...the Rival Chinese Schools The first passage “I take no action...” would be Daoist. The passage relates to a Daoist way of there being harmony with nature and the Dao or “the way.” Daoism first appealed to the wealthy who wanted a more “simple life” like that mentioned in the passage. In the second passage about the gentleman and an inferior man, Confucianism relates most to the ideas discussed. Confucius’ writings applied to individual behavior and self-control, much like the excerpt does. The inferior man values possessions and personal gain whereas the gentleman seeks virtue and sanctions. Many of Confucius’ writings relate to the relationship between an inferior and a superior whether it be a father and son or a ruler and ruled. The third passage would also go under Confucianism. Many Confucians disagreed with Daoists because they believed humans by nature are greedy...
Words: 805 - Pages: 4
...Lee Skinner ( Person # 37646847 ) World Civilization 1 William Newsome Ramya Sreenivasan The Treatment of Confucianism and Daoism The treatment of Confucianism and Daoism are seen abundantly throughout The Chinese Maize Murders. Many social values of Confucianism are portrayed through Judge Dee, the hero of the novel. The novel portrays the Confucians as having rulers with impeccable intellect and knowledge. The Daoist is viewed as people that do not value thought and education,” Knowledge is bad because it creates distinctions.”( Craig textbook, pg 54) This is supported by the Dragon and Worm analogy in the story. The novel ultimately endorses the values of Confucianism. This is exemplified through the main character Judge Dee and is supported by the fact that the three main conflicts of the story are solved by Confucian thinking and reasoning. The relationship between these two philosophies is seen as Confucianism learning from the thoughts of Daoism. Judge Dee is the ideal Confucian. He rules with rich morals and deeply thought out justice. The Confucian idea that the smartest men should rule is shown through Judge Dee. He is a brilliant man that uses his wit and knowledge to solve case after case. He uses violence when he has to but he prefers to outsmart his opposition to resolve conflict, just as the thoughts of Confucianism state. He demonstrates the Confucian ideas of proper conduct, compassion, generosity and righteousness. Throughout the story he holds up to these...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
...unique aspects in the first Chinese dynasties. These unique aspects include their use of bronze, the belief in dangerous spirits, and the record keeping of the first dynasties. An example of a unique feature of the first Chinese dynasties is the fact that the ancient Chinese people recorded history through dynasties. The earliest writing from China was from the Shang Dynasty. During this time, the Shang Dynasty was creating pottery that had engravings of a pictographic writing system. This system was used by priests to tell the future. The priest also engraved the questions they had on turtle shells and animals using sharp tools. The writing on the animal bones and turtle shells developed into the Chinese people’s current written language. The style in which they used to crave the symbols is now known as...
Words: 500 - Pages: 2
...University of Phoenix Material Daoism Worksheet Complete the following questions in detail. Answer each question with a 1- or 2-paragraph response that includes a reference citation. Make use of Experiencing the World’s Religions and other sources in your research as you complete the questions. 1. Describe the principles of yang and yin. The principle of Yin and Yang is a fundamental idea in Chinese philosophy and culture as a rule dating from the third century BCE or considerably prior. This guideline is that all things exist as inseparable and opposing alternate extremes, for instance female-male, dark- light and old-young. The two opposites are drawn toward each other and supplement one another and, as their symbol shows, every side has at its center a component of the other (represented by the little dots). Neither one of the poles is better than the other and, as an increment in one gets a comparing decline in the other, a right harmony between the two posts must be reached in order to accomplish congruity. 2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? The book has been linguistically dated to about 350 BCE, but it seems to have circulated in several earlier forms. In 1972, at the tombs of Mawangdui, archeologists discovered two ancient copies of the text that differ from the arrangement commonly used. Another shorter ancient version was found in a tomb at Guodian...
