The Religions and The Religions and Ethical Traditions of Ethical Traditions of

ChinaChina

By Mr. MilewskiBy Mr. Milewski

The Religions and Ethical The Religions and Ethical Traditions of ChinaTraditions of China

ConfucianismConfucianismDaoismDaoismLegalismLegalismBuddhismBuddhismTake the QuizTake the Quiz

ConfuciusConfucius

• Confucius is China’s best known philosopher.

• He was born in about 551B.C.

• The disorder and suffering caused by constant warfare disturbed Confucius.

• He developed ideas about how to restore peace and ensure harmony.

Confucius TraveledConfucius Traveled

• Confucius visited the courts of various princes, hoping to convince them to put his ideas into practice.

• Disappointed by the princes refusals, he returned home, where he taught a small but loyal group of followers.

• After his death, his followers collected his teachings in the Analects.

Confucius’s Five RelationshipsConfucius’s Five Relationships• To restore order, Confucius taught that five

relationships must govern human society. They are:

1.) the relationship between ruler & ruled2.) the relationship between father & son3.) the relationship between older brother &

younger brother4.) the relationship between husband & wife5.) the relationship between friend & friend

• In all but the last relationship (friend & friend), one person has authority over another.

• In each, said Confucius, the superior person should set an example for the inferior one.

“If a ruler himself is upright, all will go well without orders. But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders, they will not be obeyed.”

• According to Confucius, the superior person is also responsible for the well-being of the inferior person.

Confucius and the Mandate of Confucius and the Mandate of HeavenHeaven

• Mandate of Heaven- The Chinese believed that heaven granted a ruler the mandate, or right, to rule. The people, in turn, owed the ruler complete loyalty and obedience.

• Confucius supported the Mandate of Heaven. He said that the ruler must provide good government for his subjects. The rulers subjects, in turn, owed the ruler loyalty and obedience.

Confucius and FamilyConfucius and Family• To Confucius, relationships involving the family are the

key to an orderly society. One of those relationships-the relationship between father and son-is very much like that between the ruler and the ruled.

• Like the ruler, the father must set an example for his son and look after his family.

• The father takes the credit, or the blame, for his children’s actions.

• The son, in turn, is expected to honor and obey his father.

• Confucius stressed the idea of filial piety, the duty and respect that children owe their parents.

The Influence of ConfuciusThe Influence of Confucius• Confucius created a guide to proper behavior

based on ethical, or moral, principles.• In his teachings, he placed the family and the

good of society above the interests of the individual.

• He also stressed loyalty, courtesy, hard work, and service.

• He placed great emphasis on education. He said:“By nature, men are pretty much alike. It is learning and practice that set them apart.”

• The importance of education, as well as other Confucian ideas, helped shape Chinese government.

• In time, Confucian ideas came to dominate Chinese society.

• As China expanded across Asia, Confucianism influenced the cultures of Korea, Japan, and Vietnam as well.

Pop Quiz on ConfuciusPop Quiz on ConfuciusConfucius believed that a superior Confucius believed that a superior person, like the ruler or a father, had person, like the ruler or a father, had the responsibility to set a good the responsibility to set a good example for the inferior person, like example for the inferior person, like the ruled or a son, because the the ruled or a son, because the superior person was responsible for superior person was responsible for the well-being of the inferior person.the well-being of the inferior person.

TRUETRUE FALSEFALSE

Incorrect!!!Incorrect!!!

As the superior person I obviously As the superior person I obviously haven’t set a good example for you haven’t set a good example for you and have disappointed Confucius. and have disappointed Confucius. Please try again so we can try to Please try again so we can try to maintain an orderly society.maintain an orderly society.

CORRECT!!!CORRECT!!!

Confucius said:Confucius said:

““If a ruler himself is upright, all will go well without If a ruler himself is upright, all will go well without orders. But if he himself is not upright, even orders. But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders, they will not be obeyed.”though he gives orders, they will not be obeyed.”

The reason why you answered this correctly The reason why you answered this correctly is obviously because I set such a good is obviously because I set such a good example for you.example for you.

