Chinese Religion

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Dao: The dao (or Dao) is considered a cosmic force that flows through all things, binding and releasing them. Daoism emphasizes "going with the flow” in accordance with the dao1.

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Yin and Yang: According to yin-yang thought, the universe resulted from the interactions between the opposing forces of yin and yang. Yin and yang are necessary for life. Yang is "being," and yin is "lack of being". The symbol of yin and yang expresses balance, representing dark/light, passive/aggressive, and female/male.

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Wu wei: Wu wei is the concept that humans should reconnect with their natural selves by “going with the flow”1. It means "actions without intention" or "actionless action".

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Ren: Ren is benevolence and humaneness towards others. It is considered the highest Confucian virtue.

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Li: Li describes Chinese proprietary rites and good manners, including ritual and etiquette, that support good social order. When Li is observed, everything runs smoothly.

Five Great Relationships (Li): Father over son, Older brother over younger, Husband over wife, Ruler over subject, Older friend over younger friend

Chinese Scriptures:

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Daodejing7

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Analects (Lunyu)

Founders:

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Daoism: Laozi (Lao Tzu)

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Confucianism: Confucius

Vocabulary:

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Tian: The sources do not explicitly define Tian.

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Junzi: The junzi, or gentleman, is a role model and the highest calling for a person in Confucianism. The gentleman holds fast to high principles and fulfills his capacity for goodness through a commitment to virtue developed through moral formation.

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Xiao: Xiao is love within the family, such as the love of parents for their children and of children for their parents.

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De: The sources do not explicitly define de.