Comparing Confucianism And Taoism
analytical Essay
1674 words
Confucianism and Taoism are two of the major philosophy in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the China, and also to spread its influence all around the world. The connection between the two philosophy has influenced many people over time. Many intellectual thinkers, which influenced by these two school of thought have been able to reformed politics and culture, and able to shaped China into what we know today. We know that the school of Confucianism and Taoism are two separate school of thought with it each own teachings and ethical values that a person should follow by. Known for being polar opposite of each other on many different issues, but the schools indifferent shows the best aspect that people in our society should …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucianism and taoism are two of the major philosophy in china. they have greatly influenced the culture of china, and spread its influence all around the world.
- Explains that confucianism is based on the principle teachings of a chinese philosopher that lived between 551 and 479 bc.
- Explains the concept of ren and how one can practice earnestness, liberality, truthfulness, diligence, and generosity.
- Explains that taoism is the school of philosophy that stresses on the importance of living harmoniously with the essence of our human nature and the nature that surrounds us.
- Analyzes how laozi's concept of wu-wei works by having a moderation style of living.
- Explains that confucianism and taoism are two schools of thought that differed from one to another, but at the same time they share many similarities.
Taoism is the school of philosophy that stresses on the importance of living harmoniously with the essence of our human nature and the nature that surround us. Taoism follows the principle of Laozi, who is the author of the book called Dao De Jing. Similar to Confucius’s The Analect, Dao De Jing is a guideline to understand the concept of virtue and how path to archive it. The ideology of Taoism is considered the polar opposite of Confucianism. Taoism illustrates the meaning of life through the concept of Dao which translate as "the way". They believed that everything happens naturally in the world, from the changing of the seasons to our nature to grow and change based on our surrounding nature. So in order for an individual to grow and improve themselves over a certain period of time, an individual must not hurry and change based on all the changes happening around them, as it would violate their own nature and steer them down to a wrong path. What that person need to do is to act naturally upon their nature. If no action is required of the individual to change the law of nature, then any action they take will be forced and unnecessary. This is the concept of wei wu-wei, which can be translate as “Action with Non-Action”. An example of wu-wei when Laozi said: “Do not exalt the worthy, so that the people shall not compete. Do not value rare treasures, so that the people shall not steal. Do not display objects …show more content…
One of the thing that both of these school seems to be agree to one another is the focus on the individual on their natural surroundings such as society and the interaction between human and nature. As the individual need to improve their innerself in order to change society. In Confucianism, it is important for an individual to recognize their limitation and get in touch with all the past example and learn from it, in order to see how can the individual fit in the world. For Taoism however, it centers on the importance of nature and how it can bring harmony to the human being and society. Both philosophies encourage people to live life to the fullest and to fulfill all their obligations and duties. This means that people should respect their given roles in the society as parent to child, rulers to subjects. If the people in Western world recognized and follow either principles of Confucianism or Taoism, many of today issues like violence toward our fellow man, corrupted leaders, the lack of compassion of each other would be less apparent as people would practices on self improvement for sake of peace and order and they would focus their attention to learn and appreciate the little things in life that we take for granted such as the simplicity beauty in the rain, the crisps fresh air and the appreciation for the art. Peace is what
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- World Religionscomparative essayTaoism was founded by Lao Tzu who developed the concept of Tao, the path, in that everything revolves around this way. There are three ways to understand Tao; Tao is the same in everything, ultimate reality, it cannot be exhausted, and is the way of life. In Taoism, the ability to move the power of the Tao is called Te, and can be translated into three different meanings. Philosophical Taoism is the first one, it is reflective and is the attitude towards life; the second is vitalizing, because it is active and engages in ch’i or energy. The last meaning is religious Taoism, this involves meditation on a nothingness and uses soothsayers or faith healers to understand problems and answers; the three branches may circulate within each other to maximize te. Taoism has fundamental aspects dealing with nature, the flow of energy, and effectiveness called wu wei; humans need to work with nature, not against it. Taoist believe nature has a superior place over humans, because the Taoist of Transcendent, energy that runs through all things, is constant; people are a part of nature, whereas nature is part of the ultimate. When man goes along with the flow of wu wei he will find total happiness and avoid an unharmonious environment. Hence the whole purpose of Tao is to listen and reflect on the self to better understand, while also bringing peace and balance to a person’s life. The yin/yang symbol is a perfect example of two complete opposites that complement each other, thus giving life balance and harmony. However, Confucianism was founded by Confucius, who was fixated on how people can become more human. He based all of his theories on the Chou Dynasty, making tradition an important aspect of his philosophy. Basically, Confucius thought t...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that taoism is the same in everything, ultimate reality, it cannot be exhausted, and the way of life. confucianism is founded on the chou dynasty.
