3 Ways of Thought Medieval China

Confucianism

Confucius (Kung Fu-Tzu)* (551-479 BC) *Family name = Kung (Kong) Personal name = Zhong-ni Kung Fu-Tzu (Kong Fu-zi) = “Master Kung” “Confucius” = Latinization of “Kung Fu-Tzu”

Anthem Confucius was born here and lived during the Zhou dynasty.

Confucianism originated in China, but its influence spread to Korea & Japan over the centuries.

2.Confucianism He developed a philosophy for life and government based on respect and hard work!

Confucianism Focused on proper conduct, respect for elders, education, and hard work Confucius taught that life would be harmonious if everyone was loyal, courteous, honest, and faithful Children show absolute respect for authority Rulers need to live by strong virtues and set a good example for society to be harmonious

3.Confucius Says: PFRBM 5!

Because he created a code of behavior based on 5 RELATIONSHIPS! 4.Why PFRBM 5? Because he created a code of behavior based on 5 RELATIONSHIPS!

5.PFRBM 5! He said that people would be harmonious if they were obedient, loyal and honest in the following relationships:

#1 Slide 6 Parent and Child

#2 Slide 7 Friends

# 3 Slide 8 Ruler and Subject- subjects (students) should be obedient to their rulers (teachers)…….. (Mr.. P’s personal favorite…..)

#4 Slide 9 Brothers and sisters, or siblings….

#5 Slide 10 Marriage-husband and wife

5 Relationships Ruler and subject Parent and Child Husband and Wife Sibling and Sibling (Brother and sister) Friend and Friend Example: Harmony in family= Child showing absolute respect to elders If the ruler lived according to good morals then people would follow his or her example=stable society

Confucianism stressed the importance of education

filial piety basically describes the correct way to act towards one's parents. Filial piety consists of several factors; the main ideas include loving one's parents, being respectful, polite, considerate, loyal, helpful, dutiful, and obedient.

Civil servants writing essays for China's emperor Civil servants writing essays for China's emperor. Difficult exams were designed to make sure that government officials were chosen by ability—not by wealth or family connections.

11.Confucianism- During Song Dynasty Civil service—means service as a government official. Civil Service Exams: Students must memorize entire Confucian text Students might study for more than 20 years!! Some exams last more than 72 hours and students were locked in private rooms. To prevent students from cheating, exam halls were often locked and guarded. If you passed…You became a scholar official, A respected member of the government.

Scholar-Officials Typical responsibilities might include running government offices; maintaining roads, irrigation systems, and other public works; updating and maintaining official records; or collecting taxes.

Answer the following as if you are Confucius What are you known for and what is your original name? How can one achieve harmony with in a family? .

16.Buddhism Based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (enlightened one) from India in 563-483 B.C.. Brought to China about A.D. 200 by Monks and traders who traveled the Silk Road from India Buddhism was welcomed in Sui Dynasty as a way to escape suffering from earlier disunion

Slide 17

Buddhism Teachings are based on the Four Noble Truths Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha Buddha means “enlightened one” Guatama lived in India from 563-483 B.C.
 Buddhism started in India and was brought to China by Buddhist monks traveling along the Silk Road
 Teachings are based on the Four Noble Truths

19. The Four Noble Truths 1.All life is suffering and pain 2. Pain is caused by desire for wealth, fame, pleasure and power 3. To end pain, one must overcome desire 4. To overcome desire, have virtue and have compassion for living things

The Middle Way The Middle Way teaches compassion for all living things, which leads to calmness and purity of mind
 Reincarnation – when a person dies, the soul is reborn in a new body Nirvana – First goal in life is to attain nirvana, the state of having no desires. When one attains nirvana, he or she breaks the cycle of birth and death and no longer is reincarnated into a life of suffering

Questions for The Buddha Answer the following as if you were the Buddha: What is your original name,where are you from and how old were you when you died? My name was Siddhartha Gautama and I lived in India until I was eighty years old What does the Buddha mean? Enlightened one

Taoism

Taoism Based on the teaching of Laozi Humans should see themselves a part of nature
 Change is part of everything People should live a simple life in harmony with nature
 Harmony comes from balancing opposite forces of nature, called yin and yang Daoists do not believe in strong government Happiness is achieved by thinking about nature and leading a balanced life in tune with nature…not by following societal rules and laws

13. Taoism: It’s Naturally Simple He believed that humans should LIVE SIMPLY and in harmony with nature. Do not seek power or fame.

Yin and Yang Are a balance of nature that live in harmony together Slide 15 Yin and Yang Are a balance of nature that live in harmony together for example: Yang represents heat while Yin represents cold

Answer the following as if you are Laozi What is the only way for Modern America to live peacefully? By living simply, in harmony with nature, by “living green” in a self sustainable economy. What is the main cause of our economic crisis? America has strived for fame and power which will lead to the downfall of any economy

Who are we?

Who said it?

“Like a spider caught in its own web is a person driven by fierce cravings. Break out of the web, and turn away from the world of sensory pleasure and sorrow.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“If a ruler himself is upright (honest), all will go well without orders. But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders they will not be obeyed.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“Highest good is like water “Highest good is like water. Because water excels in benefiting the myriad creatures without contending with them and settles where none would like to be, it comes close to the Way.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“The mind is flighty, and hard to grasp; the mind pursues all it desires. To tame the mind is great goodness. Subdue the mind and know tranquility.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi? Explain using details.

“The more laws and edicts (official rules) are imposed, the more thieves and bandits there will be.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“Be respectful at home, serious at work, faithful in human relations “Be respectful at home, serious at work, faithful in human relations. Even if you go to uncivilized areas, these virtues (good qualities) are not to be abandoned.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“Seeing that our body, with hair and skin, is derived from our parents, we should not allow it to be injured in any way. This is the beginning of filial respect. We develop our own character and practice the way so as to perpetuate our name for future generations, and to bring honor to our parents.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“Life is a journey, death is a return to the earth, the universe is like an inn, the passing years are like dust.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?

“The sage, because he does nothing, never ruins anything; and, because he does not lay hold of anything, loses nothing.” In your own words, what is the meaning of this statement? Who do you think said it?....the Buddha, Confucius, or Laozi?