The Influence of the Tao Te Ching The Tao Te Ching can be read as a religion text or philosophical text. Religious, the Tao Te Ching is the fundamental text for the religion of Taoism. It was written by Lao Tzu who was an ancient Chinese philosopher and author. The Tao Te Ching has influenced much of Chinese history, culture, philosophy, and art. It has also influenced other religion such as; Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism,and Christianity. The Tao Te Ching has a very extensive and complex textual history. There have been versions found printed on ancient bamboo, silk, and paper manuscripts. (Koi Fresco) The oldest text found dates back to the 4th century BC and it's among the most translated works in world literature next to works like the Bible. Many other Chinese artists, poets, painters,and landscapers have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration for their art. …show more content…
Little is known about the author of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu. It is understood that he was an acquaintance and a follower of the philosopher Confucius. Confucius and Lao Tzu both lived in times of turmoil and were founders of religions.
Confucius founded Confucianism on the basis that the only way to have true order is by respecting relationships. Lao Tzu, who founded Taoism, understood chaos and order differently. Confucianism and Taoism are considered the two sizes to the Chinese philosophical coin. (Novak) Lao Tzu believed that avoiding confrontation and going with the flow is the key to the perfect society. For example, this exert from the text. "Life is a series of natural changes. Do not resist. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." (Lao Tzu
For instance, the author of doc 2, was Zhi Dun, a Chinese scholar and confidant of Chinese aristocrats and high officials. Dun wrote the document during a time of warfare and invasion from the central Asian steppe nomads, circa 350 CE. As an aristocrat of high status though, he mostly likely didn't have to endure the suffering and dangers that a commoner endured and during this moment of crisis when Confucianism did not offer comfort, Buddhism seemed enticing with its promise of enlightenment and nirvana. “[those] who recites the Buddhist scripture… will enter Nirvana” (Doc. 2). In addition, another scholar who supported Buddhism was Kumarakijiva, a Central Asian monk and scholar who was kidnapped and brought to the Qin Dynasty.
However, after Tzu death, Confucianism was crowned the new philosopher of china. As the newly appointed philosopher, he denies all of Tzu opposing views about mankind, but agrees to Mencius another famous Confucian after Confucius himself optimistic theories. Notwithstanding, Tzu was the first philosopher to develop Confucius observation that holds a general truth, for example “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it” into a system of complete thought that become today one of the significant development of the Chinese philosophy. In contrast, he disagrees with the Confucius ideology of human nature, but accepted his analysis on the importance of education that changed a lot of people throughout the Chinese history to commit their lives relating to serious academic learning. Tzu uses figurative words as a main form of procedure to back up his arguments.
Following The Way: Perspectives From a Gentleman and a Sage After I read Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching and Confucius’s “The Analects, an observation about the two authors came to mind. Each author follows what they identify as “The Way” and each has similar values, however there exists a significant difference between not only their approaches to living, but also their understanding of The Way. I was at first inclined to compare and emphasize the similarities of both authors since they seemed to have similar ends to their philosophies. Under further examination however, I found that even though these two authors have comparable aims, they are not shooting in the same direction. The differences between the two authors are significant because they illustrate equally valid philosophies of living a decent life, without necessarily negating one
Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism are all very different sets of beliefs, but yet they are very similar. Confucianism in the Han Dynasty revolved around family morals and the importance of inner morality. Confucianism is “the system of political and ethical ideas formulated by the Chinese philosopher Confucius toward the end of the Zhou Dynasty; it was intended
and you will be smart to not do the same mistake. People will not follow any rules if their is no goverment that is giving out orders. 3. Compare this excerpt to the excerpt of the Tao Te Ching contained in "Laozi on Dao" (p. 188 in the APWH textbook). These two traditions -- Taoism and Confucianism -- have coexisted in China for thousands of years.
