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Confucianism

Confucianism is an ancient
Chinese belief system, which
focuses on the importance of
personal ethics and morality.
Whether it is only a
philosophy or also a religion is
debated.
Since Confucianism emphasizes
the ethical dimension of the
world, it gives primary attention
to human relationship, thus
advocating social values and
ideals which should serve as the
foundation of Chinese society.
•Founder
Confucius
Confucius' personal name was Qiu and his
family name was Qong. He was born on
September 28 on 551 B.C.E. He came from a
noble family, but by the time of his birth, they
had already lost much of their wealth. At the
age of 15 he set his heart upon learning, thus
became one of the highest virtues in
Confucian ethics. He is often considered as
the first person to devote his whole life to
learning and teaching for the purpose of
social transformation and improvement.
•Sacred Texts and
Scriptures
Confucian
Classics
1. Book of Changes
Also known as the I-Ching, the Book
of Changes is believed to have
existed at the time of Confucius and
is the oldest of the Classics. It
focuses on short predictions
following a type of divination called
cleromancy wherein six random
numbers are picked and arranged
under sixty-four Hexagram.
2. Book of History
Also known as the Book of Documents or
Shangshu, the Book of History is
conventionally attributed to Confucius by
early scholars. It is composed of speeches
(or prose) of royalty and ministers mainly
from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It also
consists of chronological accounts of
imperial achievements and rules of
government.
3. The Book of Poetry
Also known as the Book of Songs, is a
collection of three hundred and five songs
compiled around 600 B.C.E. which includes
four sections of various themes such as
love, courtship, abandonment and dances
It also includes feast songs or state chants.
It was supposedly compiled by Confucius
from an ancient repertory of three
thousand, and is considered as the oldest
existing compilation of Chinese poetry.
4. Classic of Rites
Originally the Three Rites, the Classic of Rites
is a compilation of ceremonial rituals,
administration, and social forms of the Zhou
Dynasty.
It also includes the Book of Rites which is
composed of forty-nine sections of ritual and
government guidelines, as well as essays on
education, the rites, music and philosophy.
These texts were supposedly compiled in the
early first century B.C.E. based on earlier
materials.
5. The Analects
or Lunyu ("conversations" or "sayings"), is also
known as the Analects of Confucius. It is a
collection of sayings and ideas attributed to
the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his
contemporaries, traditionally believed to have
been written by Confucius' followers. It is
believed to have been written during the
Warring States period (475 B.C.E-221 B.C.E.)
and finalized during the middle of the Han
dynasty.
•Doctrines
•Mandate of Heaven
In Confucianism, the Mandate of Heaven
refers to the belief that the ruler's power
and legitimacy are granted by the
heavens or the divine. It is believed that
an emperor or king holds the divine right
to rule as long as their actions are just
and beneficial to the people.
•Tian
"Tian" (天), often translated as "Heaven,"
refers to the concept of an ultimate cosmic
power and the source of moral order. It
represents the divine force or the natural
reality that guides and governs the world. Tian
is considered the highest authority and the
embodiment of righteousness, justice, and
harmony.
•Human Nature as
Originally Good or Evil
There are two philosophers who had
different interpretation on the subject of
human nature based on the Analects.
They were Mengzi (Mencius) and
Xunzi(Hsun Tzu). Their views on human
nature were opposed with each other.
•Mencius
Mencius believed
that all human beings
are born innately
good which, on one
hand, can be
properly cultivated
through education
and self-discipline or
be thrown away by
neglect and bad
influence.
•Xunzi
Xunzi believed
that human
nature is basically
evil but can be
improved through
self-cultivarion.
•Rectification of
Names
Confucius believed that to return to the ancient Dao,
people must play their assigned roles in society. This
was later called the rectification of names, or
Zhengming. Zhengming helps bring social order for it
advocates the idea that every person has a particular
role at a particular time in life, and that by abiding to
this particular role, one is able to fulfil one's social
duties and responsibilities, thus creating social
harmony.
•Five Cardinal Virtues
The Five Constants, also known as the
Five Classical Virtues, or Wuchang are
the five most important Confucian
ethics mentioned in the Analects and
the Book of Mencius.
These include the following:
1. Ren (Humanity or Benevolence): Ren is the core virtue of
Confucianism, emphasizing compassion, kindness, and love
towards others.
2. Yi (Righteousness or Justice): Yi refers to the concept of
acting ethically, morally, and justly in all aspects of life.
3. Li (Propriety or Ritual): Li refers to the observance of
proper conduct, social norms, and traditional rituals.
4. Zhi (Wisdom or Knowledge): Zhi encompasses the pursuit
of wisdom, knowledge, and self-improvement.
5. Xin (Integrity or Sincerity): Xin emphasizes authenticity,
honesty, and sincerity in one's thoughts, words, and actions.
Filial Piety

