Difference Between Confucianism And Daoism

In China during 406-221 BCE, the battling states between the Zhou and the Han Dynasties? were in a state of governmental disorder. Although the era was in a disruptive state, it ushered in a cultural opening that left a long lasting imprint on the Chinese history. As a result, three major belief systems surfaced Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism in an attempt to achieve a sense of political order in a disorder period. There are distinctions in the way each of the belief systems approached the many problems that plagued the Chinese society. First, all of the founders were contemporaries in China. As well as considered philosophies, who studied the future, and sat out to focus on the present rather than the past. In contrast, Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism established various paths in search of an optimistic future for the success of China. Second, both Legalism and Confucianism developed a social belief system, but are considered a religion. However, both Legalism and Confucianism purpose was to create an orderly society in the hopes of prosperity. In contrast, Daoism does

Legalism was very different from both Confucianism and Daoism because Legalism was the belief that people needed to be controlled because they were evil. Legalism is found in China and was founded by Han Feize. While it is unknown when Legalism was established, it is known that Han Feize was born in 280 B.C. so that gives a general time when legalism started. Legalism didn’t deal with much religious concerns but was more of a political philosophy instead. Citizens were seen to be responsible for actions of one another. A person who is considered guilty, their relatives and neighbors should be punished as well. This was a way to make sure that the laws are followed. The laws are strict with harsh punishments. People who spy on others and report anything that they do wrong to the authorities are thought to be doing right of the law. Both Legalism and Confucianism are belief systems within a group of people, not religions, and both are intended to lead to an orderly way of life, how they approach their teachings are complete opposed.

History has shown us, that Daoism and Confucianism have many things in common as well as many differences, let me start with what is Daoism and Confucianism. Daoism is also known as Taoism, is a religious tradition originated from China in the 550 B.C.E, it was founded by Lao Tzu, a great philosopher and the author of the “Dao De Jing” .The “Dao De Jing” or “Tao Te Ching” is a Chinese text that contains 81 chapters explaining the “ways” of Chinese life, it is often used by the monks or persons that practice the Daoism. Daoism’s main focus is on nature, and not on the social world. Compassion, moderation and humility are also focuses

When the government structure in China fell apart creating chaos emerged two major religions, Taoism and Confucianism. These two roles played a big part during this time to get things back in order. The difference between both religions is how they believed the structure should be. Taoism was not into much of the government. They believe the least the government the better. Lao-tzu who is the founder of Taoism is known for saying “Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish” – do not overdo it (p. 180). By doing so, they will live a simple quiet life. In Confucianism, their belief is much different. The Confucians believe in a big government with an order. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, believed if society lived by “Li”,

All of these different systems and philosophies highly emphasize: the harmony between people, the benevolence that one must have, filial piety, loyalty, righteousness, and courtesy for a successful and healthy society. Even though they all have a different idea, their goal is the same. The morality and ethics of human behaviors were also part of the teachings that shaped the culture of today. Even though the goals of these philosophies were similar, like their beliefs about man and society; their ideas were a little bit different and each had their own focus. The difference in focus between Confucianism and Taoism is that Confucianism was focused on having a structured society. It held as a principle the brotherhood of humanity. The

Confucius once said, “If you strive for virtue, you will be free of evil.” In the simplest of terms, it could be said that Confucianism ultimately strives for virtue and order. Confucius’ contemplative way of addressing virtuous living may establish Confucianism as more of a philosophy than a religion. Specifically, it is “a moral philosophy with ethics at its core.” It is based on hierarchical relationships, and it focuses on superiority or inferiority within said relationships. One major facet of its practice is its integration into Chinese government and culture. Because of the religion’s close ties to government and state identity, it is also closely tied to the guidance of human behavior. Improper human behavior is the greatest evil, in that it fails to promote order in society. Confucianism approaches evil in such a way that minimizes its roots and consequences while maximizing the role of sole human responsibility, that which is contrary to the Christian perspective.

Confucianism and Taoism are both ancient Chinese styles of living, are two of the most popular philosophies and are important in China. Therefore, this paper analyze the same and different between this two, from basic thoughts and influence.

