Comparing Dao In Confucianism And Daoism

Confucianism is the philosophy that would be the most stable comparing to Legalism and Daoism. First of all, the goal of Confucianism was to have a society that was peaceful and just. This means that Confucius wasn't a violent man. It shows that he wanted peace. His purpose wasn't to rule everything around him; it was the complete opposite.

Daoist thought is holistic and universal, based on the observation of relationships among all phenomena (Jung, 1997). The Dao is a concept that is difficult to explain. It is described as that which is within everything, as a certain philosophy of living, and as a “Way” or path to enlightenment. Watts (1993) describes it as “a vast Oneness that precedes and in some mysterious manner generates the endlessly diverse forms of the world” (p.xxvii). The Dao is often explained in metaphorical terms, and through the use of other poetic literary devices such as rhyming and repetition. The Dao is expressed eloquently through the visual images and stories portrayed in Miyazaki’s films. The characters in Princess Mononoke also express attributes of the

The base layer of many cultures is their religion, or philosophy of how they should live. The religion, or beliefs of a culture or region, can shape and mold that society in many different ways, whether it is how they view society, nature, and civilization or how they treat one another. Both Daoism and Confucianism played a pivotal roll in the development of Asian cultures. Confucianism came from the early teachings of the Dao or the “way of life” which began “The classical period beginning in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou kingdoms, including the justly famous Warring States philosophers at the end of the Shou kingdom from (1700-221 BCE), while Daoism started after in 200 BCE. While Daoism started to develop in 200 BCE and on. Both Daoism and Confucianism believed in the power of the Dao or the “way of life”. Although, while the followers of Confucianism had much more leeway and had the freedom to create their own destiny, in Daoism, the people let the Dao determine what path their life would take.

Daoism and Confucianism are very different philosophies. The thought of the two ruling together is very hard and unrealistic to imagine, but not impossible. Both believe in very basic morals such as, not stealing, cheating, lying, or killing. They also believe in treating people well. Daoism strongly believes every living thing including bugs are equal. Confucianism believes that people eventually with following Confucianism beliefs and becoming a gentleman then you are perfect and equal to everyone.

Although there are many of similarities between Daoism and Buddhism, there are also several contrasting reasons that the philosophy Daoism believed that everyday life could be peaceful and happiness, but they must follow the way of Dao and the way of nature. If they break the rules, they will not receive peace and harmony. Nevertheless, Buddhism is an idealism and they believed that we can rebirth. Everyone had to pay for their action. If a man did a bad action in his life, he must need to experience some pains before he could receive Enlightment.

Confucians heavily emphasized bettering the community through active learning. On the other hand, Daoists prefer a more passive approach where they withdrew themselves from the problem in order to solve it (Benjamin 9). Also, unlike Confucius, the Daoists thought about the metaphysical, such as whether or not death is really something to be feared (Benjamin 9). Nature is a large focus in Daoism, something to be respected, while Confucians emphasize respect towards humans (Benjamin 9). Even so, both Daoism and Confucianism values are adopted by many of the modern day Chinese, where they will be Confucians in the workplace and Daoists when they get some time to explore their inner selves (Benjamin

Daoist philosophy places emphases on an instinctive awareness, supported by balanced contact with nature, and rejects everything that is not natural. The principles of the Daoist encouraged isolation from humanity for personal development in nature and attaining balance between yin and yang. Confucian philosophy seeks order and social stability. The philosophy states that junzi (superior person) who has ren (human heartedness), exemplifies the ideal social order sought. An individual could become a junzi by promoting certain qualities like understanding of suffering and a quest of morality and righteousness. Confucius and his disciple Mencius had an influence on Chinese thought and social practice. Chinese traditions of worshiping deceased ancestors and exceptional leaders inspired the growth of Confucianism as a philosophic custom and religion. Confucianism was established as the state’s official doctrine by Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty. However, both philosophies of Confucianism and Daoism believed that anyone can develop wisdom or skill, regardless of social status or birth.

Confucianism is the belief in setting good examples for other people to follow. They are based off of the five key relationships of the ancient chinese society. The first is ruler and subject an example of this would be that the ruler would be expected to be kind and generous to his subjects, and the

The key experience, which should be the main goal, in Taoism is the idea of tao "the way" and developing as a person to become more in touch and in control of one’s own emotions. Emotionally the beliefs in Taoism are strongly rooted in compassion, virtue and meditation to provide different emotions. The three jewels of Taoism are meant to be the virtues of Taoism; compassion, frugality, humility. Compassion is the feeling of great sympathy and sorrow for someone who is stricken by misfortune. Virtue in the other hand being the moral excellence, goodness and righteousness. The purposes of rituals and meditation is to give experience for a person 's soul in order to develop and control their own

The different schools of thoughts have seen to prosper during the Warring State Period. The Warring State period witnessed intensive warfare. Some of the ambitious king fought with the aim of gaining more territory and power, while some were fighting to survive and retain their power. Consequently, many states were not only competing with their military power but also with the philosophy they adapted in court and the state. Some of the notable schools of thought included Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism and Mohism. However, in this paper, I will be highlighting on Confucianism and Legalism as these two philosophies differ vastly in their perception on whether human nature is kind or evil.

China was in a state of madness during a time called the Period of the Warring States. During 500 B.C, which was the period of the warring state, armies were sent to war and sent to destroy other states. Although during this time, violence was the common in the Zhou kingdom. Whole villages of men, women, and children of all ages were beheaded or harmed. The Chinese wanted to bring order and peace back to society, for it seemed impossible. Between 500 B.C-200 B.C, the philosophers, or the Chinese thinkers came up with theories and ideas to help bring peace and order to society. These three perspectives were, Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.

Similar to Confucius, Laozi also sought out a solution to create harmony in a world full of chaos and fragmentation. But Laozi found the solution through Daosim. The three ideas, the Dao, wuwei and yin and yang, are three key concepts in Daoism that leads to the harmony that Laozi strived for. These ideas, although created hundreds of years ago, still deeply influence Chinese thinking and culture

Among the most influential religions in China, Daoism has shown the highest regard for women. In the Dao de jing, the idea of being like a woman is encouraged. They are yielding and accepting, but in that, it only makes them one step closer to becoming one with the Dao. Furthermore, in Daoism, there is also the idea of balance in the world because of the coexistence between opposing forces. Understanding these Daoist values helps explain the roles of the female deities in the texts, where the theme of unity is always present. Female deities are essential because their main role is to be the other part necessary in creating a “whole.” Staying true to Daoism’s idea of being nothing and being formless, these female deities are characterized in

It can be said that opposites attract as well as complement each other. Within the religions of Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto lay harmony, respect, and ethical behavior towards nature, ancestors, oneself, and others. Although Daoism and Confucianism are native to China and Shinto to Japan, East Asian cultures integrate these religions and practices with openness and acceptance. They are the light and dark without reference to good or bad as the opposites necessitate one another. (Fisher, 2014, 201) Instead the interwoven religions of Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto compliment each other in addition to having distinct differences.

Buddhism’s ideal practitioners focus on wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Buddhists seek knowledge, act properly, and mediate to obtain liberation. These traits contrast Taoism by Taoists believing knowledge is not something to strive for because it leads to desire, which leads to forceful action. Although, The Analects by Confucius has a theme of wisdom and learning, which parallels Buddhist’s values for wisdom.