Taoism

Throughout the course of Cultural Perspectives, many texts and authors who have contributed to the Great Conversation have been discussed. Ultimately, each author is attempting to find his or her summum bonum or “highest good.” Although each author has a different definition of summum bonum, the majority agrees on the method required to attain the highest good: balance. Whether that balance be implicitly or explicitly accredited for the summum bonum differs for each author. Lao Tzu’s thoughts…

Robert Weller, in chapter 7 of “Chinese Religious Life,” notes that the Chinese word tian was once translated as “heaven,” but is now more commonly translated as nature. The Chinese conception of nature is unparalleled in the English language, as it encompasses “all the forces that shape the cosmos” (Weller, 125). Further, he explains that this term implicates that humans are a part of nature because humans play an integral role in the “anthropocosmic world,” a world in which the heavens and…

1. The central theme of this reading is: (Paraphrase as accurately as possible, but be sure also to indicate which chapters from the _Daodejing_ the ideas are coming from. Be sure to explain also why you see this as the central theme of the reading.) The central theme of this reading is the harmony of the universe with the Dao, in which opposites (yin and yang, heaven and earth, etc.), coexist together in order for the Way to be followed. Chapter one of the text begins by mentioning two…

University of Phoenix Material Daoism Worksheet Complete the following questions in detail. Answer each question with a 1- or 2-paragraph response that includes a reference citation. Make use of Experiencing the World’s Religions and other sources in your research as you complete the questions. 1. Describe the principles of yang and yin. The principle of Yin and Yang is the core concept in the Chinese philosophy and culture. Yin is the dark force complementing yang. Yang is the light force…

Confucius, the founder of Confucianism once said “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” Legalism, Confucianism, and the “Mandate of Heaven” were employed by the Chinese and originated in ancient China. Legalism is a school that emphasizes and teaches law. Confucianism is a lifestyle, some people even consider it a religion. The Mandate of Heaven was a philosophy that emperors should be given the “right to rule based on their ability to govern (Mandate of Heaven).…

The Way is mystical, magical, and perfect: a spiritual reality that eludes identification. Daoists reject a strong government because they believe people can control their own actions and do not need a ruler. Taoists have faith in preparation in advance and must carefully consider each action before taking it. A Taoist is kind to other individuals in part because kindness tends to be reciprocated. Taoists believe people are compassionate by nature and if left to their own devices they will show…

Confucianism and Daoism Confucianism and Daoismnhave been the leading philosophies in the Chinese culture for over two thousand years (Wieming). These philosophies have taught many things about living a successful moral life, setting examples for others, and showing them how they need to improve. The Chinese have depended on the teachings of these philosophers and they have become so important to the people of China. Confucianism and Daoism are philosophies that have developed there own…

Halperin’s Out of the Cloister Literati Perspectives on Buddhism in Sung China has a nice classification and analysis of literati’s opinions on Buddhism. It shows us how the Song dynasty’s highly educated viewed Buddhism and Buddhist institutions such as temples, and how the opinions and critiques of Buddhism went far beyond the “Buddhist cloister”. In fact, he argues that different people have different ideas of Buddhism during the Tang-Song transition and illustrates a community of inscription…

Indian and Chinese civilizations around 500 B.C.E. were similar regarding individualism in religion and strict societal rules yet differ due to power source. Chinese and Indian religions such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Hinduism all promoted individualism and considered afterlife. Confucianism, a Chinese based religion, stated that if a superior had a genuine concern for the inferior, the inferior would be motivated with deference and obedience. Each person would respect their…

Daoism dates back to 600 B.C., but that is not what makes it so interesting. What makes it interesting is that it is still strong in China, thus prompting me to ask: “What are the modern ritual practices of Daoism?” I pondered this question because in history class, we only study what happened in the past, and we do not dwell on the present, also, I have a curiosity for other religions because it is important to be able to respect all religion, and to be able to respect it, you must have general…