Chinese Philosophies & Religions

I. Confucianism A. Confucius 1. Lived from 551 BC to 479 BC 2. Lived during a very chaotic time in Chinese history 3. Was a teacher and editor of books

I. Confucianism A.Confucius 4. Began traveling around China teaching the old traditions of goodness and truth. 5. His teachings are written down in a book called the Analects (In Chinese, it means “Conversation”)

Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, is characteristics of the person who knows. Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake. The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others. To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.

I. Confucianism B. Beliefs 1. Not interested in life or death, but in how to restore social order in China a Believed that humans are good, not bad b Respect for elders c. Code of politeness (used in Chinese society today) d. Emphasis on education e. Ancestor worship

I. Confucianism B. Beliefs 2. 5 Principal Relationships (Restore and Keep Order) 1. Ruler and Subject 2. Father and Son 3. Husband and Wife 4. Older Brother and Younger Brother 5. Older Friend and Younger Friend

II. Taoism (Daoism) A. Lao-tzu 1. Lived during the time of Confucius although not much is known about him. 2. Name means “Old Master” 3. His teachings are in a short book called the Tao Te Ching

II. Taoism (Daoism) B. Beliefs 1. Humility 2. Simple life and inner peace 3. Harmony with nature

III. Yin and Yang A.Yin and Yang represented opposites for Confucianism and Taoism. 1. Yin is all that is cold, dark, and mysterious 2. Yang is the opposite, everything that’s bright, warm, sun like, and clear B. According to Taoism, the symbol represents the balance of opposites. Total harmony is achieved when the two forces are equal, while confusion exists when one outweighs the other.

Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven; Sun Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth; Moon