Confucianism and Taoism: a Comparative Study
Date: Monday, January 31, 2011
Confucianism and Taoism: A Comparative Study
RELG 253: Learning Cell One
TA: Lisa Blake
Often described as the two sides of the coin, Confucianism and Taoism are being practiced, today, by over 225 million people and have existed for more than 2400 years in East Asian culture1. Despite the many differences in both traditions, however, we may also find a lot of similarities. Whether in government application or through abstract, immaterial ideals, we find that the two-sided coin can sometimes land on its side.
To begin any comparison between the two traditions, one must understand the historical background of each. Firstly, Confucius was born during a period of struggle and political unrest; this was a period that spanned around three centuries resulting from the Chinese states’ continual desire to expand their borders2. Similarly, Zhuangzi appears in 369 B.C.E, again a time of continual warfare and expansion (RELG 253 Lecture, 24 January 2011). For this reason, it would be true to assume that assassinations, bribery, adultery, and other crimes were a very common problem. The latter problems would create a desire for social harmony, peace and happiness among the people and the rulers. So, the creation of Confucianism and Taoism was actually a response to these calls and to the need for better governmental rule. But then, how would governments, ruled by the ideas proposed by Confucianism and Taoism, operate? And how would these governments be similar?
We start off with the idea of Wu Wei in both religions, especially in government. From the Confucian Analects, we recall a common passage: The Master said, "Is Shun not an example of someone who ruled by means of Wu Wei? What did he do? He made himself reverent and took his proper [ritual] position facing south, that is all." (Passage 15.5 in the Confucian Analects)3 Confucians put a great deal of importance on the concept of Wu-Wei. A ruler, who is virtuous, has only to face
Confucianism and Taoism: A Comparative Study
RELG 253: Learning Cell One
TA: Lisa Blake
Often described as the two sides of the coin, Confucianism and Taoism are being practiced, today, by over 225 million people and have existed for more than 2400 years in East Asian culture1. Despite the many differences in both traditions, however, we may also find a lot of similarities. Whether in government application or through abstract, immaterial ideals, we find that the two-sided coin can sometimes land on its side.
To begin any comparison between the two traditions, one must understand the historical background of each. Firstly, Confucius was born during a period of struggle and political unrest; this was a period that spanned around three centuries resulting from the Chinese states’ continual desire to expand their borders2. Similarly, Zhuangzi appears in 369 B.C.E, again a time of continual warfare and expansion (RELG 253 Lecture, 24 January 2011). For this reason, it would be true to assume that assassinations, bribery, adultery, and other crimes were a very common problem. The latter problems would create a desire for social harmony, peace and happiness among the people and the rulers. So, the creation of Confucianism and Taoism was actually a response to these calls and to the need for better governmental rule. But then, how would governments, ruled by the ideas proposed by Confucianism and Taoism, operate? And how would these governments be similar?
We start off with the idea of Wu Wei in both religions, especially in government. From the Confucian Analects, we recall a common passage: The Master said, "Is Shun not an example of someone who ruled by means of Wu Wei? What did he do? He made himself reverent and took his proper [ritual] position facing south, that is all." (Passage 15.5 in the Confucian Analects)3 Confucians put a great deal of importance on the concept of Wu-Wei. A ruler, who is virtuous, has only to face
Cited: 1. Taoism and Confucianism – Ancient Philosophies (2008) Retrieved 29 January 2011 from http://www.ushistory.org/civ/9e.asp 2 3. Slingerland, E. (2006) Confucius: The Essential Analects. Indianapolis: Hackett 4 5. Shoucheng, Y. (June 2008) The Parting of the Tao: On the Similarities and Differences Between Early Confucianism and Early Taoism. Journal of Chinese Philosophy, Volume 21, Issue 2, p. 157 -165 6 9. Klemme, D. (1999) The Concept of “Self” in Confucian Thought Retrieved 29 January 2011 from http://www.tparents.org/Library/Unification/Talks/Klemme/klemme_confucian.htm 10 11. Kirkland, R. (1996) Taoism from Philosophy of Education: An encyclopedia, 1996 12