...Ashley Colvin Confucianism and Daoism (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...
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...| Confucianism and Taoism | | Chinese Politics [Date] | Confucianism and Taoism are some of the major religions in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people as well as their world view. The connection between the two religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connect to influence an individual. Confucianism is a religion that bases its philosophy and principles on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived between 551 and 478 BC. The Philosophy behind Confucianism is humanism. Confucian devotees have a positive view of human beings and human nature. The world in the Confucian religion is seen through the ideal of humanism. This means that devotees of Confucianism hold it true that human beings are improvable, teachable and perfectible. Human beings can become perfect through individual and shared effort for example self-creation and cultivation. The general philosophy of Confucianism emphasizes individual and governmental morality, rightness of social relationships, sincerity and justice of the whole community.All devotees of Confucianism should practice ethics that are exemplified by the propagation of virtues or principles. There are many virtues that adherents...
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...2. To what did the Latin religio refer? 3. Taoism and Confucianism are nontheistic religions, that is, religions for which belief in God or gods is nonessential. While gods are not alien to either Taoism or Confucianism, belief gods is not central to either tradition. What are a couple of other religions that can be called nontheistic religions? 4. What is Paul Tillich's definition for religion, and why do Hopfe and Woodward consider its development too broad? Theories of the Origin of Religions, pp. 5-9 5. Explain E. B. Tylor's theory concerning the origin and evolution of religion. What is animism, and to what, "ultimately" and "finally," did Tylor think it evolved? 6. To what does the term "mana" refer? 7. Explain Max Müller's theory concerning the origin and evolution of religion. 8. How does Wilhelm Schmidt's theory differ most from those of Müller and Tylor (hint : the answer has something to do with which came first, monotheism or polytheism)? 9. Explain Sir James Frazer's theory concerning the origin and evolution of religion. 10. According to Ludwig Feuerbach, who created whom? 11. For Karl Marx religion consisted of the idea of heaven, so what did Marx mean when he wrote that religion, or the idea of heaven, "is the opium [a pain killer] of the [oppressed] people"? 12. Sigmund Freud argues that "the younger males" who "joined together in killing" their father experienced enough...
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...Chapter 8,9,& 10 1. Are Taoism and Confucianism truly religions argue both sides. Taoism and Confucianism are two very different religious traditions of ancient China. Both Taoism and Confucianism cannot clearly be explained as a religion with certain doctrines and rituals as other well –known religions. As religious and social forces, they have coexisted for centuries in China and have spread to other Asian regions. The name Taoism is taken from the title of the book called “Tao Te Ching, which translates to “the way of nature. Taoism is based on the ancient Chinese understanding of the universe. Historically, the origin of Taoist philosophy is unclear, but it is said that the founder of Taoism is Lao-tzu, who lived in the sixth century B.C.E. Taoism can be described in terms of its history and its effects on Chinese people, nut it cannot be clearly delineated as a religion with a certain body of doctrine and rituals of Chinese antiquity. Philosophically, for Taoism, the ideal life is one that is lived in harmony with the way of this shifting nature. By the early centuries of the Common Era, Taoism had been converted into a religion complete with gods, priests, temples and sacrifices. In the modern days, Taoism is mainly associated with charms, exorcisms and magical attempts to prolong life, in which there is a self-generating force called chi (rather than there being a Creator Deity). This force manifests two interplaying aspects: yin and yang. Yin is the dark...
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...how it might be similar or different than key ideas of seeking the highest good in both Confucianism and Christianity. What is the relationship of right being to right doing in each of these three religions (Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity)? Lao-Tsu (570-490 B.C.) wrote the following on the highest good in his Tao Te Ching: The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In business, be competent. In action, watch the timing. No fight; no blame." Write an essay of 750-1,000 words discussing this idea. 1. Think about his meaning and how it might be similar or different than key ideas in seeking the highest good in both Confucianism and Christianity. The philosopher, Lao-Tzu, wrote about the highest good in his Tao Te Ching. Lao-Tzu was known as the father of Taoism; a philosophical and religious tradition that origins from China by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu that emphasizes to live with the Tao in harmony (Taoism, n.d.). Taoism is known to go hand-in-hand with Confucianism which is a mainly characterized as Chinese philosophical and ethical system rather than a religion that was based on the teaching of the Chinese Philosopher known as Confucius (Berling, 1996). This is due to the fact that it was more...
