Confucian thought focuses on the development of virtue in a morally organized world. It is the virtue-form of Heaven, and the source of all other virtues. Confucianism was the official religion of China from B. Like Taoism, Confucianism spread to other countries and was somewhat dormant in China for a time, but is on the rise once again.
For more insight on Confucianism, read the Analects by Confucius. Improve this page Learn More. Skip to main content. Module Religion. Search for:. Watch IT Watch this video to learn more about Confucius and the basic tenets of the religion. Upon first inspection, Taoism and Confucianism may appear to be very different, even contradictory. To the enlightened, it is realized that Taoist thought and Confucian thought are very much in line with one another, but it just may be that the two philosophies are expressed differently.
At the crossroads where the two seemingly different philosophies find reconciliation are the three ideas at the heart of each philosophy: filial piety, education, and enlightenment. On the surface, it appears that Taoist thought and Confucian thought regard filial piety in very different ways.
When there is no peace in the family, filial piety begins This may seem like a contradiction until we look at the deeper meanings of filial piety from the two philosophies. According to Lao Tsu, if filial piety begins after a conflict has occurred in a family, this is going against the true nature of what it means to be filial. This implies action to correct a situation: action that is not coming naturally from the heart. If natural filial piety were expressed in the family from the very beginning, conflict would have no means to arise.
Thus, filial piety exists naturally; it is through the expression of filial piety using non-action, known in Chinese as wu wei , that its true nature can be understood. Indeed, it would seem that Taoism considers wu we i an essential element of filial piety. In addition, filial piety exists not only within the family; it also naturally exists between members of the extended family that is humankind and between all beings that make up the universe.
In the Tao te Ching , Lao Tsu once said, " Every being in the universe is an expression of the Tao There exists between all beings a naturally reciprocal filial piety that binds them together. It is through the realization of this that we can come to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be filial. According to Confucius, being filial to our parents is the utmost expression of respect.
This is an essential element in obtaining the title of chun-tzu , or noble person. However, filial piety is not a one-way street. Parents must also be filial to their children and to their parents. Both parent and child have a natural position and responsibility within the family; therefore natural filial piety is reciprocal.
It is through recognizing and practicing filial piety in the family that a person will know how to act outside of the family. For in the Confucian tradition, it is realized that filial piety also exists between all beings. This is evident in the Confucian Golden Rule, which is sometimes referred to as the Silver Rule: "Do not do unto others what you would want them to not do unto you. To force filial piety into being or to intentionally practice reciprocal filial piety would be going against its true nature.
Filial piety must be freely expressed for it to be truly realized. When we look at the deeper meaning of filial piety as viewed from both Taoism and Confucianism, we may see that the two philosophies regard filial piety in much the same way. Filial piety is an essential part and is at the intersection of both philosophies. We must realize this in order to understand Taoism and Confucianism more clearly. With regards to education, it may also seem that Taoist thought and Confucian thought differ greatly.
In the Tao te Ching , Lao Tsu said, " The more you know, the less you understand Not-knowing is true knowledge Taoists believe that life is good. Taoism lays emphasis on the body. Confucianism vs. Comparison chart Differences — Similarities —. Video Explaining the Differences Core Philosophy. Follow Share Cite Authors. Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: "Confucianism vs Taoism.
Comments: Confucianism vs Taoism. Anonymous comments 5 March 5, , am Thanks for the Info! Really Helped me out! There are very useful for my studies. Related Comparisons. Contribute to Diffen Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Log in ». Terms of use Privacy policy. They can be used as meditation objects, but they are not that common. If immortality isn't attained during life, the Tao will continue to evolve and manifest in different forms, in accordance with the entity's general conduct during a state of existence.
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