Confucianism/Taoism Film Worksheets

What’s the focus of these traditional Chinese religions? How do they differ from major Western religions?

They focus on human conduct. They don’t believe in God (something greater in the universe)

What was China’s society and religion like before Confucius became so influential in its culture?

Gentlemen only applied to men of high birth (military officers or knights). They practiced sacrifice and did rituals

What do Confucius’ ideas of virtue and propriety mean for human conduct?

Seek meaning and purpose through human relationships based on respect

What are the Analects? Why are they important to Confucianism?

They are the records of Confucius’ sayings while in class. It would one day be important

What are yin and yang?

2 cosmic forces. They represent opposites and work together. They both bring harmony

Why were the Confucian ideas of the Classical Writings inscribed in stone after 124 B.C.E?

To avoid book burning

What does it mean to find the ultimate in the relative?

Ultimate meaning in the moral character of human relationships

What are the five relationships?

Ruler to Subject

Father to son (or mother and daughter)

Husband to wife

Older to younger

Friend to friend

What role do rituals play in Confucianism?

Proper religious disposition. Reminds us what’s important, why it’s important, and why it should continue

What does rational morality mean in Confucianism?

It’s commons sense. Treat people with common sense, be good to people

How can one form harmonious and responsible relationships with others?

Practice virtue

How do the concepts of yin and yang help explain and apply to the two main Chinese religious traditions of Taoism and Confucianism?

Yang- Confucian moral and philosophy

Yin- Taoism

Why do Taoists generally retreat from the world into the inner life of mediation?

Protest

What are the names of two major texts of Taoism?

Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu

What is Tao?

The natural way. Source of which everything came to be. Way of nature as perfection

According to Taoism, by what methods can one discover Tao?

Contemplating, cultivating, perspective on life

What is the most practical lesson of Taoist philosophy?

Live according to the way (Tao) and the survival of one’s self

How does Taoism relate to nature? What role does nature play in Taoism?

Nature is the perfect role model of the Taoist philosophy. Go with the flow of nature

Do Taoists believe in the immortality of the mind? If so, how is this belief explained?

The mind is still alive; it survives physical death. The mind is immortal

What is a holistic medical system? How can Taoist medical practices be considered holistic?

List of priorities for good health. Illness has a natural cause. Cure occurs naturally. By mixing herbs, they can redirect the chi

What are the three principles of life in Taoism?

Breath (chi), vital essence, spirit

What role does meditation play in Taoism? What is the goal of Taoist meditation?

Allows to see the truth and reality like Buddhism. Sit and forget (goal)

What are the five basic elements of Taoist cosmology?

Metal, wood, water, fire, earth

What is the central religious message of Taoism to the Chinese?

To connect to the natural power of the Tao and to go with the flow of its energy. Live in harmony with nature and its tendencies