilkinson, 266 Shinto.pptx, 11). Some Kami’s are good and others bad (Wilkinson, 266). The two most famous Kami’s are Izanagi and Izanami. Their children include the sun goddess and the storm god, Amaterasu and Susano respectively (Wilkinson, 266). The religion has gone through many changes, one in particular after World War II (Shinto.pptx, 16-7). Confucianism is a mix of Buddhism, local beliefs and Daoism (Confucianism.pptx, 2).
Reaching harmony with the world is important in Confucianism (Confucianism.pptx, 4). Confucius placed an importance on harmony in the family, he believed that it lead to a better society (Wilkinson, 242). Harmony starts at the top. The ruler has to give sacrifices to heaven “to insure his mandate to rule” (Confucianism.pptx, 5). These practices were already around before Confucius, he did however support many of the old traditions (Confucianism.pptx, 13). Taiji, the ultimate reality, “is an unknowable absolute force that orders the universe” (Wilkinson, 242). People believe that with enough meditation, contemplation, mental discipline and the pursuit of knowledge can lead them to a “unity with Taiji” (Wilkinson, 242). Like in Daoism, Confucianism believes in yin and yang (Wilkinson, 242). Followers can reach harmony in two ways, li and ren. Li is “epitomized by the behavior of the ancient sages in the Five Classics” and includes a balance between ceremony, rituals, and manners (Wilkinson, 244). Ren is about right human conduct, “goodness, love, humanity, and generosity” (Wilkinson,
244). Yoruba religions are indigenous African religions (Ase.pptx, 2). There are a couple different origin stories of the Yoruba. They both encompass an iron chain, dirt, and a rooster (Ase.pptx, 6-8). Orishas are an important aspect in the Yoruba religion. Orishas are a lot like gods, they are manifestations of nature (Ase.pptx, 12). They actually keep the duties of the orishas up to date with current creations. They also partake in masquerades, they are ancestors that come to see their descendants, and they will even hit those that are misbehaving in society (Ase.pptx, 13). Along with masquerades they also have trance dancing, which allows them to experience another reality (Ase.pptx, 15). Another aspect is divination, which is the interpretation of the way things, which are thrown by a Babalawo or Lyalawo, are arranged (Ase.pptx, 14). Like the dahrmic faiths they believe in reincarnation (Ase.pptx, 16). Native American religions, I believe, are almost like a mix of Daoic faiths. I believe this is a result of the theory that Native Americans came over on a land bridge from the Mongolian area. The distance from the groups allowed for the two populations to evolve in their own way in respect to their customs, religions, and specific rituals. They have alternative forms of medicine like in the Yoruba faiths. For example Gladys Tantiquidgeon was trained as a medicine woman from her elders. They also have powwows in Native American religions, while Yoruba has trance dancing. Yoruba’s have their masquerades and Native American’s dress up for their powwows wearing many different types of attire, such as jingle dresses and shawl dancing. Like in Shintoism, Native Americans believe in spirts and, again, they also believe that some of these spirts are bad. However the difference is that Native Americans believe that these spirits lead to people feeling sick. This unit was interesting. I never really focused on eastern Asia faiths before. Since I watched the movie about Confucius I got the chance to actually get a look into his life, forward thinking and policies. It leaves me with a newfound respect for Confucianism. The thing that surprised me the most was the concept of spirits and their presence in both Shintoism and Native American faiths. The similarities between the Daoic faiths is simultaneously similar and vastly different, comparatively Abrahamic faiths were all very similar. Some believe in gods and others do not. My favorite Daoic faith is Shintoism. I like the ideas of spirits and them being in charge of specific things, like the gods and goddesses in Hinduism. I find it really cool that Yoruba updates what their Orishas represent. I think that it would have been the most fun to start with the Dharmic faiths. I haven’t been exposed to a lot of religions, but from what it was almost all of it was Abrahamic which made the start of the class boring. Dharmic was completely different from what I have experienced in the past and it was really interesting, I even wish that we could have spent a little more time on it and spent less time on Abrahamic faiths. Then I would have like to go to the Daoic faiths, just because again they’re different from what I was exposed to. Lastly I would have gone with the Abrahamic faiths, since they are so familiar it would have been an easy end to the class. A big part of this class just from signing up is having an already existing respect for other religions. If someone was strictly a Catholic, with no tolerance for other religions, they more than likely would not be taking a class entitled world religions.
