Transcript Wisdom Traditions of China

Confucianism, Legalism, Taoism
“The Vinegar Tasters”
Buddha
Confucius
Lao-Tse
• Institutions
of man
simply get in
the way of
the natural
order of
things
• Let the river
run its
course
Legalism
• Seek to
order your
life by
letting go…
get rid of the
attachments
Taoism
• Moral
order in
society
• Connect
with the
ancestor
s to reorder
things
Buddhism
Confucianism
World view of the four…
• Rule by
harsh law
and order
• “cracks
the whip”
on the
back of
his
subjects
The Master said, “You can be of
service to your father and mother
by arguing with them tactfully. If
you perceive that they do not wish
to follow your advice, then
continue to be reverent toward
them without offending or
disobeying them; work hard and
do not murmur against them.”
waht’s wonrg wtih stneecne!
wulod popele hvae a pelborm
wtih tihs. Why,
“If the mat was not straight, the
master would not sit.”
What did he set forth?
 Ritual is important! It connects society
 Humanity is essentially good in nature
 Seek to do unto others as you would have them do
unto you
 “Do the right thing!”
 Respect your elders
 Government’s role is to maintain security, economic
well-being, and the support of its people.
1989
5 Principle Relationships
Ruler - Subject
Father - Son
Husband - Wife
Older Brother –
Younger Brother
Older Friend –
Younger Friend
“The Analects”… “Conversation”
The superior man blames himself;
the inferior man blames others.
To go too far is as wrong as to fall
short.
Making a mistake and not
correcting it is making another
mistake
Role of Mencius
 He was a disciple of Confucius and assumed all people
are basically good.
 If someone does something bad education, not
punishment, is the answer.
“Friendship is one
mind in two bodies”
Major principles…
 Human nature is naturally selfish
 Literacy and intellectual debate leads to
weakness in the government
 Law is the supreme authority, not morality
 Ruler must rule with a strong, punishing
hand
 War is the means of strengthening power
Authoritarian
One who favors the principle that individuals should
obey a powerful authority rather than exercise
individual freedom.
The RULER, therefore,
“CRACKS HIS WHIP” on the
backs of his subjects.
Confucianism v. Taoism
 Men of virtue
should dev0te
themselves to
making
government work
to the benefit of
the people.
When you try to
hard it usually
doesn’t work
out. Just let
things happen
as they will on
their own.
The Details of Taoism…
a very “non-Taoist” thing to do
 Founded by Lao Tzu… name means “Old Master”
 Was he Confucius’ teacher…some say yes
 Was he a real person… some debate that.
 Basic text of Taoism … Tao Te Ching
 “Those who speak know nothing;
Those who know are silent”
Basic principles… Core Beliefs
 Tao… loosely translated “the way”
 Goal is to become one with the Tao…
Chuang Tzu in dream became a butterfly,
And the butterfly became Chuang Tzu at waking.
Which was the real—the butterfly or the man ?
Who can tell the end of the endless changes of things?
The water that flows into the depth of the distant sea
Returns anon to the shallows of a transparent stream.
The man, raising melons outside the green gate of the
city,
Was once the Prince of the East Hill.
So must rank and riches vanish.
You know it, still you toil and toil,—what for?
Poem by Li Po
Basic principles… Core Beliefs
 Tao… loosely translated “the way”
 Goal is to become one with the Tao…
 Wu wei…
 “Let nature take its course”
 “the art of doing nothing”
 “Go with the flow”
 Follow the way of nature to get to happiness
The Tao
 To escape the “social, political, and cultural traps” of
life, one must escape by:
1. Rejecting formal knowledge and
learning
2.Relying on the senses and instincts
3.Discovering the nature and
rhythm of the universe
4.Ignoring political and social laws.
The Universe of Opposites…
Find the balance
Feminine
Passive
Darkness
Cold
Weak
Earth;
Moon
Masculine
Active
Light
Warmth
Strong
Heaven;
Sun