East Asian Religions: Confucianism and Daoism Flashcards

Vocabulary terms encompassing the early history, key figures, central values, and primary practices of Confucianism and Daoism.

Shang Era

A period (1750–1040 B.C.E.) in early Chinese religion characterized by reciprocity between the living and dead ancestors, and access to the divinity Shang di through bone divination via shamans.

Shang di

The divinity or spirits in the Shang Era that humans communicated with through bone divination and to whom they offered sacrifices.

Zhou/Chou Era

A period (1040 BCE–256 CE) marked by a shift towards performing ritual for its own sake and the belief that de is given by Shang di to just rulers.

Mandate of Heaven

A Zhou Era concept conveying that good governance was mandated by Heaven, making moral character the primary determinant of the right to rule.

Chun-tzu

Translated as "superior man," it represents the ideal person who achieves virtue and ethical propriety in Confucianism, or lives in harmony with the dao in Daoism.

De

In the Shang era, it referred to ritual observance that was selflessly performed; in the Zhou era and Confucianism, it refers to moral power or charisma.

Master K’úng

Also known as Confucius (6th c BCE), he emphasized virtue and ethical propriety in the private and public spheres as a means of becoming a chun-tzu.

Ren

The central Confucian value emphasized by Master K’ung.

Li

A central form of practice in Confucianism referring to ritual propriety and just rule.

Xiao

The Confucian concept of filial piety.

5 Fundamental Relationships

The Confucian social framework consisting of: Parents/children, Husband/wife, Older and younger siblings, Friends, and Ruler and minister.

Analects

A primary Confucian text also referred to as "The Virtues of the Superior Man."

Lao Zi

Also known as Lao Tzu (circa. 6th BCE), he emphasized individualistic retreat and living in harmony with the dao as a means of becoming a chun-tzu.

Tao Te Ching/Dao De Jing

A primary Daoist text describing the nature of the Tao; it is used as a manual of leadership and for theological or philosophical purposes.

Dao/Tao

Translated as "the way," it represents the flow of nature and the foundation for harmony in individual and social life.

Wu-wei

A key concept in Daoist thought and the Zhou Era meaning "effortless action."

Yin-yang

Cosmic forces in Daoism representing balance; they are central to the Daoist understanding of the world.

Qi (chi)

The vital life force that Daoist practices, such as inner alchemy and proper diet, aim to maintain in proper balance.

Qigong

Defined as the "effort (or merit) of qi," it includes healing practices and movements such as Taiji (tai chi).

Taiji (tai chi)

A form of Qigong practice focused on the effort or merit of qi and maintaining the balance of vital life force.