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Religion vs philosophy
Relationship between daoism and confucianism
Confucianism vs. Daoism
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Confucianism and Daoism: Conflicting Paths to a Common Goal 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 …show more content…
Confucius thought that society needed to return to the Dao while Daoism teaches that we need to follow the Dao or else we will not continue to live. Confucius was “not the one who was born with knowledge, [but is the] one who loves the past and is diligent in seeking it” (Confucius and the Analects 51). Both traditions support a following of the Dao, but their approach to living the Dao is very different. Confucianism is very explicit in what is right and wrong. A major source of information for what is right and what is wrong are the Analects, where conversations “focus on the practicalities of interpersonal relationships, personal cultivation in the context of those relationships, and the relationship of personal cultivation on the part of rulers and ministers to the conduct of government” (Confucius and the Analects 42). This is important because it shows how important Confucius thought that human and social relationships were to and how they can help society return to the old ways. In section 2.3 of the Analects, Confucius
By the beginning of the common era, another philosophy emerges and gains wide acceptance among the commoners. Daoism, just like the predecessor and also as the name implies, puts emphasis on "the way," that a certain individual is to abide by. Even though the two systems had different concepts about the way, the common denominator of both schools was to achieve total harmony in the society.... ... middle of paper ... ...
And some might say that Daoism had a greater impact because some Chinese people still follow Daoism today, such as people in Taiwan. All three of these philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism) had an impact on ancient China. They not only changed the people but also affected the way the government functioned and ruled ancient China. These philosophies provided very different models for society. Some offered a more peaceful and free way of life, while another provided a much harsher and stricter way of life. Of all of them, Confucianism had the greatest impact on ancient China, influencing the culture, government and people, and creating a good model for a peaceful and just society. Many of these principles can still be seen in Chinese culture
Confucianism focused on human relationships and Daoism focuses on the realm of nture and its patterns. Daoism believes i n dao which is an underlying and unchanging principle that governs all natural phenomena.
First of all, Daoism is a Chinese philosophy or a belief in China. Daoist think that we don’t need rules. If we don’t have rules, the society/ community will get under control. Daoist also believed that humans are perfect and stunning; even if they do terrible things! The Dao believes that we should live in peace and with less government . Daoism is mostly focused in “peace”.
The two have a close connection with each other, thus, people should protect natural environment and resources instead of destroy its harmony. In essence, the meaning of “Dao” in Confucianism is benevolence and righteousness (Confucius, & Legge, 2010). Confucius initiated the spirit of sacrifice life for justice and proposed to manage state affairs based on ‘benevolence, righteousness and filial obedience’ (Wang, 2011, pp.101). Confucius encourages to live in harmony with the "Way (Dao) of Heaven”, performing the duties and responsibilities which appropriate to the position in society (Confucius., Cai, Lai & Xia, 1994). Ancestor worship and reverence to family are fundamental elements of Confucianism in Han China (Confucius. & Cleary, 1992). In Confucianism, Rituals about ancestors are extremely significant and must be performed in precise ways (Confucius. & Cleary, 1992). Dao in Confucianism plays a role of reverence and
“Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.” (Confucius) Doaism, Confucianism, and Legalism are all different philosophies with distinctive ideas. The Chinese believed in these three philosophies to help give them the knowledge they needed at the time. All three philosophies have strong valid beliefs about government and other topics.
At the same time Confucius’ teachings were spreading through China, another religion was also having its beginning. In contrast to the humanistic, ethical teachings of Confucius, the mystical, enigmatic beliefs of Daoism appeared. Daoism can be viewed as a philosophy about nature and human life, described in ancient texts like the Dao De Jing, written by Lao Zi, and the writings of Zhuang Zi. Others see it as a religious tradition that emerged around the second century C.E. whose importance has lasted into the twentieth century (“Taoism” n.p.). A concept that has been accepted in Confucianism, as well as philosophical and religious Daoism, is that of the yin and yang.
Confucianism is a mix of Legalism and Daoism, but not as strict and not as loose. As said by Confucius himself, “Lead them (people)
During the New Culture Movement in the 1920's both Confucian and Daoist were both looked down upon. It wasn't until the 1970's that both religion both started to be practiced openly again. Today both religions are still practiced. Confucians still teaches family and self-importance today. In China Televisions air programs that educate and inform on the religion and the government has also offered funding to those who study the religion. Daoist still openly do ceremonies as well as a certain meditation called qigong, which is now a worldwide practice. Priests have also been trained and shrines are being rebuilt.
Confucius emphasized the importance of one's relationships with others, rather than the individual soul. Confucius followed the dao, “the way”. Which he claimed to define the meaning of life. This meant developing one's humanity by devoutly following the rituals of one's community, and doing what was appropriate and humane in all significant relationships. Confucius taught that one follows the dao by being respectful of the customs of one's society, by being differential to one;s parents, and by being a good citizen. Other sages in China also insisted on following the dao, but meant to act “according to nature”. These Daoists offered the idea to live naturally, rejecting or abandoning social posturing and ambitions, and letting oneself act naturally rather than following established rules and customs. This concept was know as “wu wei”, and could be translated as the ideal of doin nothing. A famous Daoist, Laozi, wrote “the dao that can be define is not the true dao,” meaning that “following the dao depended on one;s natural instincts, intuitions, and imagination as well as intellectual and conceptual
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,
Of the two teaching Daoism and Confucianism, I find Confucianism to be the most appealing because of its basic principles. Love, goodness, humanity and human heartedness as well as virtue, love within the family, good manners, peace, righteousness, wisdom, honesty and trustworthiness. These are principles I try to live by and demonstrate that by treating people the way I want to be
Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism are religions that also act as a complete way of life guiding ethics and philosophy. These Asian traditions emerged as an explanation of mortality and have a long history of mutual influence on China, India, and Japan, developing during a time of war and political instability. These three schools of thought each have no gods and teach in improving the followers relationship with the universe. Confucianism and Daoism are complimentary traditions that share beliefs on ancestral spirits, Tian or “heaven”, and Yin & Yang (the balance of forces) however, they diverge on the expression of the Dao. The Dao is a unity that connects all things together, however it is not viewed as an ultimate god or deity. Daoism
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.
Confucianism is fundamental to Chinese civilization, much more so than Buddhism. It is essentially a socio-political creed. Basically, Confucianism is concerned about the development of ethical behaviour, starting with individuals, and then the individuals using this developed ethical behaviour in the public arena, serving as ministers of the state. In the central thinking of Confucianism, it is not enough to develop your own ethical qualities. You are then duty bound to try to use these in the service of the state, and the state in Confucian terms ought to be a state that is run by ethical men.