Confucius on EducationConfucius on Education

Confucius believed that all men were Confucius believed that all men were pretty much equal despite the pretty much equal despite the amount of education they had amount of education they had because of this he believed that because of this he believed that education was a waste of time and education was a waste of time and did not set a good example for did not set a good example for society.society.

TRUETRUE FALSE FALSE

Incorrect!!!Incorrect!!!

I have failed to set a good example I have failed to set a good example and I have disappointed Confucius. and I have disappointed Confucius. Please try again so peace and Please try again so peace and harmony can be restored to society.harmony can be restored to society.

CORRECT!CORRECT!

Confucius placed great emphasis on Confucius placed great emphasis on education. He said that:education. He said that:

““By nature, men are pretty much alike. It is By nature, men are pretty much alike. It is learning and practice that set them apart.”learning and practice that set them apart.”

Because I was an outstanding role Because I was an outstanding role model for you, we have a peaceful model for you, we have a peaceful and orderly society and have pleased and orderly society and have pleased Confucius.Confucius.

DaoismDaoism

• Like Confucius, the philosopher Lao Zi Like Confucius, the philosopher Lao Zi studied human society. He, too, studied human society. He, too, searched for ways to establish an orderly searched for ways to establish an orderly society.society.

• Lao Zi, the founder of Daoism, however Lao Zi, the founder of Daoism, however emphasized the link between people and emphasized the link between people and nature rather than the importance of nature rather than the importance of proper behavior.proper behavior.

• Scholars know little about Lao Zi, but Scholars know little about Lao Zi, but that his thoughts are contained in the that his thoughts are contained in the book book The Way of Virtue.The Way of Virtue.

• For centuries, Chinese artists have For centuries, Chinese artists have depicted Lao Zi as a kindly sage who depicted Lao Zi as a kindly sage who embodies the ideal heart of Daoism.embodies the ideal heart of Daoism.

• Lao Zi advised:Lao Zi advised:

““Reveal thy simple self, embrace Reveal thy simple self, embrace thy thy original nature, check thy original nature, check thy selfishness, curtail selfishness, curtail thy desires.”thy desires.”

The Natural WayThe Natural Way

• Daoists believed that the best way to live Daoists believed that the best way to live was the natural way.was the natural way.

• In Chinese the word In Chinese the word dao dao means “the means “the way.” Daoists did not define “the way,” way.” Daoists did not define “the way,” however. It is said, “Those who know the however. It is said, “Those who know the Dao do not speak of it; those who speak Dao do not speak of it; those who speak of it do not know it.”of it do not know it.”

• To Daoists, Confucian rules for society To Daoists, Confucian rules for society were useless. A society with rules was were useless. A society with rules was an artificial creation that disturbed the an artificial creation that disturbed the natural order.natural order.

• Daoists believed people should do Daoists believed people should do nothing that was contrary to nature.nothing that was contrary to nature.

““The duck’s legs are short, but if we The duck’s legs are short, but if we try to lengthen try to lengthen them, the duck will them, the duck will feel pain. The crane’s legs are feel pain. The crane’s legs are long, long, but if we try to shorten them, that crane but if we try to shorten them, that crane will will feel grief. Therefore we are not to feel grief. Therefore we are not to cut off what is cut off what is by nature long, nor to by nature long, nor to lengthen what is by nature lengthen what is by nature short.”short.”

Lao Zi on GovernmentLao Zi on Government

• Lao Zi believed that the best Lao Zi believed that the best government was the one that had the government was the one that had the fewest rules and laws.fewest rules and laws.

• He valued simplicity. Lao said:He valued simplicity. Lao said:““The wise man keeps to the deed that The wise man keeps to the deed that

consists in consists in taking no action and practices taking no action and practices the teaching that the teaching that uses no words.”uses no words.”

Bad Government According to DaoistsBad Government According to Daoists

Daoist influence and Daoist influence and inventionsinventions• The Daoists study of nature enabled them to The Daoists study of nature enabled them to

make advances in science and technology.make advances in science and technology.• They recorded the movements of planets and They recorded the movements of planets and

increased their knowledge of astronomy.increased their knowledge of astronomy.