(孝, xiào) is the virtue of exhibiting the proper love


and respect for one's parents, elders, and
ancestors.
•Gods and
Goddesses
Confucianism focuses on
ethics and morality almost
exclusively and is by and
large a nontheistic
tradition. Which means
they don't believe in the
existence of God.
•Issues
•Gender Inequality
Women, being at the bottom of the
Confucian hierarchy, are expected to
display ideal behavior and
accommodation They are expected
to demonstrate obedience before all
other virtues and are not expected to
act as independent beings.
•Gender Inequality
Women lived separately from men by
custom. Women were also assigned the
role of providing a male heir to ensure
the continuation of the tradition that
male children should perform the
ancestral rites. This also excuses the
husband to take on secondary wives if the
first wife failed to provide him with a son,
while women were not allowed to see
other men other than their husbands and
close male relatives.
•Gender Inequality
The patriarchal nature of Confucianism
is manifested in certain beliefs like
preference for male children. Men are
expected to inherit the family names
and property, and are responsible for
the care of their parents, that is why
having male children is preferred in the
Chinese society.
•Authoritarianism
One aspect of Confucianism that can be
seen as authoritarian is its emphasis on
hierarchical relationships and social
order. This hierarchical structure is often
seen as promoting obedience and
conformity rather than individual
freedom or equality.
•Authoritarianism
Confucianism emphasizes the
importance of filial piety towards parents
and respect for authority figures. This
obligation to defer to and obey authority
can be viewed as promoting an
authoritarian system, where individuals
are expected to follow the instructions
and guidance of their elders and rulers
unquestioningly.
Taoism
Taoism, also known as Daoism, is
an ancient Chinese philosophical
and spiritual tradition that
emerged around the 4th century
BCE. It is based on the teachings
of Lao Tzu, an enigmatic figure
often considered its founder, and
the text known as the Tao Te
Ching, which is the central
scripture of Taoism.
Taoism also emphasizes simplicity,
humility, and embracing the
natural rhythms of life. It
encourages individuals to let go of
attachments, desires, and
excessive ambition, and instead
focus on living an authentic and
balanced existence.
•Founder of
Taoism
Lao Tzu
The founder of Taoism is
traditionally believed to be
Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu.
Laozi is considered the central
figure and attributed with the
development of Taoist
philosophy and principles.
•Sacred Texts
•Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching consists of 81 short chapters
or poems, which provide teachings and
insights on various aspects of life, spirituality,
and the nature of the universe. The term
"Tao" can be translated as "The Way" or "The
Path," referring to the natural way of the
universe that governs everything. "Te" refers
to virtue or the power that emanates from
following the Tao, and "Ching" means classic
or book.
•Book of Chuang Tzu
A book of Chuang Tzu, also known as
Zhuangzi, is a collection of philosophical and
mystical writings attributed to the Chinese
Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu. The book
delves into various aspects of life and human
nature, offering profound and often
paradoxical insights. Chuang Tzu's writings
offer a unique perspective on life, urging
individuals to transcend conventional thinking
and embrace the natural spontaneity and
harmony of the Tao.
•Doctrines
•Wu Wei
Wu Wei can be translated as "non-
action" or "effortless action." Wu wei
emphasizes the idea of aligning
oneself with the natural flow of the
universe and acting in a spontaneous
and intuitive manner, without
excessive striving or forceful action.
•Wu Wei
Wu wei is not about doing nothing, but rather
about acting in a way that is in harmony with
the present moment and the natural course of
events. It involves allowing things to unfold
naturally, without trying to control or
manipulate outcomes. By acting with a sense
of ease and non-resistance, individuals are
believed to achieve a state of harmony,
balance, and effortless achievement.
•Law of Reversion
The concept of the law of reversion
refers to the idea that everything in
