THE “RELIGIONS” OF CHINA

Confucianism and Daoism

Confucianism

Confucius was born around 551 BCE.He was born in Lu province in Chou (Zhou)

times. His parents were nobility, but had become

poor when the empire disintegrated into feudal states.

When Confucius was about 15 years old, he became quite interested in learning.

Only the nobility and royals were allowed education.

Confucius

It was hard for Confucius to find a way to learn.

No public schools or libraries. To solve this, he went to work for a

nobleman. This gave him the opportunity to learn and to

travel to the imperial capital.Confucius studied until he probably was the

most learned man of his day.He then became a teacher and taught anyone

who was willing to learn.

Confucianism

His ideas became known as Confucianism. Spread by his students-teachings became known as Confucianism.

Major points of Confucianism: Develop responsibility Develop moral character. Do these things by following a rigid outline of rules

and behavior.Considered to be a philosophy that functions

as a religion.Many still worshiped Buddha as well.

Confucianism=Social Code of Behavior

Goal: To bring order to society.

Examples:Gentlemen could only display their skill as

archers on three hunts a year, in the spring, autumn, and winter.

Children should respect their parents. Respect was always given to older people.

5 Human Relationships

1. Ruler and Ruled2. Father and Son3. Husband and Wife4. Older Brother and Younger Brother5. Friend and Friend

*All must treat each other fairly-similar to the Golden Rule.

TAO (PRONOUNCED DOW)=THE WAY TO HAPPINESS

Daoism

Taoism/Daoism

Taoism is both a philosophy and a religion. a way of looking at life and a way of thinking about

things. Life should be lived in harmony with nature

and living a balanced simple life.Taoists believe if you look at life and think

about things in the right way, you'll be much happier

Based on the teachings of Laozi (LOW dzuh)

Daoism

Here are two Taoist philosophy statements and two conversations from The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne. Can you guess which Taoist philosophy statement might go with which conversation? In other words, can you match them up?

Daoism

Taoist philosophy From The House at Pooh Corner

A clever mind is not a heart“Rabbit's clever," said Pooh thoughtfully. "Yes," said Piglet. "Rabbit's clever." "And he has Brain." "Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain." There was a long silence. "I suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything."

There is more to knowing than just being correct.

"Lot's of people talk to animals," said Pooh. "Maybe, but..." "Not very many listen, though," he said. "That's the problem," he added.

Daoism

Taoists believe it's very important to understand The Way Things Are.

In the story of "The Ugly Duckling", when does the duckling stop feeling ugly? - when he discovers he's a Swan. When he recognizes who he really is he finds his Way to happiness.

Beliefs of Daoism

Taoists do not believe that life is suffering. Daoism believes that life is generally happy.Life should be lived with balance and virtue.Very important to understand The Way

Things Are.

Confucianism Daoism

1. Develop responsibility.

2. Develop good moral character.

3. Follow a rigid outline of social behavior.

4. Based on the teachings of Confucius.

1. Taoists do not believe that life is suffering but generally happy.

2. Life should be lived with balance and virtue.

3. Very important to understand The Way Things Are.

4. Based on the teachings of Laozi.

Comparison: Basic Beliefs

Commonalities:

Both are technically speaking not a religion but a philosophy.

They are a way of life developed to help people attain happiness and lead a good life.

Both practiced and began in China.Both were popular in China but overall the

teachings of Confucius are the most widely studied of Chinese philosophies.