It also encourages a person to comprehend the natural values of the world to become more in-tune with his inner self. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. Unlike Taoism which does not have a set of moral codes or society structures, Confucianism is focused heavily on social etiquette, rites and rituals, as well as establishing a virtuous government. They are considered as wise ways of approaching life and solving myriad problems and challenges life throws at the individual. Yoga is a fun, sweat-inducing practice that anyone can do. 10 Amazing Yoga Youtube Channels You Have To Subscribe To. Michael Quesada Confucius was a politician, teacher, musician, and philosopher born in 551 B.C.E. Confucianism became the orthodox ideology in feudal China and, in the long course of history, it drew on Taoism and Buddhism. Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu. It represents reincarnation. One main difference is that Hinduism has a God/Gods. Mencius also contributed a great part to Confucianism, lived in the Warring States Period (389-305 B.C. One thing running as a common thread in both the philosophies is that, despite originating in China, both have a world view and are universal in nature. Regardless of the differences between Taoism and Confucianism, both philosophies have served to provide a guideline to living and will continue to be a timeless source of inspiration and learning for generations to come. ), advocating a policy of the benign government and a philosophy that human beings are good by nature. ", Confucianism: to gain harmony with society. 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. However, we can summarize the core teachings into the following: In Confucianism, the three core teachings are: In Taoism, followers are encouraged to visit shrines regularly to fulfill their roles within the religion. All rights reserved. In Taoism, followers are encouraged to visit shrines regularly to fulfill their roles within the religion. Most people have seen a mandala, but what exactly are they? in the State of Lu, known today as Qufu in Shandong Province. 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. It espouses the principles of etiquette, humaneness, and righteousness, and upholds loyalty, forgiveness, and the doctrine of the mean. (2) Focus Taoism focuses majorly on nature; Confucianism is focused on improving society. Differences. The teachings of Taoism and Confucianism cannot be abridged into a few paragraphs as they are rich in valuable and timeless learnings and thoughts. Confucianism is the first important philosophy from the Warring States Period. The two philosophies arose in the same period known as Hundred Schools of Thought, which was a period characterized by internal strife and feudal tendencies. Taoism has this belief that all of the things that are being done should be done because of nature. This means that it is not the government or the laws that are important, but the nature that is the most important and guiding force for an individual. While Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent, Taoism originated in China. Key differences between Taoism and Confucianism Confucianism focuses more on earthly life, while Taoism looks at life beyond this world. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } It was in the 6th century B.C.E. Cite Confucianism and Daoism are two of the most influential schools of thought in ancient China. Confucius believed that rituals brought order in life and that moral standards could be maintained only through observance of rituals. Similarities and differences between Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Legalism BY: Emma Weik This is called a Dharma wheel. Confucianism is a misnomer for the tradition that is normally referred as ru jia or simply as ru in china. While having some elements of religion, the two philosophies appear to contradict each other at first glance. 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. There are many who remain confused between these two philosophies that have almost the status of religions. One myth narrated that around 604 B.C.E., Lao Tzu was born as an old man, already white-haired and full of wisdom. First of all, it could be said that both seek to overcome chaos and cultivate societal peace and harmony. Confucianism's main goal is the attainment of inner harmony with nature. 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. However, Confucianism gives women a lesser importance in society than men. Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, was of the view that the only way a man could achieve inner peace and harmony was through his inner spirit. To a casual observer, these philosophies may look opposite to each other, but from another angle, they are also complementary to each other. In fact, Scholar Xiao Ma has said: "Women always have been fighting for a way out of the Confucian shadows. January 21, 2019. Feng Shui is a system for arranging your surroundings in harmony and balance with the natural world around you. They share common beliefs about man, society, and the universe, although these notions were around long before either philosophy. While, Confucianism is the ideology put forth by the Chinese thinker, Confucius, Taoism refers to a number of philosophical and traditional concepts. But instead of regular practices, Confucianism highlights four important stages in a person’s life and with each of these stages, there are specific practices that are followed. The goal of Taoism is to gain harmony with the Tao and nature, while Confucianism is to gain harmony with people in society. It teaches to “follow the Tao Way” - Don’t violate it. • Goal of Taoism was to gain balance in life. What Is the Difference Between Legalism and Confucianism? Both began as philosophies, each later taking on religious overtones. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. The core belief of Taoism is that there is a natural harmony between heaven and earth, which can be discovered by anyone. Both are not only ways of thinking, but ways of life. The written teachings were to become his most popular book, the Lun-yü, or Analects. Although the goals of Taoism and Confucianism are similar that they try to place individuals as part of a larger experience, the difference lies on the extent of the relationship. in the State of Lu, known today as. This article attempts to clear these doubts by highlighting the differences between Taoism and Confucianism. Confucian political theory stresses the importance of justice and … The history and belief system as well as the likes and dislike of Taoism and Confucianism are interesting to learn. 