How can we restore order to China?

• Thinkers came up with new ideas on how to restore order in China

• Confucius (Kongfuzi/“Master Kong”) = most influential teacher in Chinese history

• Confucius felt that China had too many rude and dishonest people– China needed to return to ethics, or moral

values– Idea of Confucius = Confucianism

Confucianism• Wanted to return to a time where people knew

their roles in society• Basic guidelines to restore family order and

social harmony– Fathers should display moral values to inspire their

families– Children should respect and obey their parents– All family members should be loyal to each other

• Guidelines for government– Moral leadership, not laws brought order to China– A king should lead by example, inspiring good

behavior in all of his subjects– The lowers classes would learn by following the

example of their superiors

Focus: What were the “Three Doctrines” of Ancient China?

The Three Teachings

• In T'ang times, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism became known as the Three Doctrines, or the "Three Teachings". 

• These three doctrines were an important part of daily life.– Buddhism– Confucianism– Taoism  

• In T'ang times, a man might honor his ancestors by following the rigid rules of social behavior as dictated by Confucianism, attend a Buddhist pageant, and practice Taoist breathing exercises, all in the same day. 

Buddhism  • The "Awakened One" (Buddha), Prince Siddhartha Gautama believed in

respect for other property and all life. • The Buddhist goal: To reach Nirvana and lead a perfect life

• How? • By believing in the Four Noble Truths:

– Life is filled with suffering – Suffering is caused by people's wants. – Suffering can be ended if people stop wanting things, like more pleasure or more

power.  – To stop wanting things, people must follow 8 basic laws, called the Eightfold

Path. • And Following the Eightfold Path:

– To know the truth – To intend to resist evil – To not say anything to hurt others – To respect life, property, and morality – To work at a job that does not injure others – To try to free one's mind from evil – To be in control of one's feelings and thoughts – To practice appropriate forms of concentration

Confucianism• Confucianism is not a religion - it's a way of

behaving, so you'll do the right things. • Confucius wanted to return to a time where people knew

their roles in society– Fathers should display moral values to inspire their families– Children should respect and obey their parents– All family members should be loyal to each other

• Guidelines for government– Moral leadership, not laws brought order to China– A king should lead by example, inspiring good behavior in all of his

subjects– The lower classes would learn by following the example of their

superiors

The Proverbs of Confucius

If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake

Do not do unto others, what you would not want others to do to you

Never kiss a fool or be fooled by a kiss

What the gentleman demands is something of himself. What the petty man demands is something of others

Anyone learning without thought is lost, anyone thinking but not learning is in peril.

Taoism•Tao (pronounced Dow) means The Way (to happiness).

•Taoists are firm believers in joy and laughter

•Taoism is not a religion. Taoism is a philosophy, a way of looking at life and a way of thinking about things. Taoists believe if you look at life and think about things in the right way, you'll be much happier.

•Taoists believe it's very important to understand The Way Things Are. This does not mean that there are not things we need to change about ourselves, but it's important to recognize and trust our own Inner Nature, and discover who we are.

Yin and Yang

Traits of Yin and Yang

YinNegativePassiveEarthly Feminine

YangPositiveActive Heavenly Masculine

Characteristics of the DAO-Master• Detached• Selfless• Cautious• Alert• Courteous• Yielding• Undefined• Open• Murky• Quiet• Calm & unperturbed

• Good to people who are good

• Good to people who are not good

• Trusts those who are trustworthy

• Trusts those who are not trustworthy

• Radiates peace & harmony

Imagine a small country with a small population.They have lots of technology, but they use none of it.They take the prospect of death seriouslyand thus do not travel far from home.They have boats and carriages, but no one takes them out.They have weapons and armor,but no one takes them out of the armory.

Instead of writing, they have gone backto the old system of cord-knotting.They enjoy their plain but good food,their simple but fine clothing,their humble but secure homes.They are happy with their way of life.

The next country is so close that the crowing of the cocks andthe barking of the dogs over there can be easily heard over here;and yet the people over here grow old and diewithout ever having been over there.

(DDJ 80)