Chinese Schools of Thought

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Recommended: The influence of Confucius on Chinese culture

The concept of Confucianism is regarded as a way of life which was highly held and taught widely by Confucius in period of 5th - 6th Century BC. The Chinese have ardent believers, followers and practitioners of the Confucianism from time immemorial, estimated to be dating as far back as two millennia. The formation and foundation of the movement has been accredited to K’ung Fu-Tzu which means “master king”, over the years.

The basics of Confucius are based on the retrieval of meaning of the ancient rituals which seem to have been pushed to the oblivion by the changing world and ways of life coupled by intermingling of people with different backgrounds. The love for antiquities drove Confucius to try to understand the reason behind the persistence of some beliefs like the reverence for heaven as well as the mourning ceremonies over the centuries. Hence, he saw himself as a conservationist who was responsible for the perpetuation of the cultural values and the positive social norms that had been constructive in the civilization of the Chod Dynasty.

Confucianism is mainly based on the Shang, Xia and the Zhou dynasties traditions and has dominated the feudal society that has practically lasted 2000 years due to the great influence it has had on history, the society and the social structure as well as the people of China in general (Travel China Guide, 2011). As intended by the founder, Confucianism aimed at making better the society and individuals therein hence educated people to be self motivated and self controlled and to enable people to assume their responsibility which would in turn cultivate a better self and harmonious society.

Daoism is noted to have developed in four stages which include in China:

Proto Daoism-is cl...

... middle of paper ...

...r is meant to be contented with the placement in the society as a supernatural endowment unlike the Legalists and the Daoism as well as the Marxists.

Works Cited

Chad Hansen, (2007). Taoism. Retrieved October 10, 2011 from

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/taoism/

James Miller, (2009). Doism and Daoist Studies. Oxford: One world publication. Retrieved

October 5, 2011 from http://ww.daoiststudies.org/dao.daoism

Silicon Valley & Tornado Alley, (2011). Legalism and the Legalists of Ancient China. Retrieved

October 5, 2011 from http://www.applet-magic.com/legalism.htm

Terence C., & Roxanna P., (2010). Indian caste system. Retrieved October 5, 2011 from

http://www.csuchico.edu/~cheinz/syllabi/asst001/spring98/india.htm

Travel China Guide, (2011). Confucianism. Retrieved October 10, 2011 from

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/religion/confucianism/

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