1. Chinese Philosophy and Religion
Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, and Popular Religion

2. Confucius
Confucianism comes from the teachings of Confucius, also known as Kungfuzi
551 BC-479 BC (around the same time as Buddha)
He lived during the “Hundred Schools of Thought” period, aka the golden age of Chinese philosophy
His ideas are still influential today

3. Confucianism
Confucius wrote on his philosophy, Confucianism, in the Analects
He stressed that everyone must do their duty, both to their family and their government
Harmony in the home would create harmony in the nation

4. The Five Basic Relationships
These relationships determine how a person should act in society.
Ruler and subject
Father and son
Husband and wife
Older and younger brother
Friend and friend

5. Lao Tzu Taoism comes from the teachings of Lao Tzu (aka Laozi)
It is difficult to pin down when he lived, some say he was a contemporary of Confucius, others say he was born later
Some historians say he never existed and is a composite of a few people

6. Taoism The universe is governed by the Tao, or “Way”
The Tao is the universal force that guides all living things
Humans are the only living creatures that fail to live in harmony with the Tao
These ideas are spelled out in the Tao Te Ching

7. The Tao
Taoism stresses being passive and emptiness as the only way to live in accordance with the Tao
“Do by not doing. Act with non-action. Allow order to arise of itself.”
“A bowl is molded from clay, its inner emptiness makes it useful. To make use of what is here, you must make use of what is not.”

8. The Vinegar Tasters

9. Legalism Legalists believe in a highly efficient and strict government
Good deeds must be rewarded, and bad deeds must be punished severely
Legalists want control of all parts of society, thoughts, and actions
Legalism arose after centuries of chaos and war known as the Warring States Period-why?

10. Chinese Popular Religion
The ideas discussed above are more philosophical than religious
Many Chinese also practice a set of beliefs known as the “Popular Religion”
The Popular Religion is based on community and is very festive
It also emphasizes honoring ancestors

11. Parts of Popular Religion
Household gods are prayed to in order to achieve a good home
Feng Shui, a home decorated harmoniously, is important
Belief in qi, vital breath of life
Seeks to harmonize yin and yang
Is often practiced alongside Chinese Buddhism