Daoism and Confucianism Summary wk4 rel 133 cedrics
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Phoenix *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
133
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by ceddaddy13
Daoism and Confucianism Summary
1
Daoism and Confucianism Summary
Cedric Smith
REL 133
Professor Arthur Gray
March 16, 2021
Daoism and Confucianism Summary
2
Daoism
The philosophy of Daoism has influenced Chinese culture for over 2,000 years. Daoism is one of the three major religions which has origins indigenous to China. The translation of Dao is the way. This is the core principle of Daoism. The belief is that this the ultimate truth to the universe and your direct connection to it. Daoism traces its root to 6th century BCE when Chinese philosopher Laozi wrote the iconic book Dao De Jing which reflects on the tenets of the Dao. Zhuangzi wrote The Butterfly Dream in the 4th century which helped further developed Daoist principles. Daoism began to flourish around 100 CE when a sect called The Way of Celestial Matters appeared. Zhang Daoling founded the sect and helped codify many aspects of the Daoist movement.
Between 200 BCE and 700 BCE the Daoist movement grew quickly. During that time, Buddhism began to spread when traders and missionaries from India came to China. The conflict
between the two religions really vamped up when both vied to become the official religion of the
Imperial Court. During the Tang Dynasty 618-906 CE, Daoism became the official religion. In later dynasties in was supplanted by Buddhism. Daoists petitioned to gain favor with the Yuan court and had a series of debates with the Buddhists between 1258 and 1281 and ultimately lost those debates. As a result, the government began burning many texts pertaining to Daoism.
There were changes over time to the school of Daoism. 2nd century CE shows the Shangqing school of Daoism focus on meditation and breathing. “In the 5th century CE, the Lingbao school emerged which borrowed much from Buddhist teachings such as reincarnation and cosmology” (Chiu, 2019). 6th century Zhengyi Daoists believed in protective talismans and rituals.
Daoism and Confucianism Summary
3
Confucianism
Confucius sayings and teachings have stood the test of time. Confucius gives the credit to
ancient teachings being rediscovered rather than being an innovator of his time. Confucius teachings were considered revolutionary and the actions of the government after his death proved
this. At his death, Chinese emperors began burning his books and executing Confucian scholars. Over time, Confucianism and the teachings of Confucius eventually prevailed. Confucianism eventually received Imperial sanction and came to be adopted as the state religion. There was still a question whether Confucianism was a religion rather than a philosophy. Confucius teachings focus on Social teachings and Political teachings. The Social teachings deal with the proper behavior of the individual in society and to his fellow man. The Political teachings deal with the art of governance and the proper relationship of the Ruler to the ruled. Understanding the latter of the two will provide a point of view on why and how Confucianism became the state
religion. Confucius states that what you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. Jesus was quoted as saying ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. I have Muslim friends who state, ‘I want for my brother what I want for myself’. Remarkably similar statements from different eras. This is evidence that all ancient philosophies may have the same origin. The message may have changed some, but the foundation is clear. Many of Confucius Political teachings were resonated in the Bible as well. The teachings in my mind set the platform for the caste system and how society should be. In many ways the Social teachings mirror the Political teachings in that it sets the stage for conformity. The Bible speaks of slavery and how to be obedient to the slave owner or ruler. Caste systems and slavery
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Daoism and Confucianism Summary
4
were immoral but legal. This makes me question the motive of government and religions relationship.
Daoism and Confucianism Summary
5
References Chiu, L. (2019). Daoism in China. https://www.learnreligions.com/daoism-in-china-688148
Teachings of Confucius (). http://confucius-1.com/teachings/