World Religions - Part II

Confucianism and Daoism

Confucianism

Confucianism - Origin

Confucius is the “head teacher”

Wanted to restore “order” to Chinese society after years of conflict

Confucianism - Basic Beliefs

Emphasizes liThe “rituals” of everyday life

Goal is to promote harmony on Earth through relationshipsRuler/SubjectsFather/SonHusband/WifeBrother/BrotherFriend/Friend

Education

Confucianism - Society

Becomes foundation of Chinese government

Reinforced family as the center of Chinese society

Influences other nations: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore

Confucianism - The Analects

Example: 7.22 The Master said, “In strolling in the company of just

two other persons, I am bound to find a teacher. Identifying their strengths, I follow them, and identifying their weaknesses, I reform myself accordingly.” Which relationship? What does it mean in your own words?

In Class Activity – with seatmates (two or threes) For each saying: answer the two questions above. For each situation: Match the situation to the appropriate

Analect. Explain how your match is correct

Daoism

Daoism (Taosim) - Origin

Founded by Laozi during the Warring States period in China

Laozi - could have been Confucius’ teacher?

Philosophy

Daoism - Basic Beliefs

Basic text = Dao De Jing (The Classic in the Way and Its Power)

But who wrote it? Those who speak know nothing:

Those who know are silent.” These words, I am told, Were spoken by Laozi. If we are to believe that Laozi, Was himself one who knew, How is it that he wrote a book, Of five thousand words?

Daoism - Basic Beliefs

Tao means “The Path” (to happiness)

LAO says:Happiness is finding balance… in yourself and

nature.Finding joy and laughter in everyday moments

is the key.Let go of stress and worry and forget about

things that make you sad.

The Great Philosopher -- Winnie the Pooh

There is more to knowing than just being correct.

"Lot's of people talk to animals," said Pooh. "Maybe, but..."

"Not very many listen, though," he said. "That's the problem," he added.

Daoism and Winnie the Pooh

A clever mind is not a heart."Rabbit's clever," said Pooh

thoughtfully."Yes," said Piglet. "Rabbit's clever.""And he has Brain.""Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain."There was a long silence."I suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything."

Which Pooh are You?

Look over the descriptions of each Pooh character. Think about which personality traits you have in common with each character…

You are going to be explaining to me who you are in terms of Tao and Pooh! You might be one character or a combination of two.

Maybe you think you know who I am too . . . Class Activity:

Write at least one paragraph (6-8 sentences) telling me which “pooh” you are. Explain why!!