World Religions Test Two True Study Guide

Chün-tzu (Junzi)

“Gentleman” or “superior person”; the moral ideal in Confucianism who cultivates ren (humaneness), practices li (ritual/propriety), and models virtue.

Role of the Junzi in Society

A morally exemplary person who inspires others through virtue, promoting education, social harmony, and ethical leadership.

Concept of Wen (文)

“Cultured arts” such as poetry, music, ritual decorum and calligraphy that refine character and promote moral/aesthetic education.

Purpose of Wen in Government

Cultural refinement legitimizes political authority through moral example and soft power rather than coercion.

The Five Classics — Overview

Core Confucian texts that provide moral instruction, ritual norms and historical precedent for self-cultivation.

I Ching (Book of Changes)

Classic of divination emphasising harmony with cosmic order and adaptability to change.

Shijing (Book of Songs)

Collection of poems and songs illustrating moral lessons and social values.

Shujing (Book of Documents)

Historical records promoting moral governance and virtue in rulership.

Liji (Book of Rites)

Describes proper ritual conduct, manners, social hierarchy; foundation for li.

Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals)

Historical chronicle emphasising moral judgement and political lessons from the past.

Theravada Buddhism vs Confucianism — Similarities

Both value ethics, self-discipline and personal cultivation.

Theravada Buddhism vs Confucianism — Differences

Theravada seeks individual liberation (nirvana) while Confucianism seeks social order through li and filial duty.

Doctrine of Wu Wei (無爲)

“Non-action” or “effortless action”; acting in harmony with the natural flow without force or interference.

Criticisms of Wu Wei

Sometimes viewed as passive or impractical, especially in times of crisis.

Tao vs Nirvana

Tao = immanent natural process and cosmic flow; Nirvana = release from desire and suffering. Tao = living with the world; Nirvana = liberation from it.

Tao vs Brahman

Brahman = unchanging absolute reality; Tao = dynamic, ever-flowing process. Brahman = static unity; Tao = flux.

Confucian Response to Late Zhou Chaos

Restore ritual (li), education and moral leadership to rebuild order.

Taoist Response to Late Zhou Chaos

Withdraw from corruption, live simply and govern by wu wei.

Governing by Non-Action (Wu Wei in Politics)

Leaders should avoid micromanagement, create simple conditions and allow natural order to emerge.

Is Confucianism a Religion — Yes Argument

Includes sacred texts, rituals, temples, ancestor veneration and the concept of Heaven (Tian).

Is Confucianism a Religion — No Argument

Lacks a central deity or salvation doctrine; focuses on ethics and politics rather than theology.

Tao as Ultimate Reality

Tao is the ineffable Way — source and order of all existence, beyond naming or definition.

Goal in Taoist Practice

Align one’s life with the Tao through simplicity, spontaneity and harmony.

Human Problem in Confucianism

Moral decay and social disorder resulting from neglect of proper relationships and rituals.

Confucian “Salvation”

Restoring harmony through moral education, ritual propriety and becoming a junzi.

Human Problem in Taoism

Alienation from the Tao due to artificial desires and social constructs.

Taoist “Salvation”

Return to naturalness and spontaneity through simplicity and wu wei.

The Five Great Relationships

Ruler–Subject; Parent–Child; Husband–Wife; Elder–Younger Sibling; Friend–Friend.

Purpose of the Five Great Relationships

Mutual duties and reciprocity in each role maintain ethical order and social harmony.

Decline of Confucianism in the 1900s

Xinhai Revolution ended imperial rule and exams; May Fourth and Cultural Revolution movements attacked Confucian traditions as feudal.