To begin, Confucianism is a system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius. Confucianism was the code of ethics accepted as the certified religion of most of the immense empires in the territory since the Han Dynasty. Confucianism provided an outline of ethical and religious beliefs that most of the Chinese expanded to make other religions such as Daoism and Legalism. To expand, Confucianism was founded by Confucius and his beliefs on the political and social order of China. Confucius believed that everything would fall into place if children had respect for their parents and if the rulers were honest. In Confucianism, specific roles were followed by each person in the family. The head of the family, the father, was the one primarily in control and then it was the oldest son that was next in line. Confucius had the belief that a ruler has to be everything he wants
During the Warring States period China was going through chaos. The teachings of Confucianism and Daoism were welcomed by society to bring order, stability and liberate people from the misery and oppression. The rulers were greedy and desirous of political power and their own agendas; however they were looking for a new way to unite their people. It is often said that Confucianism and Daoism are the yang and yin, respectively, of Chinese religion. That is, they are not rivals so much as complementary traditions, working together to produce an overall balance in the lives of the Chinese. This is not true because the two religious philosophies were different from one another. Confucius believed that the traditions and virtues that were studied and taught in the old days by the Ancients was the best way to organize society (trickle-down approach). Also followers of Confucius believed in education, a moral force and human goodness to advance and progress within society. Daoism on the other hand relies on human nature and a balance of good and evil (Yin-Yang) to bring about social order. It neglects education, virtue and cultural norms because it is said that people are born faultless.
Daoism was founded by Laozi, and it is said that he wrote Dao DeJing (The Classic of the Way and It’s Power). Daoism is based on Dao (the way), the force that gives order to the natural universe. It taught that if you lived in harmony with natures to Dao, nature is full of opposites and balancing those is called yin (shaded) and yang (sun lit). Daoism taught rulers to be weak and less harsh. Their main influence was on writing, art, and Chinese thought. Rulers that ruled the least were the best. Daoism believed that the greater the number of laws and enactments, the more thieves and robbers there will be. In “The Sayings of Lao Tzu”, Daoism stated that “so long as I do nothing, the people will right themselves. If only I keep from meddling, the people will grow rich. If only I am free from desire, the people will come naturally back to
Confucianism is a philosophy and way of life formed in China by Confucius, an early Chinese philosopher. It began as a simple concept with ideals of personal virtue, simple filial piety, and basic gender distinctions and social inequalities. But, over time with the emergence of Neo-Confucianism it began to transform into a way of life that was degrading towards women with certain hostilities towards rivaling religions. In its early period, from around 500 B.C.E to the Common Era, Confucianism changed in that it became the leading belief system and a major part of Chinese tradition. From the transition into the Common Era to the end of the Classical time period, Confucianism was altered because of a loss of popularity following the collapse of the Han dynasty and the corruption in the governing political system. In its ending period, the post-classical era, Confucianism underwent perhaps its biggest adjustments with the emergence of Neo-Confucianism. The ideas and virtues presented in the “rebirth of Confucian philosophies” of intolerance of foreign religions and extreme filial piety...
The teachings according to Confucius refer to Confucianism. Confucianism is the multifarious classification of ethical, collective, political and pious philosophy developed by Confucius and the old Chinese practices (Bertrand, 1999). Confucianism aim is actually making an individual honorable but also making such an individual the character of learning and of proper manners. The ideal and faultless man has to combine the characters of a saint, an intellectual and gentleman. Confucianism is a religious conviction whose adulation is focused on offerings to the dead. The idea of responsibility is extensive beyond the precincts of morals and holds close to the minutiae of daily living.
Confucianism is a religious philosophy formed by the Chinese philosopher Kung-fu-Tsu. This philosophy came out of need during the warring states period of Chinese history. K'ung-fu-Tsu was a teacher at the hundred schools. His prime concern was the improvement of society. Confucianism has no gods, and the only written history of this religion is in the Analects, a collection of his responses to his disciple's questions. K'ung-fu-Tsu believed that the improvement of society was the responsibility of the ruler and that the quality of government depended on the ruler's moral character. This new way meant concern for others and adherance to the golden rule. Confucianism has had a greater and longer lasting influence on China than that of any other religious philosophy.
