Confucian & Taoist Portrait of a Traditional Chinese Gentleman In examining the Confucian and Taoist ways of life, an image is created displaying how the ideal Chinese gentleman should be. These ancient Chinese styles of living clearly outline key virtues and principles that one should internalize in order to fulfill his or her spiritual duty. The Analects, written by Confucius, defines the superior man as one who strives for social harmony by renewing traditional ways of life in order to correct the present. A Confucian gentleman follows the principles of Li. On the other hand, the Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu, shows that a Taoist sage reflects harmony with nature in all aspects of his life. The ideal gentleman focuses more on his inner
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He follows the Way, the Tao. The Tao signifies harmony with natural order and it is the ultimate principle of the universe. The Tao Te Ching describes the Tao as the “origin of all things” (page 9). The Tao “blunts all sharp edges, it unties all tangles, it harmonizes all lights, it unites the world into one whole” (page 9). Although the Tao is a complex being, a traditional Taoist sage must have faith and follow the Way. Additionally, the goal of Taoism is to gain balance in life through nature and by pursuing education and scholarship. It is stated, “when a wise scholar hears the Tao, he practices it diligently” (Tao Te Ching, page 95). A traditional Chinese gentleman in light of Taoism finds harmony in nature by reflecting inwardly in reflection of spirituality that is not found in earthly things. A Taoist sage comes near to the Tao. He exhibits these characteristics in situations that are in the Tao Te Ching (page …show more content…
In “Summer Mountains,” the unity of man and nature is clearly demonstrated with the picture of the vast, overwhelming mountains. The illustration of nature that is depicted in the painting enables the viewer to identify with one who is experiencing the power of the mountains, firsthand. The painting displays the spiritual and all-encompassing Tao that Taoism revolves around. Furthermore, “The Classic of Filial Piety” shows a major aspect of Confucianism. Illustrated in this painting are the deep values that follow with reverence for one’s elders and respect for all people. These ideas result in a more harmonious societal structure, which is the Confucian
He follows the Way, the Tao. The Tao signifies harmony with natural order and it is the ultimate principle of the universe. The Tao Te Ching describes the Tao as the “origin of all things” (page 9). The Tao “blunts all sharp edges, it unties all tangles, it harmonizes all lights, it unites the world into one whole” (page 9). Although the Tao is a complex being, a traditional Taoist sage must have faith and follow the Way. Additionally, the goal of Taoism is to gain balance in life through nature and by pursuing education and scholarship. It is stated, “when a wise scholar hears the Tao, he practices it diligently” (Tao Te Ching, page 95). A traditional Chinese gentleman in light of Taoism finds harmony in nature by reflecting inwardly in reflection of spirituality that is not found in earthly things. A Taoist sage comes near to the Tao. He exhibits these characteristics in situations that are in the Tao Te Ching (page …show more content…
In “Summer Mountains,” the unity of man and nature is clearly demonstrated with the picture of the vast, overwhelming mountains. The illustration of nature that is depicted in the painting enables the viewer to identify with one who is experiencing the power of the mountains, firsthand. The painting displays the spiritual and all-encompassing Tao that Taoism revolves around. Furthermore, “The Classic of Filial Piety” shows a major aspect of Confucianism. Illustrated in this painting are the deep values that follow with reverence for one’s elders and respect for all people. These ideas result in a more harmonious societal structure, which is the Confucian