the universe goes through cycles of
transformation and change. It
suggests that after reaching a certain
extreme or peak, things naturally
reversion or revert back to their
opposite state.
•Law of Reversion
The law of reversion is closely tied to the
principle of yin and yang, the
complementary forces that exist in all
aspects of life. According to Taoist
philosophy, when something reaches its
extreme yang state, it will naturally begin
to transition towards its yin state, and
vice versa.
•Following Nature
Taoists believe that by following
nature, one can achieve balance and
harmony in life. This can be achieved
through practices such as
meditation, qigong (energy
cultivation), and adopting a humble
and non-egotistical attitude.
•Following Nature
Rather than forcing outcomes or
trying to control situations, Taoists
emphasize flowing with the natural
course of events and letting things
unfold on their own. By not imposing
one's will onto the world, one can
better align with the natural order of
the universe.
•The origin of all
beings: Tao
The concept of Tao is often
seen as the origin of all beings
and the universe itself. Tao can
be translated as "the Way" or
"the Path" and represents the
underlying principle or force
that governs everything in
existence.
According to Taoist philosophy, Tao is
the source from which all things arise
and return. It is thought to be the
ultimate reality, the primal energy or
essence that gives rise to the world
and all its phenomena. Tao is
considered to be eternal,
unchanging, and the underlying unity
behind the diversity of the universe.
The unnameable and eternal nature
of the Tao reflects the Taoist belief in
the importance of embracing the
natural flow of life and the
acceptance of the inherent mysteries
of existence. By aligning oneself with
the Tao, individuals can cultivate
harmony, balance, and a deeper
understanding of the
interconnectedness of all things.
•Issues
•Inaction
Taoism emphasizes the natural flow
of life and encourages individuals to
align themselves with the rhythms of
the Tao. Inaction or passivity can
lead to stagnation, where personal
growth and development are
hindered.
•Inaction
Taoism acknowledges the presence
of opportunities that arise in the
natural course of life. By remaining
inactive, individuals may miss out on
these chances for personal and
spiritual growth, learning, or
important life experiences. Inaction
could result in regret or a sense of
missed potential.
•Superstitious Practices(Taoist
Alchemy)
Taoist alchemy is practiced in two ways.
One is called external alchemy (wai-tan
or waidan), which involves the mixture of
different physical substances outside the
human body (such as minerals and
herbs) and swallowing the "elixirs"-the
combined substances.
•Superstitious Practices(Taoist
Alchemy)
The other is called internal alchemy
(nei-tan or neidan), which only
involves harmoniously cultivating key
energies inside the human body. The
original practice of Taoist alchemy
was the external one; but because
this led to serious injuries, sickness,
and even deaths.
•Environmentalism
One potential negative effect is that
environmentalism can lead to a focus on
the external world at the expense of the
internal world. Taoism teaches that we
should cultivate inner peace and
harmony in order to live in harmony with
the outer world. If we become too
focused on the external world, we may
lose sight of our own inner well-being.
Shintoism
Shintoism is considered
as the very essence of
Japanese devotion to
unknown spiritual beings
and powers.
Shintoism espouses the
belief that "Human beings
are basically good and has
no concept of original sin."
•Founder
Shintoism does not have a specific
founder, as it developed gradually
and organically over centuries in
Japan. The practices and beliefs of
Shintoism are deeply rooted in
the indigenous Japanese people's
animistic worldview and their
connection with the natural
world.
•Sacred Texts
•Kojiki
Kojiki, also known as "Records of Ancient
Matters," is a sacred text in Japan. It is
considered the oldest surviving book in
the country's literature and serves as an
important source for the mythology,
history, and legends of Japan. The Kojiki
is written in a mixture of Chinese
characters and phonetic script.
•Kojiki
It consists of three chapters:
1. The first volume, called Kamitsumaki
(Chronicles of the Gods).