While possessing similar goals, Confucianism and Daoism texts have conflicting information on how to achieve these goals. Confucianism and Daoism have some similarities such as the belief that “human fulfillment lay in harmonizing our thinking and behavior with the Way (dao)” and a refinement of the self to gain an objective (Adler, Chinese Religious Traditions, 15). Both traditions recognize that we can do better as humans. While there are similarities between these religious traditions, their written teachings have very different instruction on how to achieve the Dao. Confucianism encourages the notion of ru, which is “evoking a commitment to learning, refinement, cultural accomplishments, and the practice of rites and
In India, around the 6th century B.C., a man gave up his royal lifestyle to attain enlightenment, and began teaching others the path to enlightenment as well. This prince-turned-teacher became known as the Buddha. At the same time, in China, Confucius too was just initiating his teachings in social construction. Their teachings became important and are still influential in their home countries. For India, and later on in China too, Buddhism became a religion and in China, Confucianism became a social structure model. Throughout their teachings, three philosophies were covered by both teachers in their own way. These viewpoints were humanity without selfishness, education in the fundamentals of firmness of beliefs and keeping fresh minds, and
In conclusion, Daoism and Confucianism seem to have a lot more in common than one might think. The two philosophies share the same viewpoints on the notions of filial piety and education. I believe, the principles and values that are taught in those philosophies could be of great benefit to our contemporary society.
Daoism, also known as Taoism, is one of the major religions of China. The main belief is the learning and practice of "The Way" (Dao), which is the ultimate truth of the universe.The Dao has several meanings. It is the basis of all living things, it governs nature, and is a method that people want to live by. The Dao is everlasting, without beginning or end. Since it has no beginning, it is therefore the oldest thing in the universe. The Dao is neither good nor bad, and is the source of all things.The Dao has no desires, and creates the universe, but does not dominate or regulate it. This idea of no manipulation by the Dao is an example of wu-wei. Wu-wei is one of the central tenets of Taoism and literally means the act of non-being / not action.This does not mean that people are lazy and passive as people might think. This means acting on instinct, and to go with your gut and to not over-think someone's actions and words, basically it means to just go with the flow. To act through wu-wei you shouldn’t think about what actions you are going to take and the consequences and outcome of those actions, you just let your actions control you, you don’t control your actions. The most useful action is one that is not conscious. De is the Taoist concept of virtue. It can be described as a way to live in unity with the Dao and it emerges from one's own inner nature. All things acquire De and it is De that guide the productions of the Dao. Our De appears as we follow the path of the Dao. Daoists see no greatness in violence because of their high respect for peace and their value of all human beings, even those who are their adversaries. Daoists believe that we need to fight only when absolutely necessary, and even then with a heavy heart. ...
Confucianism is a moral and religious system of China. Its origins go back to the Analects, the sayings attributed to Confucius, and to ancient writings, including that of Mencius. Confucius was born a mandarin under the name Kongzi. It was developed around 550 B.C. In its earliest form Confucianism was primarily a system of ethical concepts for the control of society. It saw man as a social creature that is bound to his fellow men by jen, or “humanity.” Jen is expressed through the five relationships—sovereign and subject, parent and child, elder and younger brother, husband and wife, and friend and friend. Of these, the filial relation is most important.
2. Confucianism sought to help streamline society and encourage proper participation in politics. Filial piety was said to have even mimicked a form of bureaucracy in the family unit. This stands in sharp contrast to Daoism which urged its followers to withdraw from political life and find solace in nature. Interestingly though, Daoism was seen as complementary to Confucianism, and
... Confucianism was all about loving each other, and it united the Chinese people in a way they had never been before. Confucius’s ideas helped achieve a peaceful Chinese society. In my opinion, Confucius was right to believe that man can attain the ideal character through education, self -reflection, and self- effort, however, I do not know if society could remain intact if everything were based on the trust system. Even with laws and punishments, people commit felonies, and I can only begin to imagine what the world would be like if the only things stopping a murderer from killing were his morals.
In the category of view of society, each belief has a different view. The Confucians believed that you develop good character through a good life and that everyone has their own role.
Even though Taoism and many other folk religions have shaped the Chinese mind, Confucianism remains, by any historical measure, its chief mentor” (Novak 113). Therefore, since the two religions grew up together, there are similarities, such as their views on humans, attempting to find harmony in life and in nature, and serve as guides for their followers through self-cultivation and improvement techniques. Confucianism believes that their congregation should have human conduct over the idea of God in their lives, whereas Taoism is formed on the belief that its congregation should create a relationship with nature. This is pointed out by Smith in Experiencing the World’s Religions, “Confucius represents the classical, Lao Tzu the romantic; Confucius stresses social responsibility, Lao Tzu praises spontaneity and naturalness; Confucius focus is on the human, Lao Tzu’s on what transcends the human” (Smith 218).