Because the Chinese during the Tang dynasty liked to create statues, they created a statue of Buddha, which represents the blend of cultures with the religion because of the Chinese’s devotion to the religion. Zong Mi, a leading Buddhist scholar, described that “Confucius, Laozi and the Buddha were perfect sages.” and states that their teachings were similar and that “...they must be observed with respect.” (Doc 6). Confucianism, founded by Confucius, and Daoism (Taoism) founded by Laozi are philosophies that were all founded in China and was very popular to Chinese people. With the spread of Buddhism in China, Zong Mi wanted to compare the three philosophies together to where they blend with one another, so that Buddhism would be a religion that can be accepted into the Chinese
During early China, many religions, teachings, or philosophies acted as the main or leading idea of the civilization. Thus leading scholars not able to know which one had more an effect on China. The author of document 5 does not choose a side and has equal amount of regard. For example, “all three teachings lead to the creation of an orderly society… must be observed with respect.(Document 5)” The point of view of the author in document 5 was to show that all three teachings happened at the same time and we are unable to know which one had an effect, although the author had a high level of respect.
In document #6, Tang Emperor Wu (845 A.D) expresses his dislike for Buddhist saying “ We have heard the Buddha was never spoken of before the Han Dynasty; from then on the religion of idols gradually came to prominence.” (Doc 6, Wu) The purpose of his writings was to expose Buddhism's faults, and the belief of China being better before the Han dynasty fell and Buddhism took shape. Traditionalist, who read pieces such as the 819 Confucian scholar Han Yu would agree that Buddhism ruined China’s sophisticated ways. Being an official of the Tang imperial court, Han Yu was very influential. “ The Buddha’s sayings contain nothing about our ancient kings and the Buddha’s manner of dress did not conform to our laws” (Doc 4, Yu)
What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? Daodejing is China’s classic philosophical literature that dates back to the Han Dynasty when it was first named as Laozi because it was believed to be written by
Confucianism originated in China, with the teachings of Confucius. Confucianism was spread through relocation diffusion and contagious diffusion spread Confucianism more than hierarchical diffusion. Confucianism is practiced in China, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It has the most influence there. There are approximately 6,111,056 people practicing Confucianism.
Confucianism enforced harmony, between people while legalism enforced strict following of rules. For confucianism was built on the belief that harmony results when people in society accepted their place in their lives. However, Legalism was built on the fact that all humans are more inclined to do the wrong thing instead of the right thing due to the motivation of self-interest. Confucianism is described through the five key relationships: father to son, elder brother to younger brother, husband to wife, elder friend to younger friend, and ruler to subject. But legalism was described
Throughout Chinese history before the Tang and Song dynasties, the daily lives of women and issues from their perspective have not been adequately recorded, due to a male dominated society. However, from the Tang to the Song dynasty, visual and material sources appear which further explains the status of women in society, cultural values, but most importantly, examples of acts of courage, selflessness, and strength. The discussion of women starting with the Tang dynasty is especially important since this is the start of open-mindedness and liberal ideas resulting in women in politics, a woman as empress, and even freedom of expression through poetry and art. However, once shifting to the Song dynasty, the status of women declined further in
Chinese culture was greatly affected because during the invasions by the nomadic tribes, philosophy gave hope to the people. The three philosophies are Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Confucianism was started by Confucius, who wrote The Analects, around 551 BCE. Daoism was started by Laozi who lived around the same time period as Confucius. And Legalism was started by Hanfeizi during the Zhou Dynasty.
There were Chinese Philosophies. According to Document B there were 3 philosophies which were Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. They all had their beliefs and thoughts about life. Confucianism was founded by Confucius and the rules were respect you elders, education is very important, and rule by example. Legalism was founded by Han Feizi and the rules were people can’t be trusted, strict government and laws, harsh punishments, and no book no worship.
Similarities and Differences between Confucianism and Daoism Doaism and Confucianism are the top two ancient styles of living in China, where they both originated in 550 B.C.E (before common era). I believe that Daoism and Confucianism are both the top religions/styles of living in Ancient China, while they have some similarities they are much more different than they are similar. Both are not only ways of living but, they are a way of life. 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.