- Explains that the objective of taoism is to make it part of everyday life, so that focus on the individual switches to focus beyond the man and society.
- Compares the beliefs, rituals, and goals of the two religions. taoism requires self-examination to keep the self from blocking the wu wei. confucians believe that each person is given a specific role in their society.
- Explains that confucianism and taoism work together to form one cohesive society by blending aspects from each religion to create a unified experience.
1099 wordsRead More - Confucianism And Taoismexplanatory essayConfucianism 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.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that confucianism and taoism are religious belief systems which have co-existed in china for over two centuries.
- Explains that confucius and lao-tzu lived and practiced their philosophies, including a set of laws, and the concept of deity.
- Explains that taoism is different from confucianism, but does not contradict the teachings. lao-tzu is believed to be the father of the religion.
- Explains that the yin and yang theory is based on the philosophical construct of two polar constructs.
867 wordsRead More - Confucianism Vs Daoism Essayexplanatory essayDuring the Warring States period China was going through chaos. The teachings of Confucianism and Daoism were welcomed by society to bring order, stability and liberate people from the misery and oppression. The rulers were greedy and desirous of political power and their own agendas; however they were looking for a new way to unite their people. It is often said that Confucianism and Daoism are the yang and yin, respectively, of Chinese religion. That is, they are not rivals so much as complementary traditions, working together to produce an overall balance in the lives of the Chinese. This is not true because the two religious philosophies were different from one another. Confucius believed that the traditions and virtues that were studied and taught in the old days by the Ancients was the best way to organize society (trickle-down approach). Also followers of Confucius believed in education, a moral force and human goodness to advance and progress within society. Daoism on the other hand relies on human nature and a balance of good and evil (Yin-Yang) to bring about social order. It neglects education, virtue and cultural norms because it is said that people are born faultless.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucianism and daoism were welcomed by society during the warring states period to bring order, stability, and liberate people from misery and oppression.
- Explains that confucianism became popular during the han dynasty as it was the state religion and had a great impact on east asia.
- Explains daoism is based off of the teachings of laozi and is concerned with human beings living a balanced life between good and evil or otherwise known as yin-yang.
- Explains that confucius believed in competition and taking into credit something that you have invented, which was seen as a threat by the daoists.
779 wordsRead More - The Concept of Confucianismcomparative essayThe concept of Confucianism has contributed immensely in the forming of Chinese character, behaviour and the way to live, with its main purpose being to achieve harmony which is considered the greatest social value. Confucianism firmly highlights the impression of mercy, social order and fulfilment of responsibilities. The effects of Confucianism had impacted both China and Japan to the extent that the changes are still noticeable to this day.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the concept of confucianism has contributed immensely in the forming of chinese character, behavior, and the way to live.
- Compares confucius' influence in chinese history with that of socrates in the west.
- Explains that confucianism was centred on the concept of his teachings and writings. it spread across to korea and japan where increasing influence was gained over time.
578 wordsRead More - Confucianism and Its Implications in Modern Chinaopinion essayConfucianism and Its Implications in Modern China Confucianism is a time enduring philosophy that has stood up to invading clans, war, resentment, enforcement and infringement of new philosophies, and eventually, revival. For almost 80 years, up until the late 1970’s, Confucianism and its ideas and values have been all but wiped away from China. Though effort was made to remove Confucianism for good from China by the Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1949, the ideas and values were so deeply embedded into peoples mind and the culture that even suppression could not keep it out of the culture and practices.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that confucianism is a time-enduring philosophy that has stood up to invading clans, war, resentment, enforcement and infringement of new philosophies, and eventually revival.
