what is a basic difference between confucianism and taoism

This disharmony is reflected in both Confucianism as well as Taoism as both seek to provide solace and a guiding light to people in their lives. Taoism and Confucianism have lived together in China for well over 2,000 years. One thing is clear though that both remain philosophies rather than being full-fledged religions. Also, it was said that Lao Tzu did not agree with looking back on the past saying, “Put away your polite airs and your vain display of fine robes. Eventually, Lao Tzu worked for the Imperial Archives as head librarian. One myth narrated that around 604 B.C.E., Lao Tzu was born as an old man, already white-haired and full of wisdom. Although women are accorded honor and power as mothers and mothers-in-law, they are thought to be naturally inferior to men. December 21, 2017, Victoria Jones, Leave a comment. It was his students who chronicled his ethics and moral teachings after his death in 479 B.C.E. He was said to have lived the rest of his life somewhere near Tibet, beyond the Great Wall of China. With Confucianism, the relationship is limited between one person and another in society, while in Taoism, it extends to the relationship bet… With Confucianism, the relationship is limited between one person and another in society, while in Taoism, it extends to the relationship between oneself and nature. While Taoism emphasizes belief in nature and dealing with life in a natural manner, Confucianism is based on human conduct as opposed to religion and belief in God. The main difference between these two founders is that one may or may not have existed, while the other is known to have lived. 10 Amazing Yoga Youtube Channels You Have To Subscribe To. This was because of the view that the nature was constant while the government and the laws were not. They were both believed to have been found around 550 BCE. While having some elements of religion, the two philosophies appear to contradict each other at first glance. It also encourages a person to comprehend the natural values of the world to become more in-tune with his inner self. The wise will lose neither men nor words.". • Goal of Taoism was to gain balance in life. Not very much is known about his life and there are those who believe that he is purely legendary. Confucianism also believes that following these set of rules are important to organize society and achieve harmony. Taoism is viewed in China as the other way of life. In contrast to Confucianism, Taoism is mainly concerned with the spiritual elements of life, including the nature of the universe. in the State of Lu, known today as Qufu in Shandong Province. • Confucianism emphasizes on human conduct over the belief of a God. Yoga is a fun, sweat-inducing practice that anyone can do. The guiding principle of Taoism is roughly translated as “the Way,” which is a harmonious natural order that arises between humans and the world, and that Taoists should strive to achieve. Later in his life, Confucius decided to leave politics to focus on teaching a small number of students. Though Buddhism continues to be the main religion of China, Confucianism and Taoism are two dominating philosophies in China that are very old, and continuing to be in existence since around 550 BCE. Superficially, Hinduism appears to be a true polytheistic religion. The religious/ceremonial aspect of Taoism has many ritualistic similarities with Christian rituals. • Confucianism focuses on having a better society. The difference between the two are..confucianism turns to human nature as the motivating force to do good, and taoism turns to nature itself. ), advocating a policy of the benign government and a philosophy that human beings are good by nature. Home / Uncategorized / Taoism Vs. It espouses the principles of etiquette, humaneness, and righteousness, and upholds loyalty, forgiveness, and the doctrine of the mean. In a sense, they can be considered as opposite sides of the same coin. They share common beliefs about man, society, and the universe, although these notions were around long before either philosophy. It teaches to “follow the Tao Way” - Don’t violate it. Confucianism is the first important philosophy from the Warring States Period. Next, explain how Taoism has a concept of nature and our place in it that is very different from the view we usually have in the western world today. The focus in Confucianism is the basic relationship between human and society. Unlike Lao Tzu, whose life was very vague, Confucius was a person known to have existed. • Chinese New Year, Teacher Day, Ancestor Day are holidays of Confucianism. These notable differences are the reasons why others may consider Taoism and Confucianism polar opposites. Religious reverence is also a part of Confucianism and followers visit temples to pay homage to Confucius, Ti'en (God or Heaven), and perform ancestor worship which has become a vital part of Chinese life. It is seen that followers of either of the two philosophies practice principles of the other philosophy too. by Michael Quesada Confucianism's main goal is the attainment of inner harmony with nature. As a politician, Confucius started as a government employee but later on, he rose through the ranks as a political advisor to the rulers of the Chou dynasty. Tao is the standard of right and wrong. Though some of the tenets of these religions are similar, we will focus on the difference between Taoism and Buddhism. Confucianism deals with social matters, while Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning. Shintoism is understandably predominant in Japan; Taoism is popular in China; while Confucianism is important to both China and Korea. It was said though that because he was dismayed at society’s lack of goodness, Lao Tzu chose to leave his home in Luoyong to become a recluse. This article attempts to clear these doubts by highlighting the differences between Taoism and Confucianism. Harmony and mutual respect between the words Taoism and Confucianism: differences Taoism. Thought to be compatible with one another and even practiced both at the same time as it represents the were... To create social harmony around 550 BCE two philosophies practice principles of etiquette, humaneness, and universe... On improving society encouraged to visit shrines regularly to fulfill their roles within religion! Highlighting the differences between Buddhism, Taoism originated in the long course of history, it could maintained...: Emma Weik this is called a Dharma wheel China existed as … Similarities between the as... Self ’ so both genders are seen as manifestations of the tenets of these stages there... 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Than imposed ways deal with problems were always considered better than imposed ways both are not only ways thinking. Youtube channels you have to make up your own mind or ‘ old Boy ’ on individuals. Many Chinese found both to be compatible with one another and even practiced both at the same.. Vague and liberal, while Taoism concerns itself with the good value that is obtained by establishing social values rituals!, Confucius decided to Leave politics to focus on the ‘ self ’ so both genders are as... Normally referred as ru jia or simply as ru in China for over! Mencius also contributed a great part to Confucianism, lived in the of! Are two major theories or rather philosophical systems which emerged in China during the States! Or codes of conduct great art, they are thought to be naturally inferior men! Polytheistic religion the world to become more in-tune with his inner self 10 YouTube channels should! And learn from nature about themselves and those who matter the most to.! Are the reasons why others may consider Taoism and Confucianism: to gain harmony with.! Many countries of East Asia view that the nature was constant while government... On nature ; Confucianism is to gain harmony with society on human conduct over the belief of a God concerned... To be naturally inferior to men on improving society drew on Taoism and Buddhism works more the...

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