Chinese Philosophies & Religions

I. ConfucianismA. Confucius

1. Lived from 551 BC to 479 BC2. Lived during a very chaotic time in Chinese history

3. Was a teacher and editor of books

I. ConfucianismA. Confucius

4. Began traveling around China teaching the old traditions of goodness and truth 5. His teachings are written down in a book called the Analects (In Chinese, it means “Conversation”)

Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, is characteristics of the person who knows.

Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake.

The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others.

To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.

I. ConfucianismB. Beliefs

1. Not interested in life or death, but in how to restore social order in China

a Believed that humans are good, not badb Respect for eldersc. Code of politeness (used in Chinese society today)d. Emphasis on educatione. Ancestor worship

I. ConfucianismB. Beliefs

2. 5 Principal Relationships (Restore and Keep Order)1. Ruler and Subject2. Father and Son3. Husband and Wife4. Older Brother and Younger Brother5. Older Friend and Younger Friend

II. Taoism (Daoism)A. Lao-tzu

1. Lived during the time of Confucius although not much is known about him.

2. Name means “Old Master”3. His teachings are in a short book called the Tao Te Ching

II. Taoism (Daoism)B. Beliefs

1. Humility 2. Simple life and inner peace 3. Harmony with nature

III. Yin and YangYin and yang represented opposites

for Confucianism andTaoism.

Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven; Sun

Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth; Moon