2.The second volume, called Nakatsumaki


(Chronicles of the Center).

3.third volume, known as Shimotsumaki


(Chronicles of the Lower Lineage).
•Kojiki
The story "Kojiki" offers an imaginative
explanation for the creation of the world
and the existence of life, intertwined
with themes of birth, death, and the
divine. It showcases the Japanese belief
in the divine power that shaped their
land and the complex relationship
between life and death.
•Kojiki
Overall, the Kojiki serves as a valuable
historical and cultural document,
providing insights into the mythology,
traditions, and values that shaped
ancient Japanese society. It teaches the
importance of understanding and
respecting the natural world, promoting
moral virtues, and recognizing the
significance of lineage and tradition.
•Nihongi
The Nihongi, also known as the
Nihon Shoki or "Chronicles of Japan".
It is one of the earliest sacred texts in
Japanese literature and is considered
an important source for
understanding the country's early
history and mythology.
•Nihongi
The Nihongi contains various myths,
legends, genealogies, folktales,
ceremonies, and historical events. It
includes the creation myth of Japan, the
reigns of the early emperors, and records
of important events, such as wars and
political changes. The text also
incorporates the introduction of
Buddhism to Japan and the Japanese
imperial lineage.
•Doctrines
•Kami
Kami is roughly translated to
English as "Spirits" but they
are more than that. Kami are
numerous and appear
anywhere and believed to
have existed before the
Japanese islands.
•Kami
Shinto teaches that kami are both
immanent within nature and
transcendent, existing beyond human
comprehension. They are considered to
be numerous and diverse, with no single
supreme being or deity. They are
believed to have the ability to influence
and affect human life and natural
phenomena.
•Divinity of Emperors
The emperors are seen as the high priests and
spiritual leaders of the nation, connecting the
people with the divine realm. They are
believed to possess a unique and sacred
quality that sets them apart from ordinary
individuals. It is believed that when an
emperor passes away, they become enshrined
as a kami, joining the divine pantheon and
continuing to protect and bless the nation.
•Divinity of Emperors
The Japanese creation myth
traces the lineage of the
emperors back to the sun
goddess, Amaterasu, who is
considered one of the most
revered and central kami in
Shintoism.
•Gods:
Kami
There is a belief in a vast
multitude of gods and goddesses
known as kami. These kami are
believed to exist in various natural
elements, phenomena, and even
in ancestors and deified historical
figures.Here are some of the
prominent kami in Shintoism:
1. Amaterasu:

The sun goddess and one


of the most important kami
in Shinto. Amaterasu is
believed to be the ancestor
of the Japanese imperial
family.
2. Susanoo:

The kami of storms and the


sea. He is known for his
wild and unpredictable
nature and occasional
conflicts with other gods.
3. Tsukuyomi:

The kami of the moon.


Tsukuyomi is often depicted
as a calm and serene figure
and is associated with the
night.
4. Inari:

The kami of rice,


agriculture, and fertility.
Inari is also considered a
protector of business and
wealth.
5. Izanami and Izanagi:

The divine couple who are


believed to have created
the islands of Japan and the
deities that inhabit them.
6. Tenjin:

The kami of scholarship and


learning. Tenjin is often
revered by students and
scholars seeking success in
their academic pursuits.
7. Hachiman:

The kami of war and


archery. Hachiman is often
venerated as a guardian
deity by samurai and is
associated with valor.
8. Ame-no-Uzume:

The kami of revelry. Ame-


no-Uzume is known for her
role in helping Amaterasu
out of a cave, bringing light
back to the world.
These are just a few examples
among countless other kami
worshipped in Shintoism. It's
important to note that the
concept of kami in Shintoism is
broad and encompasses
countless natural and
supernatural entities.
•Issues
•Prime Minister Shrine
Visits

The Yasukuni Shrine is


dedicated to Japan's war
dead, including some
convicted war criminals
from World War II.
•Prime Minister Shrine
Visits
Many view these visits as a symbol of
Japan's failure to fully acknowledge and
apologize for its wartime atrocities and
aggression in the region. It is seen as a
way of glorifying a militaristic past, and
as a result, it triggers strong reactions
from countries that were victims of
Japan's imperial expansion.
•Prime Minister Shrine
Visits
Therefore, the issue with Japanese
prime ministers visiting the shrine
revolves around its historical
baggage, its impact on regional
relations, and concerns about the
interpretation of history and Japan's
accountability for its wartime
actions.
Now that we are
finished talking about
the three religions, let
us now talk about their
similarities and
uniqueness!
•Similarities
1. Cultural Influence: Confucianism, Taoism,
and Shintoism have ingrained themselves
deeply within the cultural fabric of their
respective regions. Confucianism has had a
tremendous impact on East Asian societies
such as China, Korea, and Vietnam. Taoism has
also exerted significant influence in China,
while Shintoism has shaped the cultural
identity of Japan.
•Similarities
2. Respect for Nature: All three traditions
emphasize the respect and reverence for
nature. They acknowledge the spiritual
significance of natural phenomena and
advocate for a harmonious relationship
between human beings and the natural
world.
•Similarities
3. Ethical Values: Confucianism, Taoism, and
Shintoism promote ethical values and social
harmony. Confucianism places emphasis on
social order, hierarchy, and the cultivation of
virtues such as filial piety, loyalty, and
benevolence. Taoism emphasizes individual
freedom, simplicity, and spontaneity, while
Shintoism focuses on living in harmony with
the kami (spirits) and following ethical
principles like sincerity, purity, and gratitude.
•Uniqueness
1. Origins: Confucianism and Taoism
originated in ancient China, while
Shintoism emerged independently in
Japan. Confucianism was founded by
Confucius (551-479 BCE), Taoism was
established by Laozi (6th century BCE),
and the origins of Shintoism trace back to
ancient Japanese folklore and animistic
practices.
•Uniqueness
2. Religious vs. Philosophical: Confucianism
and Shintoism are often considered more
religious in nature, with established rituals,
temples, and worship practices. Taoism, on
the other hand, can be seen as more of a
philosophical system, focusing on personal
cultivation, understanding the Tao (the
Way), and harmonizing with the natural
world.
•Uniqueness
3. Deities: Confucianism places less emphasis on
deities and the afterlife, focusing more on human
relationships and moral behavior. Taoism
acknowledges the presence of various deities and
immortals but emphasizes the cultivation of the
Tao to achieve spiritual harmony. Shintoism is
deeply rooted in animism and polytheism, with
the worship of kami or spirits representing natural
phenomena, ancestors, and deities.
•Uniqueness
4. Social Order vs. Natural Harmony: While
Confucianism stresses the importance of social
order, hierarchical relationships, and filial piety to
maintain stability, Taoism emphasizes living in
harmony with the natural flow of the Tao, often
advocating for a more individualistic and
spontaneous approach to life. Shintoism places
emphasis on natural harmony and the connection
between humans and spirits, without specific
guidelines for social order.
In conclusion, Confucianism, Taoism, and
Shintoism share some commonalities in
their respect for nature and ethical
values, but they differ in terms of origins,
religious or philosophical nature, the
belief in deities, and their focus on social
order or natural harmony. Each of these
traditions has played a significant role in
shaping the cultural, spiritual, and
philosophical dimensions of their
respective societies.
Thank you
for
listening!!!

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