• They may have developed the magnetic They may have developed the magnetic compass to determine favorable places for compass to determine favorable places for graves. graves.

• Daoist observations of natural forces Daoist observations of natural forces led to discoveries in chemistry and led to discoveries in chemistry and biology.biology.

• Some scholars think that Daoists Some scholars think that Daoists invented gunpowder, which they invented gunpowder, which they used to frighten ghosts.used to frighten ghosts.

Daoists and ReligionDaoists and Religion

• Daoism developed links with folk Daoism developed links with folk religions. Peasants believed that gods religions. Peasants believed that gods and spirits controlled the unseen and spirits controlled the unseen powerful forces in nature.powerful forces in nature.

• To find out what would please the spirits, To find out what would please the spirits, they turned to Daoist priests for help.they turned to Daoist priests for help.

• Priests used all kinds of magic to Priests used all kinds of magic to determine lucky days for weddings and determine lucky days for weddings and the best place for graves.the best place for graves.

Pop Quiz on DaoismPop Quiz on Daoism

Daoists believe that the best Daoists believe that the best government is the government with government is the government with the most rules and laws that will the most rules and laws that will ensure order.ensure order.

TRUETRUE FALSEFALSE

Correct!!Correct!!Daoists believe that best government is Daoists believe that best government is

the government that has the fewest rules the government that has the fewest rules and laws. Lao Zi said:and laws. Lao Zi said:

““The wise man keeps to the deed that The wise man keeps to the deed that consists in consists in taking no action and practices taking no action and practices the teaching that the teaching that uses no words.”uses no words.”

Lao Zi verses ConfuciusLao Zi verses Confucius

Daoists reject Confucian rules for Daoists reject Confucian rules for society because they disturbed the society because they disturbed the natural way.natural way.

TRUETRUE FALSEFALSE

Correct!Correct! Daoists reject Confucian rules for society Daoists reject Confucian rules for society

because they are an artificial creation. Lao Zi because they are an artificial creation. Lao Zi said:said:

““The duck’s legs are short, but if we try to The duck’s legs are short, but if we try to lengthen lengthen them, the duck will feel pain. them, the duck will feel pain.

The The crane’s legs are crane’s legs are long, but if we try to long, but if we try to shorten shorten them, that crane will feel grief. them, that crane will feel grief. Therefore Therefore we are not to cut off what is we are not to cut off what is by by nature long, nature long, nor to lengthen what is by nor to lengthen what is by nature short.”nature short.”

IncorrectIncorrect

You have not followed the natural way. You have not followed the natural way. Return to where you came from and have Return to where you came from and have Lao assist you in finding “the way.” Lao assist you in finding “the way.”

LegalismLegalism

A third school of thought that shaped China’s A third school of thought that shaped China’s early history is Legalism.early history is Legalism.

The most famous Legalist writer was Han The most famous Legalist writer was Han Feizi. It is unknown when he was born, but he Feizi. It is unknown when he was born, but he died in 233 B.C.died in 233 B.C.

In his book, of the same name, In his book, of the same name, Han FeiziHan Feizi, , rejected Confucian ideas about proper rejected Confucian ideas about proper behavior. behavior.

Han Feizi believed that people acted out of Han Feizi believed that people acted out of self-interest and would only respond to self-interest and would only respond to rewards and punishments, not good rewards and punishments, not good examples.examples.

Because of self-interest, Legalists Because of self-interest, Legalists believed that only harsh laws imposed believed that only harsh laws imposed by a strong ruler would ensure order.by a strong ruler would ensure order.

Han Feizi noted:Han Feizi noted:

““The ruler alone possesses power, The ruler alone possesses power, wielding it wielding it like lightening or like thunder.”like lightening or like thunder.”

In 221 B.C., the Qin emperor Shi In 221 B.C., the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi used Legalist ideas to unite Huangdi used Legalist ideas to unite China.China.

