ChinaConfucianism

TaoismBuddhism

CONFUCIANISM

Beginnings

• Confucius (the Master) is more correctly known as Kong Qiu or Kong Fuzi (551-479 B.C.).

• He was the founder of a way of life, philosophy, or religion named Confucianism.

• The Master was honored as a sage in his own time and had a shrine built for him upon his death.

• He is known as China’s First Teacher. • He believes that one can discover what

it is to be human through learning.

BeliefsEnvisions the grand harmony among human relationships, and this vision is emphasized by the doctrine of the Five Constant Relationships. – Parent & Child– Husband & Wife– Faith between Friends– Precedence of Old

over the young – Ruler and Subject.

Also…

• Self(hood) focuses on our individuality and self-identity.

• Family –One’s relationship with family members is defined by respect and patience.

• Nation -Government should offer their best in ensuring the happiness of the people and the ongoing improvement of society.

• Heaven – Confucianism also believes in heaven.

Confucianism also believes in:

MaximsMaxim – a statement of a general truth about human behavior

– sometimes with practical advice– usually 2 sentences or less

Examples:• It’s better to be safe than sorry.• You’re never too old to learn.• Opposites attract.• You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.• Nothing ventured, nothing gained.• One man’s meat is another man’s poison.• We promise according to our hopes and perform according to our fears.• It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves.

AporhismsMaxims that are phrased in “pointed” or witty way. • Concise• Easy to Remember Examples:• To study without thinking is futile.

To think without studying is dangerous. – Confucius

• The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. – William Faulkner

• The simplest questions are the hardest to answer. - Northrup Frye

• Fish and visitors smell in three days. -Benjamin Franklin

Activity1. Read pgs. 434-4392. Answer these questions:

1. What kind of person does Confucius seem to be?

2. What kinds of behavior does he advise people to pursue?

3. What is his attitude toward his listeners?

4. Do you think Confucius views human nature in an optimistic or a pessimistic way? Explain.

5. Do you agree with all of Confucius’ teachings? Why or why not? Explain your opinion.

6. Choose one of his sayings that you think relates directly to life today. Explain your choice.

3. Create your own maxims or aphorisms that relate to life in Sonoraville High School. Add them to the Wall of Wisdom on the board.

TAOISM

Meanings• A spiritual, philosophical and

religious tradition that emphasizesliving in harmony with the Tao.

• Tao means "way", "path", or "principle", and can also be found religions other than Taoism.

• The Tao is the source of purpose or existence. It gives birth to all living things and becomes part of all living things.

• It is the force that moves all things toward bering in harmony/true nature

Beginnings - Lao Tzu • Credited as first teacher of Taoism• Means Old Philosopher or Old Master• Miracle birth in 500 BCs• Lived to be 160• Court archivist of the Chou dynasty• Seen as a saint by some and a god by others• Confucius reportedly told his students that

Lao Tzu was like a dragon that “rides on the winds and clouds and ascends to heaven.”

Gods

• Jade Emperor• 3 Pure Ones• Eight Immortals• + MANY moreHeaven - shijie or "release from the corpse", what happens after is described variously as transformation, immortality or ascension to heaven.

Literature

Tao Te Ching the main expression of Taoist thought. Written in the 3rd or 4th century probably by many authors. • Short (81 pages)• After the Bible, most translated book.• Teaches “The Way”

Summarizing Tao

• Taoism is acceptance of your life.• Taoism is following your breath to find peace.• Taoism is opening up a smile to enable possibility.Guidelines• With care, I aid those who are extended expressions of my nature.• Be true to myself• Connect to the world as I want to be treated.• Connect to those outside my nature with decisive action.• To those unwilling to accept me for my true nature, no action is

required:Just silently let them be themselves as I remain myself.

• I own nothing; I am merely a passing custodian of items outside of my nature.

An Excerpt from the Tao Te ChingThe Tao is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in ouremployment of it we must be on our guard against all fulness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were the Honoured Ancestor of all things!We should blunt our sharp points, and unravel the complications of things; we should attemper our brightness, and bring ourselves into agreement with the obscurity of others. How pure and still the Tao is, as if it would ever so continue!I do not know whose son it is. It might appear to have been before God.

Reading

1. Read pg. 443-4452. Answer these questions

1. In passage 37, the writer refers to “powerful men and women.” What do you thin is the Taoist attitude toward being powerful?

2. According to your understanding of Taoism, what do you thin are the correct answer to the questions posed in passage 44? Explain.

3. In passage 68, the writer speak of competing in “spirit of play.” What do you think the writer means?

Buddhism

Founder of Buddhism

• Siddhartha Gautama became Buddha in 535 BCE when he reached enlightenment. • The Middle Way as

the path to enlightenment.

Buddhism –Belief about God

Generally, Buddhists do not believe in any type of God, the need for a savior, prayer, or eternal life after death.

Since the time of Buddha, Buddhism has integrated many regional religious rituals, beliefs and customs as it has spread throughout Asia

Dalai Lamas are the head monks of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterlife

Some Buddhists, however, believe in reincarnation. After many cycles, if a person releases his attachment to self, he can reach

Nirvana or ultimate existence.

To Reach Nirvana

Major TextTripitaka (means 3 baskets) –

Collection of Budha’s teachings

1. Sutras (Budha’s written and spoken words)

2. Vinaya (rules for monks) 3. Abhidharma (philosopy)

ZenA type of

Buddhism. A Japanese word, Zen comes from a word meaning "meditation."

Reading 1. Read

pgs. 452-458.2. Pick one of Li

Po’s poems and TPCASTT.

HaikuHaikus are Japanese poems that have 3 lines. The first line and

third line have 5 syllables. The middle line has 7. Usually, they are about nature. Here’s an example:The RoseThe red blossom bends and drips its dew to the ground. Like a tear it falls

Now, write your own. 1) Pick a persona. Remember to stay in nature. You can be a tree,

a cat, a rock, a leaf, et al2) What would your persona write about? Squirrels? Autumn?

Time passing? ONLY 17 Syllables!

Tanka Poems

The Tanka poem is very similar to haiku but a Tanka poem has more syllables and it uses simile, metaphor and personification.

Line one - 5 syllables All the small momentsLine two - 7 syllables Which, together, make my day;Line three - 5 syllable All the great duties

Line four - 7 syllables Which can seem too much to bear

Line five - 7 syllables Alike are fleeting, precious

Tanka poems are written about

nature, seasons, love, sadness and

other strong emotions.

Become ONE With Nature

Zen Poetry