Legalism & Taoism Philosophies of China

Legalism Founder: Hanfeizi (FeiTzu) Philosophy based on laws/strict government control Based on the belief that mankind is bad, motivated by greed and his actions create conflict.

Legalism’s effects on culture Absolute power for rulers Rulers should be feared; their strength is their greatest virtue Extensive set of laws that define duties and responsibilities to create order Harsh/Severe punishment used to create stability and order Rich rewards for obedience Requires strong leadership

Qin dynasty was the only one based on legalism Shihuangdi – (247-220BCE) Murdered Confucian scholars Burned bamboo books Standardized width of roads & built 4,000 miles of road Ruthless building the great wall – 1million died Terracotta army for his burial tomb

Emperor Qin’s terra-cotta pits are the large attendant pits, located 1 Emperor Qin’s terra-cotta pits are the large attendant pits, located 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum, symbolizing the defending force that guarded the capital before the emperor died. The pits were never mentioned in the historical records until Pit 1 was discovered in March, 1974 by local farmers while drilling a well. Pit 1, the largest pit, is a subterranean earth-and-wood structure. It measured ___ meters long from east to west, 62 meters wide from north to south. It’s assumed that more than 6,000 pottery warriors and horses will be unearthed from this pit. They are reported as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.

Taoism/Daoism Beliefs Founder: Laozi Philosophy based on living in harmony with nature. Mankind has the potential for both good and bad actions. Man can only be happy when he is free from laws & living naturally in balance with nature. Believed government is unnatural

Two forces in nature: Yin & Yang = Chi These forces control/exist in everything One cannot exist without the other If one is out of balance, harmony must be restored. Illness, moods, unusual behavior can be signs

Taoism’s effects on culture Best government is one that governs least No interest in creating order No interest in material things or status No dynasty has ever followed this philosophy!

Basic Beliefs & effects in Daoism Two forces in nature: Yin & Yang = Chi To keep it balanced they use: Acupuncture used to create balance Tai Chi is also used to maintain balance Feng Shui is interior design based on the 5 natural elements and Yin & Yang. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBvF6r6DOvc

Acupuncture

Flow of Chi Chi flows through the body Chi flows through doors & windows Takes the path of least resistance

The Bagua Tells you where items are should be located in a room for the best out come. Step 1: Determine N, S,E,W in your room Step 2: Place this octagon on the room w/ the career section on the north wall. Rearrange based on the bagua. North

Feng Shui - placement of objects in a room Where items are located in a room the flow of chi. The flow affects the health, happiness & productivity of people in the room. Avoid putting items in a direct path of the chi flow – or it will be very uncomfortable to sit or sleep there. Clutter: blocks the flow of chi – so don’t store anything under the bed; pick up your clothes & keep paperwork neatly filed away. A pair of like items should be in your relationship corner. Your desk should always have the chair against the wall so you can see the rest of the room & entry door. Plants or other living things (fish) help increase chi flow in corners and slow it near doors & windows. Book cases should be in the wisdom/knowledge corner Entertainment TV etc should be in the friends corner Walkways should be curved not a direct line. Mirrors reflect chi, Curtains will filter or block chi Beds should be out of direct path of doors/ windows Windows need heavy shades or curtains if near beds/desks

Feng Shui your room! BED Door Dresser

Feng Shui your room! Dresser closet

Feng Shui your room! closet Dresser Door

Feng Shui your room! TV Dresser Door

Feng Shui your room! closet Dresser Door

Feng Shui your room! TV closet Door Dresser

Feng Shui your room! closet Door