Legacy of LegalismLegacy of Legalism

Many feudal rulers of China like Shi Many feudal rulers of China like Shi Huangdi, chose Legalism as the most Huangdi, chose Legalism as the most effective way to keep order. Shi’s effective way to keep order. Shi’s laws were so cruel that later laws were so cruel that later generations despised Legalism.generations despised Legalism.

Yet, Legalist ideas survived in laws Yet, Legalist ideas survived in laws that forced people to work on that forced people to work on government projects and punished government projects and punished those who slacked from their duties. those who slacked from their duties.

Pop Quiz on LegalismPop Quiz on Legalism

Legalists believed that people held Legalists believed that people held power over the ruler.power over the ruler.

TRUETRUE FALSEFALSE

Incorrect!!Incorrect!!

You have chosen poorly. For your poor You have chosen poorly. For your poor judgment, you will be forced to wash judgment, you will be forced to wash all the desks in the school with a all the desks in the school with a toothbrush from a Barbie Doll. toothbrush from a Barbie Doll. Unfortunately, this is still to harsh of a Unfortunately, this is still to harsh of a punishment according to the U.S. punishment according to the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution. Your are lucky this isn’t Constitution. Your are lucky this isn’t the Qin Dynasty, so try again.the Qin Dynasty, so try again.

Correct!!Correct!!

For pleasing your ruler, you will only For pleasing your ruler, you will only have to study for 16 hours tonight have to study for 16 hours tonight instead of 18 hours. Enjoy your two instead of 18 hours. Enjoy your two free hours, but be cautious because free hours, but be cautious because remember what Han Feizi said:remember what Han Feizi said:

““The ruler alone possesses power, The ruler alone possesses power, wielding it wielding it like lightening or like like lightening or like thunder.”thunder.”

Next time, you could be on the Next time, you could be on the opposite side of the ruler.opposite side of the ruler.

BuddhismBuddhism During the first century A.D., During the first century A.D., Buddhism reached China from India.Buddhism reached China from India. Buddhism was one of the few foreign Buddhism was one of the few foreign

influences that had a deep impact on influences that had a deep impact on Chinese life.Chinese life.

It spread along caravan trade routes that It spread along caravan trade routes that linked India to China. linked India to China.

Later, Buddhism-and the culture of China-Later, Buddhism-and the culture of China-was taken to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. was taken to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

The Appeal of BuddhismThe Appeal of Buddhism

The Chinese found a great deal of comfort in The Chinese found a great deal of comfort in Buddhism. The three Chinese schools of thought-Buddhism. The three Chinese schools of thought-Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism-dealt with Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism-dealt with life on Earth. Buddhism was a religion that offered life on Earth. Buddhism was a religion that offered an escape from the suffering of earthly life.an escape from the suffering of earthly life.

Buddhism promised salvation for the good, those Buddhism promised salvation for the good, those who lived moral lives, and punishment for the who lived moral lives, and punishment for the wicked. It stressed mercy and compassion.wicked. It stressed mercy and compassion.

Buddhist monks and nuns built hospitals Buddhist monks and nuns built hospitals and helped the poor.and helped the poor.

First impression of BuddhismFirst impression of Buddhism

When Buddhism first reached China, many When Buddhism first reached China, many Chinese saw it as a foreign religion. They Chinese saw it as a foreign religion. They could not understand the vague concept of could not understand the vague concept of nirvana. nirvana.

Also, they criticized people who abandoned Also, they criticized people who abandoned their families to become monks and nuns.their families to become monks and nuns.

In time, Buddhism blended with Chinese beliefs and In time, Buddhism blended with Chinese beliefs and values. Nirvana became the western Heaven, reflecting values. Nirvana became the western Heaven, reflecting Chinese ideas about the afterlife. Chinese ideas about the afterlife.

Chinese Buddhists emphasized Confucian ideas of proper Chinese Buddhists emphasized Confucian ideas of proper behavior and respect for family and ancestors. They also behavior and respect for family and ancestors. They also absorbed Daoist views of nature because the Chinese absorbed Daoist views of nature because the Chinese could accept diverse ideas. As a result, many Chinese could accept diverse ideas. As a result, many Chinese followed Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian beliefs at the followed Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian beliefs at the same time.same time.

