Confucianism and Taoism (Christianity & World Religions - Final Exam)

Analects

The central writing containing the teachings of Confucius.

Alchemy

Inspired by Daoist principles, a group of philosophers developed an interest in magic and alchemy with the goal of attaining immortality. They believed they would find success by allowing the forces of nature to find their equilibrium and then harnessing the resulting energy to increase their life force. They believed that the longer substances remained in the womb (earth), the more precious it will become. Alchemists were trying to speed up this process.

Chi (Qi)

A mana-like force that pervades all things. It is a life force. The more chi something has, the longer it will live. It can be reconverted into energy/power.

Fangshi

Adepts known as “masters of the recipe.” It was believed they had found the recipe for immortality. They pursued philosophy, yoga-like exercises, hygiene, and alchemy.

Five Cardinal Virtues

• Ren: the attitude of seeking the welfare of others

• Yi: righteousness

• Li: doing the right thing at the right time, appropriateness

• Zhi: wisdom

• Xin: faithfulness, integrity

Five Great Relationships

• Father (kindness) - Son (filial piety)

• Elder Brother (gentility) - Younger Brother (humility)

• Husband (righteous behavior) - Wife (obedience)

• Elder (human consideration) - Junior (deference)

• Ruler (benevolence) - Subject (loyalty)

Yijing/I Ching

The “Book of Changes.” Describes a method of divination using broken and unbroken sticks. Their formation would reveal whether yin or yang was dominant.

Junzi

Meaning “gentleman,” this is the Confucian concept that humans are naturally good. Since humans learn best by example, it is good to have a model human being for society (a junzi).

Confucius (Kongfuzi)

Studied ancient history and philosophy while working in the civil service. After becoming the minister of justice, he was ousted from his home province. He began a period of teaching, accumulating disciples and trying to convince the rulers of his ideas. Confucianism eventually became official imperial philosophy. He wanted everyone to study how people behaved long ago and emulate these actions to return to the ideal state. His focus was on the proper execution of duties in line with the proper names of things.

Laozi (Zhuangzi)

Rumored to have been born at the age of 72. When leaving China, he was requested to write down his wisdom in what became the Daodejing. He was the supposed founder of Daoism.

Tao (Dao or Do)

Means “the way.” Refers to the correct flow of things in proper harmony, including the right balance between yin and yang. Both a philosophy and a religion. The true Dao lays beyond words or actions. It is nondual, beyond counting and rational categories. In order for it to reveal itself, we must act without intention. Natural harmony will then arise.

Tao Te Ching (Daodejing)

The “book of the way and its power,” written by Laozi. Its philosophy is quietism, claiming the solution to problems is in doing as little as possible so the Dao can manifest itself. When people stop trying to make a better life for themselves or society, a natural harmony will occur. Teaches that value judgments are based on arbitrary standards. Opposing categories are relative, so people should escape from making judgments altogether.

Monism

All reality has a single, distinct source (the Dao).

Shang-Ti (Shangdi)

One of the deities of early Chinese history, Shangdi was the Supreme Being, the “Lord of Heaven.” The king was responsible to him. If he was not faithful to Shangdi, the entire society would suffer.

Yin and Yang

The world consists of these two opposing but complementary forces. Optimally, these are in perfect balance. Within each component, there is an element of the other. Yin is associated with dark, passive, female, cool, quietness, and earth. Yang is associated with bright, light, active, male, hot, and heaven. Good is the proper balance between these forces; bad is the improper balance.

Wu-wei

“Actionless action,” this is connected to acting without intention. The goal is to achieve a condition of letting oneself become at one with nature without trying to manipulate one’s condition.

Xian

The “immortals” who achieved immortality through alchemy. Some make their spiritual power available to others.

Zhuang-zi

A follower of Laozi who wrote a series of essays on Daoism, illustrating the philosophy with anecdotes. With Laozi acting as the protagonist in some essays, he made the point that Daoist philosophy was a genuine alternative to Confucian ritualism.