Words: 792 - Pages: 4
...for explaining relationships between objects.Yin is referred to as dark, cold, lower, rest, inward, and female.Yang is referred to as bright, hot, upper, movement, outward, and male. One can not exsist without the other. This is not the same principle as good and eveil. The two forces of Yin and Yang work together to make up the univserse and exsist in everything in the universe. These two complementary forces helped the ancient people explain and understand nature, energy, and the human body. 2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? The Daodejing is a book made up of five thousand Chinese characters and is seen as one of the world’s greatest books. It is the main scripture for Daoists and the title is translated as “the classical book about way and its power.” It is made up of 81 chapters that are arranged in no particular order and is considered “more poetry than prose.” It is believed that it is made up of passages from multiple authors rather than one single author. It is believed that the Daodejing was originally a “handbook for rulers” and some believe it to be a ”religious guidebook”. The...
Words: 735 - Pages: 3
...Taoist Music: The Great Depiction of Yin-Yang Philosophy Taoism, also known as Daoism, is an indigenous Chinese religion with its origin traced to the sage Laozi (Lao-tzu), a philosopher of ancient China believed to have lived in the sixth century B.C.E (Little 115). In Chinese, Dao means "way" or "path,” which is the appropriate way to behave and to lead others — but the Daode jing also refers to Tao as something that existed "before Heaven and Earth," a primal and chaotic matrix from which all forms emerged. The Classic of the Way and Its Power (Dao de jing or Tao-te-ching) introduces the doctrine of the Tao and serves as a guide for Taoists’ behavior and experience. The Dao de jing teaches the importance of cultivating simplicity, detachment, of virtue, and of living in harmony and balance with the natural world which implied visually in the well-known symbol Ying-Yang, also known as the Tao Chi disk (Little 116). As common in other religion, music has long played an integral part in religious practice. Taoists believe that music is a way to communicate with the spirits, to improve and deepen faith, and to achieve inner harmony and balance; therefore, the significant function of Taoist music is demonstrated of how Taoism doctrine are reflected in elements of music such as tones, instrumentation, and chants in Taoist rituals and ceremony. The main theme of Taoism is resided in the Yin and Yang symbol, also referred to as the Tai Chi disk. The yin-yang doctrine is based...
Words: 1224 - Pages: 5
...At the end of the Zhou dynasty, the period of the seven warring states began. During this time, there was no social or political order. China was very chaotic. Three Chinese philosophers emerged, all with different ideas on how to restore order in China. There names were: Confucius, who founded Confucianism; Lao Tzu, who founded Daoism; and Han Fei, who founded Legalism. Legalism and Confucianism both believed in leading China by law. However, Legalists believed in harsh punishment, whereas Confucianists believed punishment would not do China good. Confucianists and Daoists both believed in pleasing the people. But, while Confucianists believed in pleasing people through law and order, Daoists believed that not having laws would please the...
Words: 998 - Pages: 4
...yang and yin. The nature of change, balanced as two halves of a whole.The word Yin comes out to mean “shady side” and Yang “sunny side”. “Chinese commonly thought that the universe expressed itself in opposite but complementary principles: light and dark, day and night, and hot and cold.” (Experiencing the World’s Religions) 2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? The Daodejing is considered one of the Worlds greatest books. It is considered the central scripture of Daoism. Its translated to mean Classic of the Way of Power. It describes the manner in which people will live if they are in harmony with the Dao; and it gives suggestions for experiencing the Dao. (Experiencing the World’s Religions) 3. How are Daoist ideals expressed through art? Offer several examples. Perspective is important in art. Paintings of cats, rabbits, birds, and deer which are the humbler elements of nature. Paintings of a bird or a stalk of bamboo seen close-up help the viewer see the mysterious energy at work in these nonhuman forms of life. 4. What challenges does Daoism face in the modern world? One challenge will come from the secularizing forces of the contemporary world. 5. Explain a situation to which following the Daoist principle of wu wei might be beneficial to you or others. In what situation might following the principle of wu wei be harmful in some way? ...
