Taoism as reaction to political morals of Confucianism
by Rit NosotroComparative Essay
How was Taoism a reaction to the practical, political morals of Confucianism?
|
 |
Summary:
Taoism has been known throughout history as “the other way” because it was originally created and practiced as an alternate to Confucianism. However, many followers of each religion follow both these philosophies. "Except for a few straight-laced Confucians and a few pious Taoists, the Chinese man or woman practiced both--either at different phases of life or as different sides of personality and taste." Many people consider both Taoism and Confucianism to be philosophies instead of religions. Taoism originated as a philosophy centered on nature but over the centuries it developed a pantheon. Confucianism, on the other hand, has never been connected with a deity. Confucius himself never claimed to be a god and the few attempts that tried to exalt him as a deity of the "religion" failed miserably. Besides the fact that Confucianism does not have a pantheon, it also lacks a priesthood. For this reason many historians consider Confucianism to be merely a code of conduct. Despite these doubts, Taoism and Confucianism were two of the three main religions in China for years, along with Buddhism. The main difference between the two philosophies lies in their focus. Confucianism focuses on rituals while Taoism focuses on nature.
Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, the founders of Taoism, were convinced that a person's inner spirit was their key to peace and harmony. They believed that through observing what was around them in nature they would come to understand themselves and other people. They believed in a life principle called the art of wu-wei. This principle advised that the best way to conduct oneself in life was through inaction. Taoists did not believe that government, laws, and war should be the guiding principles of life, but instead nature and harmony should be the focus. They believed that because nature was constant, and laws and government were not, that nature was a reliable source to look to for harmony. One of the reasons for the focus on the inner spirit in Taoism was the situation of the early leaders of the philosophy. Instead of learned sages, these men were everyday craftsmen: artists, woodcarvers, and butchers. Because of their background, these men knew how to be creative and learn from other sources besides textbooks written by others who came before them. The religion itself centers on the indefinable source of life called the Dao, which means path or way. “It refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)" A person can only achieve perfect happiness when he or she is in harmony with the Dao. Thus, a Taoist's goal in life is to become one with the Dao. This is achieved through meditation, introspection, and wu-wei. The Dao is a force, not a deity, but Taoists believe that all the gods in the pantheon are manifestations of the one Dao. The Taoist's good and evil is defined by the Dao. Anything that is in accord with the Dao is necessarily good, while anything against it is necessarily evil.
K'ung Fu Tzu, more commonly known as Confucius, was born in 551 B.C. Although Confucius wrote many works concerning education, society, and government, he never meant to establish his own philosophy. He studied in order to revive an older religion from the Zhou Dynasty. Opposite of Taoism, Confucius believed that rituals were the only way to a peaceful, moral society. "He saw these time-honored and traditional rituals as the basis of human civilization, and he felt that only a civilized society could have a stable, unified, and enduring social order." Confucius believed that rituals were the key to maintaining a moral standard among humans. Confucianism resembles humanism in that it focuses on the principle that individuals control morality instead of a supernatural force or god. This, however, is only one side of Confucianism. Besides rituals, Confucius also valued the principle of Ren. "Ren keeps ritual forms from becoming hollow; a ritual performed with ren has not only form, but ethical content; it nurtures the inner character of the person, furthers his/her ethical maturation." In other words, if the rituals were done merely for the sake of doing them, they would not be effective.
The Yin Yang symbol has been used to represent many concepts throughout history, including both Confucianism and Taoism. According to Taoism, the symbol represents the balance of opposites. Total harmony is achieved when the two forces are equal, while confusion exists when one outweighs the other. Traditionally the Yin, the dark side of the circle, represents anything cold, dark, or mysterious. The two spots represent the fact that there yin and yang are both present in everything on earth. Yet another representation of Yin Yang viewed yin as female and yang as male. Although normally associated with Taoism, the Ying Yang can symbolize both philosophies. In this case yin represents Taoism and yang represents Confucianism.
Whether the founders of these religions look to rituals or wu-wei to bring peace to all men, they were all wrong. Because the world is full of sin, nothing short of the power of Christ can bring true peace. Jesus is the only way to salvation. In John 14:27 Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
1. What is the main difference between Taoism and Confucianism?
a. The leaders of Taoism were simple craftsmen while the leaders of Confucianism
were wise and learned.
b. Taoism eventually developed a pantheon, while Confucianism did not.
c. Yin represents Taoism and yang represents Confucianism.
d. Taoism focuses on nature while Confucianism focuses on rituals.
2. Which of the following best describes the art of wu-wei.
a. Laziness
b. Action through inaction
c. Meditation
d. All of the above.
3. Confucius tried to revive a religion from which of the following dynasties?
a. Zhou
b. Song
c. Han
d. None of the above
4. The Yin Yang represents all of the following except
a. male/female
b. Taoism/Confucianism
c. death/birth
d. cold, dark/bright, warm
Answers:
1. d
2. b
3. a
5. c
Additional information about <http://hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/comp/cw06taoism-confucian.htm>
Focus on Facts
Disclaimer:
The above essay was donated to hyperhistory.net.
Kindly inform
of inaccuracies or plagiarism.
Post a link to this essay,
<a href="
">
a great essay
</a>
on your blog or website :
| Comparative Essays | Biographies | Doc. Based Questions | Change Over Time |
 |
 |
 |
 |