Confucianism and Daoism in Chinese Civilization

“The Philosophical Struggle That Defined China - Hundred Schools of Thought.” 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MKMgBh4CMI

In Chinese civilization, there are several teachings, including Confucianism and Daoism. According to the National Geographic resource library, “Confucianism is one of the most influential religious philosophies in Chinese history and has been around for more than 2,500 years. Confucianism has to do with inner virtue, morality, and respect for the community and its values." Where "Confucianism is variously described as a tradition, philosophy, religion, humanistic or rationalistic religion, a way of governing, or simply a way of life. Confucianism evolved from what has come to be called the Hundred Schools of Thought from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC). " (Wikipedia).

Daoism which originally meant "the Way" or "the way", "is considered to be an impersonal and boundless force, in the cosmic sphere, which stands behind the existence and unfolding of the natural order." (Bresnan 334). “Great as the success of Confucianism was during the time of Han, by no means would it be true to say that they had the field all to themselves. By this time the Daoist were a strong presence throughout Chinese society and in the imperial court as well. Confucians and Daoist engaged ceaselessly in generally friendly competition for influence.” (Bresnan 328).

A Daoist master practicing with the Three Treasures

https://i.redd.it/8o7ewiurpek61.jpg

The fall of the Han dynasty in 220 CE, led to the decline of Confucianism. But the Tang and Song Dynasties became the scene of the rise of Confucianism "but with a difference, which is known as "neo-Confucianism" (Bresnan 329). Neo-Confucianism was created to reduced Buddhism popularity. Neo-Confucianism picked up some Buddhism and Daoist beliefs, "The net result was a hybrid of traditional Confucian teaching, some recast elements of Buddhism, and even bits of Religious Daoism." (Bresnan 329). It called neo-Confucianism because it's revival of Confucianism. 

In my opinion, Confucius will feel proud and happy with the rise of Confucianism, although there are changes but still take the basis of Confucian teachings. I see a direct contradiction in neo-Confucianism regarding the original teachings of Confucius. The teachings of neo-Confucianism take the basic teachings of Confucius but because they want to compete with Buddhism, it is adjusted where "Buddhism had become a total philosophy of life; it dealt with areas-metaphysics, for example- that had never been a part of Confucian thinking. If the Confucians were to restore the primacy of Confucianism, they would have to match what Buddhism was offered." (Bresnan 329).

Daoist Philosophy | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

https://iep.utm.edu/wp-content/media/daoism.jpg

Daoist strongly oppose the Confucian system because "in the eyes of the Taoists, it is a medicinal property that Confucius proposes to reestablish the harmony that has been lost. The Confucian "system" arouses the anger of the Daoist because, in essence, they feel that it not only fails to return humans to their natural state it just made things worse." (Bresnan 339). They disliked the Confucian system because "the simple, natural life that the Daoist hold dear is seen to be overwhelmed by the complex and highly formal ways of the Confucian system". (Bresnan 339). Both traditions developed over time. In either case it would be incorrect to say that what exists today is a wholly faithful expression of the original teachings. Both have evolved and adapted to the current situation.

Works Cited

"A Daoist master practicing with the Three Treasures." https://i.redd.it/8o7ewiurpek61.jpg. Accessed 1 April 2022

  Bresnan, Patrick S. "Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought". 6th ed. Routledge, 2018.

 “Confucianism”. Society, Resource Library: Encyclopedic Entry. www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/confucianism/. Accessed 1 April 2022.

“Confucianism”. Wikipedia. www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism. Accessed 1 April 2022.

"Daoist Philosophy" | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/wp-content/media/daoism.jpg. Accessed 1 April 2022.

“The Philosophical Struggle That Defined China - Hundred Schools of Thought.” YouTube. May 16, 2020. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MKMgBh4CMI. Accessed April 1, 2022.