Confucianism

Basic Precepts Confucianism is practiced primarily by followers in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) It is not meant as a means for understanding human destiny. Confucianism concern itself with learning to be human. It focuses on ethical standards for behavior, with moral values and principles being emphasized. It is often practiced by many who claim another faith as their religion. The basic Confucian question: How must one behave so that all humanity will move towards a happier, healthier existence?

Life and Times of Confucius Lifespan (552 B.C.E-479 B.C.E.) Born to a family of humble, but respected existence, K’ung Fu-tzu (Master K’ung) spent his early life becoming educated. As he learned, he spent his time teaching others and traveled his country teaching. It is from his disciples that his teachings and wisdom have passed through the centuries and that his name has become synonymous with wisdom and moral living. His life was not particularly monumental. He struggled to have his message heard by influential members of society. His philosophies were tempered by the political and social issues affecting East Asia during his lifetime, such as war, feudal civil unrest, moral decay and oppression. Believed harmony and happiness centered around human relationships. Analects The Analects are the teachings, stories and sayings of Confucius as collected and written by his disciples. Justice in dealing with enemies. Believed in the tradition of ancestor worship. Did not focus on the afterlife. Was excited about learning and teaching and expected the same from his students.

Elements of Confucianism Tao: “The Way,” which is universal; what should be followed by everyone Chun-tzu: Human Ideal or Superior Person One must give credit to the heavens Righteousness, humility and sincerity is essential Acquired through learning (rather than inherited nobility) Living a virtuous life so as to contribute to society Respectful, reverent, generous and just Jen (ruhn): Humaneness (the most supreme of all virtues) Goodness, love, benevolence Reciprocity is the one word to guide us

Elements of Confucianism Li: Ritual etiquette and proper behavior Behaving properly in a given situation Great respect for ancient Chinese traditions Wherever you are in society, you should behave accordingly and with decency Sincerity and reverence are the most important aspects of ceremony Wen: Cultural arts and music Harmony and flow Proper music for the proper occasion Poetry and calligraphy Ensure unity and continuity within society Appreciation of improves ones moral quality and therefore society Te: moral example effective moral leadership nurturing a society’s moral conscience refers to lawmaking and government

Harmony in Relationships Confucius believed that there are relationships that all human beings are involved in at all times. Self: the core of all human relationships Determined by one’s social status Learning and growing in maturity is the process of self-cultivation Self-reflection and learning are lifelong As the self is cultivated, society is improved Family: one’s role in the family is extremely significant Each member has responsibilities towards the others Relations between elders and children should be one of respect Everyone must live up to his/her moral responsibilities towards each other Deep respect for elders Ancestor worship is important because the dead can intercede for us.

Harmony in Relationships Nation: concern for good government Leaders should be educated and morally righteous. Leaders should ensure the happiness of its citizens. Everyone takes an active role in government when they live rightly. Heaven: least spoken concept in Confucian tradition Believed humanity must grow in its ability to serve those on earth before it had any hope of serving the spirit world. Believed Heaven was the authority to be followed. Heaven guides and nurtures humanity as the ultimate moral force.

Taoism

Tao Tao means “The Way” or “The Path” Practiced primarily in East Asia, often in conjunction with Confucianism or Buddhism More of a philosophy than a religious belief system Lao-Tzu, the “founder” of Taoism Some believe he is only a mythical character Believed to have lived around the 6th century B.C.E. and a contemporary of Confucius Worked for the government and saw the social and political problems of his people Believed to be the author of Tao’s sacred text, Tao Te Ching (dou day jing) Philosophical wisdom serves as a foundation for Tao practice Speaks of heavens and earth differently from the Western concept Uses paradoxes (“Those with nothing to say speak often.”)

Tao Chuang Tzu (jwahng), the second “founder” of Taoism Lived about 250 years after Lao-Tzu. His wisdom is compiled in the second sacred text, which is named for him. Some characteristics of Taoist thought: It is indefinable. Tao must be experienced. A power which surrounds and flows through all things. Sees the need for nature, humans and the universe to be in harmony and balance. Tao is the cause of the universe; the universe flows from Tao; Tao is immanent. Tao surrounds everyone and all must listen to it to find enlightenment. The goal is to become one with Tao.

Virtues and Symbols Yin and Yang All things have balance All things have an opposite Only constant factor in life is change Yin: the dark side; formed the earth; represents the feminine; calm, passive, introspective; healing; night; Taoism Yang: the light side; formed the heavens; represents masculinity; energetic, agitation, aggression; day; Confucianism All things have a combination of these two forces. Their opposition keeps them in balance. Values are relative to one another. We know good because we know evil. Death is also change, though Taoism does not focus on questions of an afterlife.

Virtues and Symbols The Tradition of the Sage One who has mastered living with Tao and has achieved a state of spiritual perfection. Living with Tao means living in harmony, unity and simplicity every day. Wu-Wei Primary virtue; living in harmony with Tao; belief in kindness due to reciprocity. Three jewels: compassion, moderation, humility Involves martial arts for many practitioners; noncompetition (judo uses the energy of another) Paradoxes and opposites (action-less activity, giving up to win) Cooperation with nature and ‘hands-off’ approach (avoids human interference) Non-aggression and passivity in daily life: leaving well enough alone.

Shinto

Shinto Basics The ancient and native religion of Japan Shinto has adapted over time. Incorporates Buddhism, Zen and Taoism as well as other Chinese traditions. Generates patriotism and respect for the Japanese heritage. Veneration and love of nature. Ritual is primary (Shinto is not concerned with doctrine.) Moral codes adopted from Confucianism . Warrior traditions: bushido and samurai Kami: Shinto is translated as “the way of the Kami” Ancient divine ancestors Overall, kami refers to anything that can be wondered about or is mysterious- nature, people, animals Creation myth gives the Japanese people a sense of pride and divine connection Kami has lead to emperor worship and the belief that the emperor is divine WWII crushed this belief

Shinto Worship Ancestor worship: ancestors are part of kami Former belief of Emperor as “the living God.” Kamidana: worship in the home Daily purification through washing Offerings and objects as signs of divine presence (often food and flowers)

Shinto Worship Ceremonial worship at Shinto shrines Original shrines were beautiful natural spots (waterfalls, mountains, etc.) Leaving the everyday surroundings to be more focused in the presence of the sacred “Torii” (archway) marks the entrance to a shrine Ritual washing for purification Prayers and invocations to the kami are offered Unity with the kami is the desired end.

Shinto Seasonal Festivals The Great Purification (celebrated in June and December) A festival of purification; transfer the impurities of the people. The festival of the New Year follows the December purification; involves ritual cleaning of the home Everyone is on vacation and spends time worshiping at shrines and temples. Shinto also incorporates other religious festivals, such as Christmas and Halloween. These are often included in Japanese calendars as holidays and special occasions.

The Four Affirmations Tradition and the family The family is seen as the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Their main celebrations relate to birth and marriage. Love of nature Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits. Physical cleanliness Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often. "Matsuri“ The worship and honor given to the Kami and ancestral spirits. Three main Shinto sects: Shrine Shinto (nationalism and patriotism) Sect Shinto (primarily lead by women) Popular/folk Shinto (less formalized)