what does it mean to be taoist or a follower of confucius?
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I Who were Laozi and Confucius? A) After the fall of the Zhou Dynasty in China in 475 BCE, China entered the Warring States Period; a time of constant war between competing states. B) During this time, two great Chinese philosophers emerged; Confucius and Laozi. They developed different philosophies as to how to restore peace, unity, and harmony to China. On the left is Laozi and on the right is ConfuciusTRANSCRIPT
What does it mean to be Taoist or a follower of Confucius?
Do Now: How would you describe Winnie the Pooh and his friends? Which character would you most want to
be like and why?
NY State Standard 2Common Core RS 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and WS 1, 2
I Who were Laozi and Confucius?A) After the fall of the Zhou Dynasty in China in 475 BCE, China entered the Warring States Period; a time of constant war between competing states.B) During this time, two great Chinese philosophers emerged; Confucius and Laozi. They developed different philosophies as to how to restore peace, unity, and harmony to China.
On the left is Laozi and on the right is Confucius
Warring States Era, China 403 – 221 BCE
II Taoism “the way”A) Laozi, the founder of Taoism in the 6th century BCE, wrote The Way of Virtue, a sacred text of Taoism.B) Taoist Beliefs:1. “Those who know the Tao do not speak of it. Those who speak of it do not know it.”*Taoism needs to be experienced2. Ch'i is the life force that is in all things.3. It is virtuous to avoid conflict. Government should be limited.4. Taoism is polytheistic.
Taoism Continued…
The yin-yang symbol represents two opposing
and complementary forces that make up all
things.
“Go with the flow”
Taoism Continued…C) Taoist Practices:1. Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation2. Taoists worship at shrines (sacred spaces)
and temples. These are often found outdoors due to their deep respect for nature.
3. The Lantern Festival is a Taoist holiday which is celebrated during the first full moon of the year.
III ConfucianismA) Confucius (551 - 479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher. His teachings were written down in the Analects by his students. He is NOT worshipped as a god. His teachings greatly influenced Chinese culture.B) Confucius believed in filial piety; respect must be given to your elders and ancestors.
SUPERIOR INFERIORRuler Ruled
Husband Wife
Parent Child
Elder brother Younger Brother
Friend Friend
C) Confucius believed there are 5 key relationships in any society. Only friends are equals. Superiors AND inferiors must show respect to the other, in order to keep harmony.
D) Confucius Day is celebrated in China on September 29th.
Key Vocabulary
Fill in your religion chart
for Taoism and Confucianism
for HW!