Confucianism and Taoism

1. 8 NOV 2013 AGENDA
 PLACE DATA ON THE BOARD
HOMEWORK CHECK WORTH 30 PTS.
 COMPLETE DO NOW WITH PARTNER ON
CONFUCIAN SAYINGS
DISCUSS DO NOW
HIT HIGHLIGHTS OF CONFUCIANISM &
TAOISM
HW: COMPLETE CHART ON HINDUISM
COMPLETE MULTIPLE CHOICE Q: 11 - 25

2. Confucius

4. Confucius
Born in 551 B.C.
died in 479 B.C.

5. Confucianism
Concerned primarily with restoring social
stability and order
What is the basis of a stable, unified, and
enduring social order?
a system of social and ethical philosophy
“only when character is cultivated are our
families regulated; only when families are
regulated are states well governed.”

6. Confucianism
li
rituals, norms, institutions, or mores
the outer, conforming aspect of Confucianism
ren
humaneness, love, kindness, benevolence, or
virtue
the inner, reforming aspect of Confucianism

7. Li
Rites, ceremonies, proper behavior, and
good manner
performed in good faith, with everyone
keeping to his or her proper role
universal harmony
no need for physical sanctions, laws, or
punishment

8. Ren
Relationship between "two persons”
extension of filial piety to all human
beings
each role in the hierarchy of social
relations had clearly defined duties
reciprocity or mutual responsibility

9. Five relationships
1. father-child
2. ruler-subject
3. husband-wife
4. elder brother-younger brother
5. friend-friend

10. Confucianism
Persecuted in Qin Dynasty
221 B.C. - 206 B.C.
promoted by later rulers

11. Confucianism
 reinforced by the civil examination
system
 “keju”: civil examination
 from 605 to 1905

12. In today’s China

13. Taoism
The Great Tao flows everywhere.
It may go left or right
All things depend on it for life.
and it does not turn away from them.
It accomplishes its task, but does not claim
credit for it.
It clothes and feeds all things
but does not claim to be master
over them. Tao Te Ching, chapter 30

14. Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu

15. Origins of Taoism
The origins are ancient, dating back to the time of Conf
ucius: 551-479.
Taoism’s beginnings are shrouded in mystery.
It is not certain whether the founder of Taoism, Lao
Tzu, ever actually existed.
There are accounts, however legendary, about Lao Tzu

16. Lao Tzu
Born in 604 B.C. E., his name means “old master.”
He was conceived by a shooting star.
When his mother gave birth to him, he was already
eighty two years old, a wise man with flowing white
hair.
He worked as a government archivist.
Eventually, he became disinchanted with the
corruption of government.
He left his town after taking three days to write down
his words of wisdom, The Tao Te Ching.

17. The Tao Te Ching
Authored by Lao Tzu, it is Taoism’s foundational text.
It is 81 short chapters, dating back to the 3rd. century,
b.c.e.
It contains many paradoxes and profound teachings on
living in harmony with nature.
Chapter 56 = Echoes of such mystery are heard
repeatedly.
Those who know do not speak; Those who speak do not
know.

18. Chuang Tzu
Taoism’s second founder seems to have lived from
369 to 286 b.c.e.
The Chuang Tzu, his text, is as important as the Tao
Te Ching but not as well known.
He is known for his humor, profound lessons and
stories.
The central theme of his work is the relativity of
things: “Who is to say, it asks, exactly what is good,
what ought to be done, or even who we are, when
answers to such questions are so dependent on particular
circumstances?

19. The Philosophy of Tao
Tao is both the ultimate source and principle of order
in the universe.
Tao has two components, yin and yang.
Taoism regards moral values as relative and avoids
absolute moral judgments.
Taoism literature says nothing about the afterlife and
depicts death as one of nature’s transformations from
one state to another.
Humans are part of the grand harmony of nature and
to live in accord with the Tao is the only way to thrive.

20. Yin and Yang

21. Traits of Yin and Yang
 Yin
Negative
Passive
Feminine
Earthly
yang
Positive
Active
Masculine
Heavenly

22. Virtues in Taoism
Wu-wei = primary virtue and means “non-action.” To
practice wu-wei is to be so perfectly in harmony with
nature that its energy infuses and empowers the individual.
Humility and noncompetition
Naturalness and naturalism
Nonaggression and passive rule / understanding
How could you practice Wu-Wei after school
or work?
Write this on a card as your ticket out the
door.