- Explains that this is not an attempt to reinstate confucianism as it once was, but rather the idea of it going through a modernization process in which one includes parts that are beneficial to society.
- Explains that the ideas of confucianism are based on the values he expresses that are essential to human beings in order to become gentleman.
- Opines that one must be open and willing to account that the ideas of confucius are present even when they do not seem to be implemented or those persons don't feel that they possess them in aconfucian sense.
- Explains that confucianism layouts the way one should be, act, and present himself towards and to others. history can tell much about a nation and its society.
- Explains that confucius had been criticized in mainland china and the chinese people's living standard was under the bottom of the world from the beginning of this century until 1977.
- Analyzes how mao zedong and other communist revolutionaries in china publicly attacked confucianism because the social and political ideas were considered authoritative and class-ridden.
- Explains that the secret of japanese success is that it practiced the traditional chinese principles: social positions are determined by merits and learning.
- Opines that confucianism is not the reason for this backwardness; one can look at japan and other asian nations that are backed by a confu
- Explains that communism does not promote learning and knowledge unless it is what the government sees fit, while confucianism promotes knowledge and learning.
- Opines that the confucianist drive for educational excellence is a key reason for the high performance of east asian students in science, mathematics and classical music.
- Opines that traditional confucian values have supported korean growth. the focus on education and self-cultivation encouraged mass education.
- Explains that confucianism is prevalent in the economic powerhouses of east asia known as the five dragons.
- Explains that singapore brought in confucian thoughts and ideas in the 1970s to strengthen and grow, both in economy and socially.
- Explains that confucianism in singapore will be interpreted as a code of personal conduct for modern singapore and promoted in the form of public debate and discussion over the media.
- Opines that confucianism's definitive aspect involves the golden mean – applying moderation in human relations and avoiding prejudice.
- Explains the concept of the golden mean and the idea of filial piety, which promotes a family-based or human relations-oriented society.
- Opines that china's past has not had that privilege, at least not for the past half century or so. communism was the form of government used in china beginning in 1949.
- Opines that the people had the duty to obey and support the government as long as it provided good government. if not, they could rebel and replace the ruler with someone with a new mandate of heaven.
- Opines that china needs to expand on the ideas of human rights. the idea of rebelling is wrong, but making sure that the government is benevolent towards the people is excellent.
- Explains that confucianism is not just the advocacy of obedience to government, but also the accountability of government. if people really want to learn from it, they have to open up to more enlightened values, such as freedom of expression, the dignity of the individual and other human rights.
- Argues that the chinese must have a good system for electing politicians. the confucian system is not the best way.
- Analyzes how confucianism could reconcile with democracy by giving an underlying moral framework to the one-man-one-vote system and the market. this would encourage the voter to calculate not only in his self-interest, but also that of his community.
- Argues that people would have to choose from those who knew the background of their nation and whom they felt would benefit the community, not just their own desires.
- Opines that confucianism would provide a stronger foundation for chinese and vietnamese society in the next century than class struggle and the dictatorship of the proletariat.
- Explains that many people claim that there is no relevance between a philosophy (or way of life) and economics. they dispute the lack of connection between nations virtues and the economic progress that it makes.
- Explains that some academics have looked to culture for an explanation and concluded that confucian ethics, stressing the claims of the community over the individual, are the key.
- Explains that confucius strongly promoted the idea of the community over the individual in any economy, and that this idea is holding china back, or giving them a backwards movement.
- Explains that filial piety coincides with economics through business. a strong business must have relationships between boss and employee and other relevant relationships. the family structure underlies the business, governmental, and societal structures.
- Opines that confucianism must be viewed with an open mind to bring it in to light of modernization and the modern world in general.
- Opines that in confused times like ours, we would do well to consider it, even if it does no more than add to our stock of ideals.
- Opines that re-institution of confucian ideas and philosophies to the modern era will develop china and create a better society, government, and economy allowing it to grow and prosper.
- Cites hahm chaibong's article on confucianism and its implications for the industrialization and democratization of east asia.
