Taoism and Confucianism China's Native Culture

Tao besides translates as "the Way," a reference to the kind of disembodied spirit that is seen as important. Taoism argues that there is a single, overarching Way that encompasses everything in the universe (Lao Tzu xvii)."

The underlying philosophy of Taoism is that life is best when it is calm and flowing (fisher 182). Becoming detached from the variant and materialism of human society is seen by Taoist intrustrs as essential. Lao Tzu (4) says: The Tao that can be told of/Is not the compulsive Tao,/The name that can be given/ are not Absolute Names." This single sentence from the Tao Te Ching demonstrates the inherently mystical record of this religious belief system.

The principle of "wu-wei" or doing nothing is also important in Taoism. This also refers to taking no treat that is contrary to nature. The result of wu-wei is nonintervention with others or with nature itself. Taoists believe that a life of non-interference reduces all stress and focuses attention on the Tao itself. Meditation and T'ai-chi chuan (an exercise regimen designed to promot

Confucianism, in contrast, does not call for non-engagement and, as expressed in The Analects of Confucius (Leys xiv) represents a way of active the moral life in the political world.

Confucianism calls for active send of fairness but recognizes that men have an obligation to persist in society and that society can be confused and demanding. Fisher (194) notes that Confucius believes young men must be taught virtue so that they could participate effectively in public service. The pristine virtue identified in this belief system is jen, a term that can be translated variously as love, goodness, benevolence, arrant(a) virtue, humaneness and human-heartedness (Fisher 195).

e fluidity) are practiced by Taoists to achieve noninterference (Fisher 189-190).

Leys, Simon. Editor/Translator. The Analects of Confucius.

Confucius also supported "the ancient Chinese custom of ancestor veneration, as an extension of filial piety. Fisher (196) says that "Although Confucius did not speak much about an unseen Reality, he asserted that li are the earthly expressions of the natural cosmic o
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