Words: 339 - Pages: 2
...Compare and contrast Daoism (Taoism), Legalism, and Confucianism. Daoism, Legalism, and Confucianism share similarities as they worked together to form schools of thought that worked to exercised a deep influence in Chinese political and cultural traditions. They also worked to bring political and social stability to China during the years of the Zhou dynasty and the period of the warring states (Bently, Ziegler & Streets, p.100). The differences among the three is Confucian’s involved themselves in society by holding government positions and made concrete efforts to solve political and social problems while promoting harmony in public life. The Daoism’s believed that it would be pointless to focus on social activism. Instead they focused their time trying to understand the principles of living in harmony as they believed that someday there would be harmony to society as a whole (Bently et. al. p.103). The Legalists were unlike the other two. They did not concern themselves with ethics, morality or property nor did they care about the place of human beings in nature, instead, they placed their focus to the state, which they sought to strengthen and expand at all costs (Bently et. al. p.104). What did each system stress as most important? Daoists thought that they should withdraw from the world of politics and administration so that humans could not live in harmony (Bently et. al. p.103). Legalists’ sought to channel as many individuals as possible into cultivation...
Words: 452 - Pages: 2
...Local Customs for Business Etiquette in China and Brazil Submitted to DR. …. By Muhanned Al-Sharif Student at Prince Sultan College of Tourism Student #: 12-187 April 27th, 2012 Table of Contents I. Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1 II. Important Elements to know about when visiting any country to do business……………………………1 China III. Quick Background on China………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1 IV. Society and culture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2 V. Business Etiquette. Do’s and Don’ts in meetings………………………………………………………………………...2 Brazil VI. Quick Background on Brazil…………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 VII. Society and culture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 VIII. Business Etiquette. Do’s and Don’ts in meetings………………………………………………………………………...5 IX. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 I. Overview: This report will give you a concise description of local customs when traveling for business purposes in China & Brazil. It discusses the aspects that are required in order to succeed in your business transactions and informs you of the negative actions that could affect your business and the future of the company. It is imperative for you to know the importance of knowing the countries local customs so that you don’t disrespect & insult your hosts and at the same time leaving with a good impression for yourself...
Words: 1336 - Pages: 6
...(Taoism) REL 212: World Religion Instructor: Professor Joel Goldstein Daoism is one of China’s major religions indigenous to the country. The primary belief is in learning and practicing “The Way” (Dao) which is the ultimate truth to the universe. Confucianism and Taoism are both ancient Chinese styles of living. Confucianism believes in setting good examples for others to follow primarily in 5 key relationships: ruler & subject, wife & husband, older & younger sibling, friend & friend, father & son. While Daoism (Or Taoism) was a way of living in which there were not many rules and believes in the dialectical philosophy of inaction. Through nature and harmony you can be happy. This is where yin and yang come from. Daoism is also known as Taoism, Daoism traces its beginnings to Sixth Century BC when Chinese philosopher Laozi wrote the iconic book Dao De Jing on the tenets of the Dao. Laozi’s successor, Zhuangzi, further developed Daoist principles. Daoism is an organized religious tradition that has been continuously developing through China, Korea and Japan for a little over two thousand years. Daoism has now spread around the globe from Sydney to Toronto and includes among its followers people from a whole range of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Day by day, Daoism is truly becoming a world religion. In the 4th Century BC, Zhuangzi...
Words: 1189 - Pages: 5
...have brought their culture to present form. Although there has been much development in the culture of Chinese mythology, this culture can be traced back 4,000 years to the oldest of myths (Willis 88). Mythology tries to answer the question of earth’s origin through beliefs and cultural myths. In Chinese mythology the earth is said to have formed when chaos ruled the universe, from this chaos a cosmic egg formed for 18,000 years. A divine beast formed within the egg creating a perfect balance known as Yin and Yang. The divine beast burst the egg apart and separated Yin from Yang to create earth and sky. The Yin or light parts formed the male skies while the opaque Yang parts formed the female earth. The beast Pan Gu then lies down and dies so that he may rise up to keep the earth and sky apart. His body parts then become sun, earth, moon, wind, water, and clouds. The symbolism of complementary opposition is a representation of their duality and oneness and is represented in Chinese culture through the Yin and Yang symbol and is a staple in Chinese culture. Mythology has a strong belief in deities and supernatural beings. Pan Gu is a supernatural divine creature whom sacrificially gives his life in order to give life, and represents how mythology follows the belief that sacrificial death brings about creation. Nu Gua and Fu Xi are a god and goddess of ancient Chinese mythology whose bodies are like serpents with human heads. They are supernatural beings believed to...