Confucianism and Daoism were concerned with ethics and Confucianism and Daoism were concerned with ethics and living in harmony with nature, including the gods and spirits living in harmony with nature, including the gods and spirits that were believed to be everywhere. Although temples that were believed to be everywhere. Although temples and ceremonies developed around both schools of thought, and ceremonies developed around both schools of thought, neither Confucianism nor Daoism were a true religion like neither Confucianism nor Daoism were a true religion like Buddhism was. Buddhism was.

Pop Quiz on BuddhismPop Quiz on Buddhism

Buddhism was not a true religion, Buddhism was not a true religion, unlike Confucianism and Daoism.unlike Confucianism and Daoism.

TRUETRUE FALSEFALSE

Incorrect!!!Incorrect!!! If it is nirvana you seek, click on the If it is nirvana you seek, click on the

Buddha to make your enlightenment Buddha to make your enlightenment complete.complete.

CORRECT!!!CORRECT!!!

Buddhism was a true religion, not a Buddhism was a true religion, not a philosophy like Confucianism and philosophy like Confucianism and Daoism. Daoism.

Question #1Question #1Which philosopher taught that there Which philosopher taught that there is a hierarchy in society where the is a hierarchy in society where the superior person is responsible for the superior person is responsible for the inferior person?inferior person?

a. Confucius (Confucianism)a. Confucius (Confucianism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism) d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)

CORRECT!CORRECT!

• Confucius taught that there is a hierarchy in society where the superior person is responsible for the inferior person. He said:

“If a ruler himself is upright, all will go well without orders. But if he himself is not upright, even though he gives orders, they will not be obeyed.”

Question #2Question #2Which Chinese philosopher taught Which Chinese philosopher taught that people acted out of self-interest that people acted out of self-interest and would ONLY respond to rewards and would ONLY respond to rewards and punishments imposed by a harsh and punishments imposed by a harsh ruler?ruler?a. Confucius (Confucianism)a. Confucius (Confucianism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)

CORRECT !!CORRECT !!

Han Feizi believed that people acted Han Feizi believed that people acted ONLY out of self-interest. He noted ONLY out of self-interest. He noted that:that:

““The ruler alone possesses power, wielding The ruler alone possesses power, wielding it it like lightening or like thunder.”like lightening or like thunder.”

Question #3Question #3Which Chinese philosopher taught Which Chinese philosopher taught that the best government was the that the best government was the one that had the fewest rules one that had the fewest rules because human rules interfere with because human rules interfere with the natural way?the natural way?a. Confucius (Confucianism)a. Confucius (Confucianism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)

YOU ARE CORRECT!YOU ARE CORRECT!

• Lao Zi believed that the best Lao Zi believed that the best government was the one that government was the one that had the fewest rules and laws. had the fewest rules and laws. He said that:He said that:

““The wise man keeps to the deed The wise man keeps to the deed that consists in taking no action and that consists in taking no action and practices the teaching that uses no practices the teaching that uses no words.”words.”

Question #4Question #4

Which of the following philosophies Which of the following philosophies and religious beliefs were NOT native and religious beliefs were NOT native to China?to China?

a. Confucius (Confucianism)a. Confucius (Confucianism)

b. Lao Zi (Daoism)b. Lao Zi (Daoism)

c. Han Feizi (Legalism)c. Han Feizi (Legalism)

d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)d. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism)

Correct!Correct!

Buddhism was NOT native to China. Buddhism was NOT native to China. As a matter of fact, Siddhartha As a matter of fact, Siddhartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism, Gautama the founder of Buddhism, was from Nepal.was from Nepal.

INCORRECT You have NOT followed the example set by

Confucius. You have not followed the natural way and made

Lao Zi cry. You have angered Han Feizi and you will be

punished! Luckily Siddhartha is on you side and will give you

another chance at achieving Nirvana.