Confucianism And Taoism

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Confucianism and Taoism are religious belief systems which have co-existed in China for well over two centuries. Confucianism deals with social matters and status, while Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning and being one with nature. I agree with the statement that Chinese philosophies and religious practices are concerned with the creation of harmony as this will be proven in this essay as the similarities and differences between Confucianism and Taoism with regards to their strategies for the creation of harmony will be analysed. Furthermore, the maintenance and restoration of harmony within the individual will be analysed in accordance with the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang and Qi through acupuncture. Social and cosmic harmony will also be discussed with regards to Confucianism and Taoism respectively. The conclusion will be based on beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism alike. According to Birch (2002) it was during the 6th century B.C.E that the two most influential leaders namely, Confucius and Lao-Tzu, lived and practiced their philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism respectively while simultaneously attracting countless of followers. Confucianism is a set of laws which was established by Confucius as he was primarily concerned with social responsibilities and social hierarchy. Confucianism is a leadership ethic which views hierarchy as the natural order. Therefore, if relationships and society are to be successful it is crucial for leaders to be good people. Senior leaders are powerful and power must be exercised in the best interest of themselves and those for whom they are responsible. Relationships and organisation will not be mutually advantageous and good results are much less likely occur if social ... ... middle of paper ... .... Chinese practitioners diagnose their patient’s illness by means of patterns of disharmony within the body. Acupuncture was the medical system that was created from the worldview of Qi. To maintain and restore health, the ancient Chinese worked with the Qi of the body. Acupuncture is a Chinese form of holistic healing which seeks to regain the balance and restore harmony within the individual. Chinese Medicine, as created by the Taoists, focuses on Qi which is said to be the energy that creates and sustains life. Qi is the most important energy within the human. Taoists believe Qi is like the heart that pumps the blood in the body as this indicates the importance and significance of Qi. Qi is an important concept in Taoism and Confucianism even though Taoists came up with the concept. Acupuncture, however, is present in both Confucianism and Taoism respectively.

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