1. Three Philosophies of China
Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism

2. Confucianism (the oldest philosophy)
Belief system based on teaching of K’ung Fu Tzu (Confucius)
It is a philosophy rather than religion
Based on the following principles:
Use right relationship to produce social order
Respect family and older generations
Educate individuals and society
Act in morally correct way
Confucianism lost its influence in 200 A.D.
Was reborn again in 600s A.D; blended with Buddhism and Daoism; became known as Neo-Confucianism

3. Confucius taught that society is organized around 5 relationships:
Subjects Rulers
+ -
Younger siblings Older siblings
+ -
Wives Husbands
Students Teachers
Workers Supervisor
+ _
+= be loyal & always obey - = always care for

4. Buddhism The 4th largest religion & philosophy in the world
Based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), who lived in India in 400 B.C.
Buddhism originated in India, in the city of Sarnath and spread to China, Korea, Japan
Buddha means “Enlightened One”
He taught that life is full of suffering because people want material things
His teaching is based on Four Noble Truths
In China, emperor Taizong supported Buddhism

5. Four Noble Truths
Suffering is part of life; everyone will experience it
Suffering is caused by greed or love for material things
To end suffering eliminate the desire for things you cannot get
Practice the Eightfold Path to achieve Nirvana (true happiness and peace)

6. Eightfold Path Right Views Right Intentions Right Speech Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

7. Reincarnation
One must go through many cycles of birth, living, and death
After many cycles a person releases their attachment to desire & self and can reach Nirvana
Buddhist writing are called scriptures

8. Taoism (a.k.a. Daoism) Philosophy based of teachings of Lao-Tse
Began around 4th century in China
Unlike Buddhism, Taoists do not believe that life is suffering.
Taoism believes that life is generally happy but that it should be lived with balance and virtue.

9. Main ideas of Daoism Peace and harmony with nature. No selfishness.
To live in plain and modest way & to not struggle for material gain.
"Wu wei" or action through inaction. "The way“ means don’t interfere with nature because it will upset the balance of nature
The three jewels (values) in Daoism are compassion, moderation, and humility
Nature should be respected
The Daoist sacred book is known as the Tao Te Ching.

10. Yin Yang Symbol
The Yin Yang symbol idealizes the balance in order to find enlightenment
There is a light and dark side to the Yin Yang, which represents opposites such as good and evil, as well as male and female.

11. Chinese Religions Project: Foldable=30 pts and Essay=70 pts (100pts)
The assignment: You will create a foldable using 3 different philosophies from China: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism( Taoism) .
Each philosophy must have a neat, colored, and detailed drawings as well as explanations of who founded the religion and what the major believes or principles are.
Then you will write a letter to the emperor Kublai Khan (5 paragraph essay) to justify which philosophy should be adopted for China and why. Remember to have 3 reasons to convince him to adopt the philosophy. Remember to use evidence from the text and lots of details to describe your reasons.