CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM

WHI. 4f—China

Origins of Confucianism

Confucius also known as K’ung-fu-tzu is the founderBorn in 551 B.C.E. Confucius was a scholar and

wanted to advise rulers

Origins of Confucianism

Confucius never wrote his teachingsStudents later collected them in what is

known as the AnalectsThe Analects provide the basic

teachings of Confucius and is the most important text in Confucianism

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

Philosophy of Confucianism All based on parent child relationships,

also known as filial pietyRespect for one’s elders*

Humans are naturally goodOpposite of legalism

Correct and moral behavior would bring peace, order, and stability

Philosophy of Confucianism

Harmony exists when people accept their place in societySix relationships

Worship and praise the ancestors

Code of politeness (still used in China today)

Emphasis on education

Six Relationships—DO NOT WRITE

1. Parent to Child Filial piety

2. Husband to Wife Wife subordinate to husband

3. Elder Sibling to Younger Sibling

4. Ruler to Minister

5. Teacher to Student

6. Friend to Friend Only equal relationship

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

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

Philosophy of Taoism

The goal is to live in harmony with nature (follow the Tao)

The simple life leads to peace and happinessP’u (the uncarved block)—in our

most basic state we contain great power

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

Belief shared by Taoism and Confucianism Yin and Yang represents opposites in

nature (Part of Confucianism and Taoism)

Yin-Down-Cold-Wet-Death-Negative-Feminine-Time-Passive-In-Bright-Autumn and Winter

Yang-Up

-Hot-Dry-Life

-Positive-Masculine

-Space-Active

-Out-Dull

-Spring and Summer