Wisdom Traditions of China

1. Wisdom Traditions of China Confucianism, Legalism, Taoism

2. “The Vinegar Tasters” Buddha Confucius Lao-Tse

3. World view of the four…

4. The Master said, “You can be of service to your father and mother by arguing with them tactfully. If you perceive that they do not wish to follow your advice, then continue to be reverent toward them without offending or disobeying them; work hard and do not murmur against them.”

5. waht’swonrgwtihstneecne! wulodpopelehvae a pelbormwtihtihs. Why,

6. “If the mat was not straight, the master would not sit.”

7. Confucianism

8. What did he set forth? • Ritual is important! It connects society • Humanity is essentially good in nature • Seek to do unto others as you would have them do unto you • “Do the right thing!” • Respect your elders • Government’s role is to maintain security, economic well-being, and the support of its people.

9. 1989

10. 5 Principle Relationships

11. “The Analects”…“Conversation” • The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others. • To go too far is as wrong as to fall short. • Making a mistake and not correcting it is making another mistake

12. Role of Mencius • He was a disciple of Confucius and assumed all people are basically good. • If someone does something bad education, not punishment, is the answer. “Friendship is one mind in two bodies”

14. Legalism

15. Major principles… • Human nature is naturally selfish • Literacy and intellectual debate leads to weakness in the government • Law is the supreme authority, not morality • Ruler must rule with a strong, punishing hand • War is the means of strengthening power

16. Authoritarian One who favors the principle that individuals should obey a powerful authority rather than exercise individual freedom. The RULER, therefore, “CRACKS HIS WHIP” on the backs of his subjects.

17. Taoism

19. Confucianism v. Taoism • Men of virtue should dev0te themselves to making government work to the benefit of the people. • When you try to hard it usually doesn’t work out. Just let things happen as they will on their own.

21. The Details of Taoism… a very “non-Taoist” thing to do • Founded by Lao Tzu… name means “Old Master” • Was he Confucius’ teacher…some say yes • Was he a real person… some debate that. • Basic text of Taoism … Tao Te Ching • “Those who speak know nothing; Those who know are silent”

22. Basic principles… Core Beliefs • Tao… loosely translated “the way” • Goal is to become one with the Tao…

23. Chuang Tzu in dream became a butterfly,And the butterfly became Chuang Tzu at waking.Which was the real—the butterfly or the man ?Who can tell the end of the endless changes of things?The water that flows into the depth of the distant seaReturns anon to the shallows of a transparent stream.The man, raising melons outside the green gate of the city,Was once the Prince of the East Hill.So must rank and riches vanish.You know it, still you toil and toil,—what for? Poem by Li Po

24. Basic principles… Core Beliefs • Tao… loosely translated “the way” • Goal is to become one with the Tao… • Wu wei… • “Let nature take its course” • “the art of doing nothing” • “Go with the flow” • Follow the way of nature to get to happiness

25. The Tao • To escape the “social, political, and cultural traps” of life, one must escape by: Rejecting formal knowledge and learning Relying on the senses and instincts Discovering the nature and rhythm of the universe Ignoring political and social laws.

27. The Universe of Opposites…Find the balance Masculine Active Light Warmth Strong Heaven; Sun Yin Feminine Passive Darkness Cold Weak Earth; Moon Yang