- Cites asiaweek's article, "confucian comeback; the master’s teachings are a boon to the modern world."
- Opines that confucianism must make 3 great adjustments to back asian revival.
- Cites de bary, william theodore, and englehart, neil a. the rise and fall of confucian ethics in singapore.
- Explains that "hearts and minds new life for confucianism?" korea times.
- Cites relyea, scott. the legacy of confucius in contemporary chinese interpretations of human rights.
- Explains that a seminar on confucian business was held in shanghai, xinhua, on october 23, 2000.
- Cites tucker, mary evelyn, "introduction to confucian spirituality" and "what taiwan wants" by premier lien.
3387 wordsRead More - Legalism Vs Taoism Analysisanalytical essayIn Taoism, all living beings are viewed as equal, which opposes the hierarchical views and the five essential relationships that a Confucian must follow. One philosophy places strong importance on nature, and the other places it on culture. Confucianism revolved around a culture which was built by a society that valued human life in a particular order, and more so than all other living creatures. Taoism viewed nature as an escape from the tempestuous reality created by humans. Lao Tzu describes “the myriad creatures all rise together and I watch their return. The teaming creatures all return to their separate roots. Returning to one’s roots is known as stillness. This is what is meant by returning to one’s destiny” (XVI). Nature has an essence of tranquility and stillness that Lao Tzu writes about often. In Taoism, all animals, including humans, are equal in nature and returning to nature is a human’s way to reconnect with simplicity and live through the volatile
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the political philosophy of legalism is the sternest, most regimented of all chinese philosophies due to its advocation of strict legal control over all activities, an absolute monarchy, and an unvarying system of punishments and rewards.
- Analyzes how han fei tzu's writings emphasize his beliefs that the nature of man is inherently evil and prone to selfish or criminal behaviors.
- Analyzes how han fei tzu's warring states period influenced his beliefs about the legalist system.
- Recommends that leaders use a two-handle system that could be intelligently used to control their ministers and citizens.
- Opines that the ruler should use a punishment and reward system, and be the one to employ these rewards and punishments.
- Analyzes how han fei tzu disagreed with confucianism's morals and practices. he believed that the government was impractical in a large society.
- Compares legalism and taoism, stating that both philosophies were created during tumultuous times in ancient china.
- Describes taoism as a unique school of thought that emphasizes the awareness of humankind's close relationship to nature and the universe.
- Analyzes how lao tzu prefers confucianism over other philosophies, such as legalism.
- Analyzes how lao tzu disagrees with confucianism's philosophies on major issues that were taking place in ancient china during the warring states period.
- Analyzes how lao tzu's taoist beliefs are refreshing, as they do not promote war as excitement or pride, but as a time of despair.
1892 wordsRead More - Confucianismexplanatory essayConfucianism is the major system of thought in China. It was developed from the teachings of Confucius and his disciples, and concerned with the principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, and proper social relationships. Confucianism has influenced the Chinese attitude toward life, set the patterns of living and standards of social value, and provided the background for Chinese political theories and institutions. It has spread from China to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam and has aroused interest among Western scholars.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that confucianism is the major system of thought in china. it has influenced the chinese attitude toward life, set the patterns of living and standards of social value, and provided background for chinese political theories and institutions.
- Explains that confucianism became the official ideology of the chinese state, but it has never existed as an established religion with a church and priesthood.
- Explains that the principles of confucianism are contained in the nine ancient chinese works, which can be divided into the five classics and the four books.
- Explains the wu ching (five classics), which originated before the time of confucius.
- Explains that the i ching is a manual of divination compiled before the 11th century bc; its supplementary philosophical portion may have been written later by confucius.
- Describes the four books of confucius, the lun yü, ta hsüeh, and the mencius, which contain the teachings of one of his great followers.
- Explains that the keynote of confucian ethics is jen, a supreme virtue representing human qualities at their best.
- Explains that mencius continued the ethical teachings of confucius by stressing the innate goodness of human nature, but that original human goodness can become depraved through one's own destructive effort or through contact with an evil environment.
