Influences of Confucianism and Taoism on Chinese People - Essay Example

Influences of Confucianism and Taoism on Chinese People Introduction Confucianism and Taoism are among the major religion in china. Both have significantly influenced the cultural life of most Chinese people as well as their perception of the world. The connection between these two religions has greatly influenced people over time. Most of the philosophers believe that when principles of a particular philosophy are put together the outcome is usually a well-rounded person. This article will discuss the principles and philosophies that are involved in these two religions (Bonnaud, 2000). In order to correctly understand the concept of the superior man as to how it pertains to Confucianism and Taoism, an individual has to understand the primary similarities and differences between these religions. Confucianism was a thoughtful way that arose in china and accepted in the sixth century B.C. its value was recognised by the state and was anonymously accepted as the best religious ideology of the country. This religion is mostly concerned with the ethical and social aspects on how an individual relates to the society . Therefore, the concept of the superior man as purposed in Confucianism is purely linked to the functioning and order in the society. To summarise the philosophy of Confucianism, is that humankind are social creatures that are innately able to do goodness. Therefore, it is the task of mankind to discover their natural capabilities and bring will into harmony with heaven as well as creating a well stable ordered society. The superior man is that individual who possesses high principles in terms of needs and ethics of the society (Cheng, 2011). Humaneness obliges individuals to show the aspects of altruism to other community members. This means that people should show loyalty to the true nature and reciprocate good deeds as well as showing piety. Humaneness was anchored in the golden rule of doing good to others as well as being morally upright in the society. Etiquette was a system of propriety and the societal norms that dictated the right behaviours in the community. Knowledge meant to appreciate the broader significance of the occurrence or something, while integrity meant honesty in whatever an individual says or does (Yao, 2000). The ancient form of Taoism was sometimes referred to as philosophical or classical Taoism. The Buddhist arrival in china led to the acknowledgment of Taoism, and it changed its strict philosophical ideologies to the religious one, with its holy men. For several centuries, Taoism was a way of life that was followed by peasants and philosophers, whom usually reflected and mediated. They performed a mediation using the energy that was moving in their bodies, and they mapped the paths it travelled upon. The supporters of Tao believed that those who follow its ideology were strong of body, sharp of sight, hearing and clear of mind (Molloy, 2013). Taoism tradition stressed on the principle of living harmoniously with the essence of all that was encompassed in Tao. In essence, the word Tao meant the path or the principles that people were to follow in the society. Taoism ethics stressed on the three jewels of Tao; that included humility, compassion and moderation. The philosophy of Taoism is centred on how people relate to nature and the cosmos. The inner fulfilment of an individual can be achieved through nature contemplation. Therefore, Tao viewed nature as a stream of wisdom that is experienced through innocent eyes. It emphasized that people can internalize natures intrigue, pleasantness and its excitements to achieve the serenity (Wawrytko, 1997). There are four fundamental principles enshrined in Taoism, and they include Tao, pu, de and Wu wei. Tao, is the indescribable, spontaneous and eternal way in which all things began and took a course. It is further described as the force that is behind all the natural order and flow of the universe that maintains the whole universe in order and balance. De is defined as the power, virtue and integrity that is an active expression of Tao. Wu wei, in Taoism, means without purposeful action. It is, therefore, the effortless doing of the unseen power in all things in nature. In a practical way of living, it asserts that the human being should not exert most of their will in the world as it may lead to a disruption of how things are organised and stay in harmony. But rather, people should put much of their will in harmony with the natural settings of nature thus they will achieve their objectives without much effort. Pu in Chinese language means simplicity. It is a symbol of the pure potential and perception without showing any form of discrimination. The followers of Taoism believed that all things should be perceived as reality without illusion. Therefore, pu is the pure nature of people's mind which has not been contaminated by knowledge or experiences. In essence when an individual is at pu, there is neither good, bad, ugly nor beautiful effects but pure awareness (Schipper, 2000). When both of the principles of these religions, Confucianism and Taoism, are combined they make up a well rounded and self-actualized individual. Both philosophers advocate that human beings to come out from the ideation of an “individual” sense of attitude but embrace a more communal approach. The imperative whole is supported and given precedence over individual. This perhaps may give an insight why the people of Chinese are communal. It asserts that if people adopt the notion of communal, then several conflicts that always occur in the community can reduce to a great deal. This is because according to the philosophers, who purposed these ideologies, believed that a person shall not only hold back himself but also will go ahead and create havoc in the society (Van, 2008). When people come to work together, the society is made much stronger since they will work to the advantage of everyone living in the community. It, therefore, follows that if people adopt these principles as taught in both Taoism and Confucianism, the world can be a safe and a much better place to live. The political leaders will work to protect and work for all the electorates rather than looting public funds and properties and protecting the social elite class (Wu, 2006). In conclusion, the ethical and robust teachings of Confucius grew out of his recognition that significant advances in social organization, culture and prosperity can only be achieved when the ethical values are cemented in family and state. The philosophies believed that the happiness and harmony of human beings are wholly dependent upon proper social and political order that conforms to moral cosmic of humanity. Taoism focuses on an individual and nature, and it supports that a person can be transformed from conflicting mode to achieve the harmonious way. Therefore, through reformation individuals can convert the destructive cycles in a productive and creative cycle. Reference Bonnaud, R. (2000). Confucianism and Taoism. QUINZAINE - LITTERAIRE, 20. Cheng, P. L. K. (2011). Confucianism Versus Taoism. Insights to a Changing World Journal, 122–136. Molloy, M. (2013). Experiencing the world's religions: Tradition, challenge, and change / Michael Molloy. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies. Schipper, K. M. (2000). Taoism: - the story of the way. Humanities, 21, 35(4). Van, V. R. E. (2008). Anthology of world scriptures. Australia: Thomson Wadsworth. Wawrytko, S. A. (1997). Taoism: Growth of a Religion. History: Reviews of New Books. doi:10.1080/03612759.1997.10525317 Wu, X. (2006). Influences of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism on Chinese Medical Formulas in Jin-Tang Dynasties. Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi (Beijing, China : 1980), 36, 100–103. Yao, X. (2000). An introduction to Confucianism. Society (Vol. 54, p. 344). Read More