Chinese religions are diversely implement their philosophy to people’s lives. Religious influence is evident from studying Chinese leisure and activities, such as Tai Chi Chuan. (Wang and Stringer 2000, 33-41) Traditional and religious context directly affected the perception of martial arts and Tai Chi exercises, giving rise to borrowed terminology from spiritual texts. Three main spiritual philosophies that affected Tai Chi development are Confucianism, Yin and Yang, and Daoism. The main concept of Tai Chi Chuan is thought and mind interconnectedness, which was complemented by religious terminology. For example, benevolence termini from Confucianism and Daoism with effortless effectiveness concept are present in modern Tai Chi Chuan philosophy. Although it is possible that governmental structures used Tai Chi to achieve good combat art skills, implementing spiritual

Towards the end of the Zhou dynasty, which ruled from 1046 BCE to 256 BCE, a time of disunity ushered in the Warring States period characterized by the civil struggle for power. Despite societal conflict, ancient China witnessed a “golden age” with cultural expansion that paved the way for the establishment of the Hundred Schools of Thought (Worden 1987). One popular philosophy that stemmed from the Hundred Schools became known as Taoism; it was said to be founded by the mythical figure, Lao-tzu, who probably lived in the 6th century BCE and advocated for a tranquil, quiet life without aggression. In the Tao-te Ching or the Way of the Tao, Lao-tzu emphasized the universal force of the Tao (“way”), how one should live in harmony with the Tao,

Religions in the world have become more complex than just simple religious practices. Religions are now philosophies that people study and make a living from. Whether like Confucianism which focuses on society and Taoism which focuses on nature, peace and self discovery and love, these two religions or philosophies have been around since 550BCE. The main topics that will be discussed in this essay are primarily on the differences between these two main religions/philosophies of China - Taoism and Confucianism and discussing which of the latter using ,Foucault’s concepts of power would be a better alternative to manage power in the world today.

In China, people often talk about sanjiao, referring to the “three teachings (san) and philosophies (jiao) of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism” (Oxtoby 269). However, before the arrival of Buddhism in China, Confucianism and Daoism played dominant roles in the societal, political and spiritual practices of the Chinese people. While both Confucian and Daoist practitioners similarly strive for peace and harmony, there are distinct differences between these two philosophies.

Often puzzled themselves, Chinese society finds it difficult to put a religious label on their belief system, whether it be within the multiple sects of Buddhism, Confucianism, or Taoism. Throughout the different beliefs and practices that each individual undertakes, one factor remains the same for all and it is their base factor of belief in ancient wisdom. Although, it may seem like their strong tie to ancient wisdom would equal them all believing in the same thing, this becomes contradictory from one religion to the other due to the various sources of their ancient wisdom. Although, there are different labels which entail different beliefs and practices, this essay will help shed light on how Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism each bring key features that fuse together to form Chinese popular religion and presents other factors that also influence this religion.

Confucianism and Taoism developed in China over many centuries with numerous internal and external influences. Though they share some fundamental similarities, there divergence is vast and their central concern juxtaposed. Early Chinese indigenous religions formed the basis on which these two schools of thought developed. The belief in supernatural spirits was an important concept to the Chinese who believed that spirits were active in every aspect of nature and the human world. If natural disasters occurred, it was believed to be the result of human failings that deserved punishment from the spirit world. Ancient Chinese rituals and sacrifices were thought to appease the spirits and return a balance and harmony to the universe. Confucianism and Taoism represent an integral part of Chinas history, and have had an influence of every aspect of modern Chinese culture.

Taoism, also or better known as “The Way,” may be grouped as both a Religion and Chinese philosophy. Taoists believe in yielding and accepting to the Ways of life, accompanying nature and being by containing and going for their goals outside of praising a god externally. Taoism, in its philosophical and metaphysical environment, is somewhat like Confucianism, but the ideal interests of both religions are comparing. Confucianism is known to be produced during a time of war and depends deeply upon political and the moral system that dressed up society and the Chinese empire, while Taoism connects to a time of spiritual, peace, and honors of metaphysical preoccupation.

Confucianism does not explicitly encourage war given its emphasis on humanity. This combination of moral vision and political realism combined with his advocacy of strong political authorities that nevertheless rule justly in service of the common good. Xunzi’s vision of the good society and how it fits into a multi-state world which undergirds his critique of alternate discourses about war and the government. Xunzian’s vision of politics and war as a source for contemporary Confucian theory of civilian military relations. The early Confucian figure Xunzi (xunzi, during 310–c. 220 BCE) gives a sophisticated analysis of war, which he develops on the basis of a larger social and political vision that he works out in considerable detail. This larger vision of human society is thoroughly normative in the sense that Xunzi both argues for the value of his ideal conception of society, and relates these moral arguments for the Confucian Dao or Way. Xunzi’s led him to argue about war in ways that look distinctive to Western ethicists, but still his preferred issues are revealing themselves as suggestive in relation to current debates in military ethics.