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...Domenico Sano 1997 REL2000 04/15/2012 Chinese Culture; Taoism doctrine and religion Chinese culture involves many different religions and philosophies. A peculiarity of Chinese religions is that they are mutually exclusive and can be taken simultaneously for different functions throughout life. Each town has the religion inherited from the ancestors. This aphorism is widespread in China more than in other countries. Scholars say that primitive religion of the Chinese, and people leaving near them, was the ancestor worship, and the force of nature, which they thought themselves endowed with spirits. Confucianism and Taoism precisely these two primitive religions have obviously permeated both philosophical and religious systems more important in Chinese history. Taoism was created about 2500 years ago in China. Since its inception it has two complementary aspects: one related to social life, human relations, moral values and the government, on the other hand the mystic, which aims to transcend daily life and society, to obtain a higher plane of consciousness and become a sage, a visionary who has managed to merge and understand the universe. The sage is related in the spiritual and earthly events. Unites both aspects: the intuitive wisdom and practical knowledge or contemplation and social life. The Chinese for its tranquility compares with the image of the wise and their movements with the King’s image. In the sixth century BC, Chinese philosophy was developed in two very...
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...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...
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...Sikhism as a syncretism between Hinduism and Islam. Which features has it taken from each religion? Scholars account the development from context of a conversation amongst Hinduism and Islamic mysticism. The worldview is taken from Hinduism and the oneness of god impacted the Sikhs and their literature. 2. What factors worked to turn the pacific movement of Nanak into the warrior caste of later Sikhism? The torture and death of Arjan and execution of Singh. 3. List the three major sects of Sikhism. What are the major characteristics of each? Udasis- order of holy men who follow the rules and principles that govern Hindu, Janism, and Buddhism. Sahajdharis- conservative and slowgoing, reject militant characteristics. Singhs- theology of reincarnation, non use of stimulants long hair on heads and faces. Chapter Eight: Chinese Religions Page 203: Answer the Following Questions 1. Are Taoism and Confucianism truly religions? Argue both sides. They are truly religions because they embody the concept of religion. Taoism cannot be classified as a religion with certain doctrines and practices but it has been converted to one with prescence of gods, temples, priests, and sacrifices. Confucianism is more of a philosophy of the Chinese people and has no sacred writings priesthood etc. but it has affected Chinese character and created cultic development. 2. Describe the Chinese concept of the yin and yang as a unifying explanation for the universe. A positive and negative...
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...Comparison of two religions | Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism | Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism constitute the essence of the traditional Chinese culture. The relationship among the three has been marked by both contention and complementation in history, with Confucianism playing a more dominant role. | | Buddhism religion and philosophy was founded in India c.525 B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, called the Buddha. There are over 300 million Buddhists worldwide. One of the great world religions, it is divided into two main schools: the Theravada or Hinayana in Sri Lanka and SE Asia, and the Mahayana in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. A third school, the Vajrayana, has a long tradition in Tibet and Japan. Buddhism has largely disappeared from its country of origin, India, except for the presence there of many refugees from the Tibet region of China and a small number of converts from the lower castes of Hinduism. Daoism and Confucianism grew largely in China and later spread to Korea and Japan. Daoism was founded by Lao Tzu. It is more than 1800 years history originating in the c.550 B.C time period. Confucianism has a worldwide influence and obtained it’s stable position under the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (202BC- 220AD). Some of Buddhism’s foundational paths are within The Four Noble Truths which is what the Buddha set forth during his first sermon at sarnath. This foundation leading to all his later teachings are, 1. Life inevitably involves suffering...
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...Contemporary Confucianism REL 133 March 11, 2014 Confucianism The system of thought known as Confucianism has its roots in the teachings of the Chinese scholar Confucius, who lived over twenty-five hundred years ago. Confucius devised a set of guidelines for individual moral development and for creating a harmonious, orderly society. During the early twentieth century, Confucianism lost its dominance in the political and educational systems of China. Throughout the modern era, the moral teachings that form the heart of Confucianism have continued to shape the attitudes and behaviors of millions of people worldwide.(Coogan, 1998) The contemporary issues can be understood by examining the common characteristics of Confucianism and other eastern religions, analyzing the interactions between the modern world and Confucianism, and studying how those interactions influence Confucianism and the modern world. Common Characteristics Among Eastern Religions Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are three religions that make up the essence of traditional, Chinese culture. While all three religions have differences, the religions also share fundamental elements such as purpose, principle, and teachings that have created a strong and long lasting way of life for the Chinese culture. When comparing religions a person can deduce that all religions have a purpose and follow a specific set of rules, guidelines, and traditions. The vessel that leads each individual to their ultimate purpose...