- Explains that hsün-tzu was the main exponent of ritualism in confucianism. he believed that desires should be guided and restrained by the rules of propriety.
- Explains that confucianism was revived during the han dynasty after a brief period of eclipse in the 3rd century bc.
- Explains that the success of han confucianism was attributable to tung chung-shu, who first recommended a system of education built upon the teachings of
- Explains that confucianism was overshadowed by taoism and buddhism in the political chaos that followed the fall of the han dynasty.
1136 wordsRead More - Social Problems In Vespucciaopinion essayConfucianism is basically about relations and being a good person. One of the tenants of Confucianism is following of the family model of society. That meant that the father was the head of the family and controlled the family unit. Symbolically this meant that the King was the father of the country. The point of Confucianism is that it teaches social responsibility through filial piety. It is this idea of total obedience to the patriarch, the king, that seems to set Confucianism apart from the others. But it also brings it closer to Dharma. As in the early dharma, based society of India there is a strict social order based upon the self to maintain this order. By maintaining order in society you preserve peace, if you follow your prescribed path in life as dictated by dharma, then you maintain peace and order as well. This strictness of society is what maintains control over the populace. The difference between the two is that while one will provide you a reward in the afterlife as per some god, the other is
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the best decision would be to follow plato's ideal society, which is led by scholars and philosopher kings.
- Opines that plato's ideal society is freer than the caste system where one is bound to their area for life.
- Explains that confucianism is about relations and being a good person. it teaches social responsibility through filial piety and brings it closer to dharma.
- Compares plato's idea of society with that of confucius. both view education as a means to create order in the chaos.
- Opines that the idea that they are supporting sounds more like a utopia by the second. this is true for all of these societies. they have one universal problem; they have to rely on the goodness and honesty of humans.
989 wordsRead More - Similarities Between Confucianism And Daoismanalytical essayConfucianism and Daoism: Conflicting Paths to a Common Goal While possessing similar goals, Confucianism and Daoism texts have conflicting information on how to achieve these goals. Confucianism and Daoism have some similarities such as the belief that “human fulfillment lay in harmonizing our thinking and behavior with the Way (dao)” and a refinement of the self to gain an objective (Adler, Chinese Religious Traditions, 15). Both traditions recognize that we can do better as humans. While there are similarities between these religious traditions, their written teachings have very different instruction on how to achieve the Dao. Confucianism encourages the notion of ru, which is “evoking a commitment to learning, refinement, cultural accomplishments, and the practice of rites and
In this essay, the author
- Explains that filial devotion is an important theme in both daoism and confucianism.
- Compares confucianism and daoism, and explains that both traditions support a following of the d, but their approach to living the da is very different. both traditions are explicit in what is right and wrong.
- Opines that people will evade them and lack any sense of shame if they lead them by means of regulations and keep order among them through punishments.
- Analyzes how confucius' teachings promote the dao through pleasant relationships and rituals rather than negative regulations. the intangible nature of doing nothing extends into the teaching of how to act as a person.
- Argues that confucianism and daoism have conflicting information on how to achieve these goals. both traditions recognize that we can do better as humans.
- Compares the goals of confucianism and daoism in the laozi and zhuangzi. both religions seek a refinement of self through the dao.
1931 wordsRead More - Taoism Research Paperexplanatory essayTaoism is a philosophy that is based in nature and the energies that keep everything in order. To understand the Taoism principles requires a deep connection with the earth and all of its elements and creatures. This can only be accomplished by learning to observe nature and begin to feel the rhythm of all life on this planet and how it is all inter-connected as a balanced whole. The dynamic balance in life is two opposites completing each other in the effort to form one. This is clearly demonstrated in the yin and yang energies. These two energies are opposites, but when joined together form a complete energy which is the governing energy of all life and the perfectly balanced form of energy. The goal of the second principle is to actualize
In this essay, the author
- Explains that taoism is a philosophy based in nature and the energies that keep everything in order. the goal of the second principle is to actualize the first principle by bringing all life into harmonious energy.
- Explains that the ideal of taoism was to live in harmony with nature and to cultivate a simple and frugal life.
631 wordsRead More