Words: 889 - Pages: 4
...perennial subjects in Chinese or Japanese poetry, for instance, love, nature, celebration of life, etc. Discuss one subject: How have different poets in different historical periods approached the subject? For instance, how is love depicted by different poets? Chinese poetry has since the beginning featured the subjects of love, nature and celebration of life as recurring topics. Almost every poem we’ve analyzed and discussed in class has included references to one or more of these subjects. Nature is the perennial subject that has resonated with me most, as it has encompassed the majority of metaphors and comparisons in the poetry we’ve read. Chinese and Japanese poetry metaphorically incorporate animals and the seasons. The animals will often represent humans. Their actions also symbolize different human actions. In no other cultural tradition has nature played a more important role artistically than in that of China. Since China’s earliest dynasty, real and imagined creatures of the earth (serpents, cicadas, and dragons) were gifted with special powers. In the Chinese imagination, mountains were also infused with sacred power since ancient times. They attracted the rain clouds that watered the farmer’s crops. They concealed herbs used for medicines, magical fruits, and minerals that held the promise of longevity. Mountains with caves and grottos were viewed as gateways to other realms, “cave heavens” leading to Daoist paradises where aging...
Words: 1798 - Pages: 8
...Chen Hanyu A0110820B Tutorial D5 Question 1: Introduction For this paper, I will be discussing two opposing ideologies, Confucianism and Legalism. Towards the later part of ancient China (e.g Han dynasty), states started to adopt a mixture of Confucianism and Legalistic ideology. Why did Legalism and Confucianism fall off? In this paper I will explore and provide my own insights on the shortcomings of both ideologies; how Legalism was more persuasive in getting people to accept their ideas and more effective as an ideology and how Confucianism lost out in both aspects. Persuasiveness of Legalism The central idea of legalism was to provide absolute power to the person in charge and the supremacy of authority. Legalists like Han Fei Zi believed that human nature was “evil” and strict rules should be in place to ensure order, similar to a shepherd and sheeps3. With this theory in mind, the idea of absolute power was very attractive to rulers of states. Rulers will exercise the “two handles” of reward and punishment accordingly to keep their subjects obedient and loyal. This ideology is even more appealing towards newly founded states that lack in the department of control over its subjects. If states can adopt the legalistic way of ruling, rulers can exercise their control over the whole state to maintain order. Therefore it is more likely for rulers to be persuaded into adopting legalism as their state ideology since it aligns with their objectives. When compared to Confucianism...
Words: 2469 - Pages: 10
...Chang-e’s Ascent to the Moon Chang-e is the lunar goddess in Chinese traditional myths. In China, she is a widely known character. She is known as a very beautiful woman who is living alone in a palace in the moon called “Guanghan Palace”. Her story is one of the most famous tragedies in Chinese myths. Recently there are several “retold” versions of the story of Chang-e’s ascent to the moon in different media. In 2010, there was a teleplay named “Chang-e” that told about the love story of Chang-e, Houyi, Wugang and Jade Rabbit. In the retold story, the relationship of these four persons is very complicated at the beginning. Later on, Houyi falls in love with Chang-e and Wugang is in love to Jade Rabbit. They try to start their new lives happily. However, a great flood troubles people, and it can be only resolved by Chang-e. The Jade Emperor gives 2 pills to Houyi and Chang-e but one of the 2 pills is destroyed and exchanged a fake one by a scoundrel. Houyi eats the fake pill when he knows this since he wants Chang-e to float to the moon and control the tides, so that she can stop the disaster. At the end, Chang-e floats to the moon alone. Jade Rabbit sympathizes with Chang-e so she also floats to the moon to accompany her. The 2 couples are both separated. There are several versions of the ancient myth about Chang-e. But the most famous one is from the book “huainanzi”. Chang-e is Houyi’s wife. Houyi gets elixir from Xiwangmu (the Western Queen Mother), and give...
Words: 1378 - Pages: 6
