Daoism vs. Confucianism free essay sample

The sixth century represented a flourishing era for philosophical growth in ancient China. It is in the course of that period that Confucius and Lao-tzu, the two most significant Chinese spiritual figures, are believed to have lived and taught. The philosophies that they adapted, Taoism and Confucianism, coexisted in dynastic China, appealing numerous followers over the last 2,500 years. Although both Taoism, founded by Lao Tzu, and Confucianism, founded by Kong Qiu (Confucius), share numerous similarities and emphasize on self-improvement and salvation, these two philosophies have strong contrasts that I will try to highlight through a comparison of these two traditions based on the Confucius text â€Å"Harmony with the Universal Order† and the Taoist â€Å"The Tao itself â€Å". The chief variance between Taoism and Confucianism resides in the religious goal of the two philosophies. While Confucianism deals with social matters and seeks order, unity, mutual respect and social harmony, Taoism emphasizes on oneness with the cosmos. We will write a custom essay sample on Daoism vs. Confucianism or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In â€Å"Harmony with the Universal Order† we notice a repetitive use of the word moral which is the core concept of Confucianism. Indeed, this text written in the form of quotes, teachings and sayings of Confucius indicates the importance of morality, ethics and activism. One famous quote of Confucius says â€Å"The superior men are sparing in their words and profuse in their deeds. Which supports the fact that each person should live by virtue and value integrities in all social matters. Confucius emphasizes on brotherhood and compassion and shows his followers the way to learn to be human and attain a structured society. However, Taoism’s main emphasis is on the body and to be one with the nature. This is a religion of union and opposites (Ying and Yang). This philosophy is centered on searching for the ‘meaning’ and achieving balance, union and harmony with the nature. It also promotes the pursuit of spiritual immortality as well as self-development. Taoism enhance different practices such as meditation, feng shui, fortune telling and reading and chanting of scriptures. In Taoism, enlightenment is a gradual and constant progression which can be achieved by reaching the Way through self-transformation until the Tao can be realized. â€Å"The Tao Itself†, written as a poem, tries to describe the Tao, which is literal translated as the way. According to this text, the Tao is a mysterious powerful force which cannot be defined as Lao-tzu states Those who know do not say; those who say do not know. It is the ultimate reality in which everything is interconnected. Even if the Tao is perceived as a source of creation it is not a God or an object of worship, it is not expressible or perceived but still gives the rise to all beings and allows the flow of the entire universe. Although the world Tao appears in both Confucianism and Taoism, it refers to different concepts in each of these traditions. If in Taoism it is â€Å"the way† and ultimate truth, Confucianism perceive it as â€Å"the moral law†. It is to say the way individuals should act and behave in a society. It is a moral and ethical path that one should adapt in his everyday life and interactions such as the respect of elderly for example. Harmony also slightly differ in these two religions. As Taoists believe that harmony is the peruse of the Tao and be one with the universe, Confucianism hunt for reinforcing and serving the society by bettering the self and perusing knowledge. The contrast between the two religions takes many other perspectives besides way of salvation and practices. We can give the example of the different views of afterlife. While Confucianism states that one should be worshiped by descendants and family after his death, Taoism emphasizes the fact that human soul lives on. And even if Taoism is centered on only following the Tao, Confucianism stresses the idea of ethics and respect towards the ones that are superiors to us. Although these religions don’t agree on many concepts and differ on many levels, they both focus on the individual and his behavior and thus, served, and still serve as guides. Furthermore, concepts of educating the self, filial piety and enlightenment appear to exist in each of these traditions which don’t constitute a way of thinking, they are more ways of life. These two religions also share the same history as they both emerged after the fall of the Zhou dynasty as a way to find solutions to the chaos that appeared due to that fall. Regardless of these similarities, Taoism and Confucianism represent two different and distinct systems but it still very interesting for scholars to study how people in china particularly manage to embrace both of these religions in a way where a new version of two protagonists emerge especially when considering the rising of religious intolerance and the clash of different doctrines around the world. For now, the solution might be made in China.