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...Taoism Taoism (or Daoism) refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions that have influenced Eastern Asia for more than two millennia, and have had a notable influence on the western world particularly since the 19th century.The word 道, Tao (or Dao, depending on the romanization scheme), roughly translates as, "path" or "way" (of life), although in Chinese folk religion and philosophy it carries more abstract meanings. Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility, while Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, the relationship between humanity and the cosmos (天人相应), health and longevity, and wu wei (action through inaction), which is thought to produce harmony with the Universe. Reverence for ancestor spirits and immortals is also common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Daoshi) view as debased. Chinese alchemy (including Neidan), astrology, cuisine, Zen Buddhism,several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, feng shui, immortality, and many styles of qigong breath training disciplines have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history. Spelling and pronunciation In English, the words Daoism and Taoism are the subject of an ongoing controversy over the preferred romanization. The root Chinese word 道 "way, path" is romanized tao in the older Wade–Giles system and dào in the modern...
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...Wesley Kivett World Religions December 11, 2011, Darin Metz Seeking the Highest Good Breaking down the religions of this world has been a task of mankind for centuries. Theologians and Philosophers have studied the very core of many world religions trying to find the similarities between the religions. Debates and many of hours have been put into this research trying to find out who is right and who is wrong. When we look at three of the leading religions of the world, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity there are similarities and differences between them, but the meaning in which they are taught are very different. Since the beginning of time mankind has always been seeking for a greater understanding of life and what our purpose is here on earth. Many have written books on how to find the meaning of life and how to focus on your purpose, or could we say, seeking a higher good. As we look at these three religions it is difficult to even begin to see how three religions that are so far apart can find common ground. Taking each one of them individually and trying to pinpoint their relationships can be very challenging. Lao-Tsu (570-490 B.C.) wrote the following on the highest good in his Tao Te Ching: "The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle...
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...Religion has been the backbone of society since the dawn of time. Each region of the world has taken a different approach to religious beliefs and none are stranger then the religions of the Far East. In fact many of the so-called religions of the East are just ideologies created to bring stability to a chaotic and lawless society. In China there is less focus on spiritual beings in comparison to common western religions. Instead the institutions commonly referred to as religions in China, such as Confucianism and Taoism focus on how people act in relationships between one another each other and the forces of nature around them. In contrast the religion of Shinto, the homegrown religion of Japan, has a more western structure, with the Gods and spirits who influence the mortal realm. Shintoism is a religion based on animism and polytheism. Most of their followers are Japanese, they have about 50 million adherents and their legends are collected in the Kojiki. They believe in many “Kami” which is there word for “God” such as Amaterasu the sun goddess and they believe that there are spirits everywhere with a strong belief in ghosts. Shintoist followers have deep respect and admiration for their ancestors and are deeply worshipped and that all human life and nature is sacred. They often refer to this as “Matsuri” and it is one of the four affirmations Shinto follows. The other three include tradition and family, which is the main mechanism for how traditions are preserved and celebrations...
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...study of Near and Far Eastern societies and cultures, languages and peoples by Western scholars. It can also refer to the imitation or depiction of aspects of Eastern cultures in the West by writers, designers and artists. The hubs of strong traditions that are easily visible lie in East Asia. The following countries are commonly seen as located in geographically East Asia: People's Republic of China (China), Hong Kong and Macau (a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China), Republic of China (Taiwan), Japan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Republic of Korea (South Korea), and Mongolia (Wikipedia 2007). Oriental Ideologies These are the main ideologies connected with Asia: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism/Daoism. Others comprise of Shinto and Zen (Eastern Buddhism). Over 93% of Taiwanese are...
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...iBook Pages 304-306 Questions 1. What is the concept of Feng Shui, and what religion is associated with this concept? A: Feng Shui is the science and art of constructing living spaces so that life forces which are found in nature are guided in beneficial and favorable ways. Taoism is associated with Feng Shui. 2. What was Lao-Tsu's view regarding government? A: Lao-Tsu's view regarding government is that the best government is the least government. 3. How did Confucius' blueprint for Chinese civilization contrast with the traditional Chinese views? A: Confucius' blueprint for Chinese civilization contrasted with the traditional Chinese views in terms of religion. In terms of religion, Confucius addressed the traditional Chinese principles...
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