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. Rituals also include a level of mysticism involving shamanism, divination and street parades with Taoists wearing honor guard costumes, god-image worship and performers portraying being possessed by spirits. Superficially, Hinduism appears to be a true polytheistic religion. Confucius had a brilliant teaching career due to his mastery of the six arts- ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy and arithmetic, as well as his familiarity with classical traditions including history and poetry. Tao means ‘The Way’ and Taoism is defined as the follower of Tao or The Way. Taoism is viewed in China as the other way of life. Which one is better and why is purely a matter of personal opinion based on each individuals' research and life experiences. Confucianism, on the other hand, does not hold regular practices and rituals, however, followers do believe that participating in rituals serves to unite people and is a way to improve society. The key word in Taoism is 道 Tao, the Way of Nature, Universe, or God. 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. The difference between the two are..confucianism turns to human nature as the motivating force to do good, and taoism turns to nature itself. The origin of the English word ‘Confucianism’ can be traced back to the Jesuits of the sixteenth century. The main difference between Confucianism and Taoism is in the focus of each philosophy as Confucianism focuses on the society while Taoism focuses on the nature. Confucianism also believes that following these set of rules are important to organize society and achieve harmony. Founder of this website; currently living vicariously through himself. 1) treat others as you would be treated. Taoism and Confucianism are regarded as a way of life, sharing common beliefs about man, society, heaven and the universe. Similarities between Confucianism and Taoism. The difference between the two is in their philosophies about life. There are many similarities between the two as well as a few subtle differences. Literary works include The Analects, the Mencius, and the Xunzi. Taoism is based on the nature and emphasizes on natural ways to deal with life. They were both believed to have been found around 550 BCE. Tao is the standard of right and wrong. Confucianism is said to be founded by Confucius; Taoism was founded by Lao Zi (or Lao Tzu); while Shintoism has no clear founder. by Michael Quesada But here, in a very simple nutshell, is one way to think of the difference between philosophical Taoism and Confucianism. As he was leaving civilization, he passed through the city gates for the final time and the gatekeeper asked Lao Tzu to write down his parting thoughts. Lao Tzu is translated either as ‘Old Master’ or ‘Old Boy’. The very fact that most of the early spiritual leaders that followed Taoism were butchers, woodworkers, and other craftsmen is a testimony to this thinking. Later on, Confucians also started practicing 'Jing Zuo', which is meditation through sitting quietly. Home / Uncategorized / Taoism Vs. Legalism emphasizes the proscribing of laws in order to ensure public order, whereas Confucianism is more concerned with instilling morality. It is seen that followers of either of the two philosophies practice principles of the other philosophy too. In viewing women for example, Taoism do not place a distinction between men and women, holding women as equal, respected members of society. 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. They both incorporated religious practices with daily activities in a way that it pertained to philosophy as well as religion, making the secular sacred. "Not to teach a man who can be taught, is to waste a man; to teach a man who cannot be taught, is a waste of words. He was said to have lived the rest of his life somewhere near Tibet, beyond the Great Wall of China. Both of these philosophies which simultaneously existed shaped the religion, traditions, culture and beliefs of their followers for well over 2,000 years. 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. Taoism and Confucianism are complementary in nature. While these two philosophies may have been based on similar scriptures and promote ideas that are somehow in line with each other, there are strong contrasts on how they are founded and expressed especially when it comes to views regarding self, behavior, politics and religion. • There is basically no difference between the words Taoism and Daoism and both represent the same age old Chinese religious philosophy. However, Confucianism gives women a lesser importance in society than men. • Chinese New Year, 3 Day Festival of the Dead, Ancestor Day are holidays of Taoism. ), a time of feudalism when today's China existed as … first, explain the difference between Taoism and Confucianism with regard to their different views of nature and human society. December 7, 2017, Victoria Jones, Leave a comment. Although the goals of Taoism and Confucianism are similar that they try to place individuals as part of a larger experience, the difference lies on the extent of the relationship. Confucianism also does not harp on any deity and, when people tried to exalt Confucius to the status of a God, he politely rebuked them. Countless deities, gods, goddesses, and incarnations abound, and are defined in sacred Hindu texts, such as the Regveda, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads. Though some of the tenets of these religions are similar, we will focus on the difference between Taoism and Buddhism. According to Confucianism, women were to occupy a lower position than men at every level. And, if followed continuously, they become the inner nature of a person though doing them merely for the sake of doing would not lead to desired results. Lao Tzu agreed and returned after three days with a small book containing his writings, which were later on titled as Tao Te Ching, the most important text of Taoism. with each of these stages, there are specific practices that are followed. It is mainly concerned with the good value that is obtained by establishing social values. Let’s take a look at the notable differences between Taoism and Confucianism. Confucianism lays stress on ethics. By You'll have to make up your own mind. by Michael Quesada It is interesting to note that the word Taoism is derived from the word ‘Tao,’ which means ‘way’ or the life force that guides living beings in the universe. Promote it. Difference Between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, Difference Between Reincarnation and Rebirth, Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between Motivation and Inspiration, Difference Between HTC Inspire 4G and Samsung Galaxy S 4G, Difference Between Domain Name and Web Hosting, Difference Between Galvanizing and Tinning, Difference Between Electroplating and Anodizing, Distinguish Between Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene, Difference Between Methotrexate and Methotrexate Sodium. Lao Tzu never returned back to civilization after that. The core philosophy of Confucianism is that rules and rituals are needed to correct the degeneration of people. Confucianism is represented by Confucius (founder, 551-479 B.C. Mandala's are more than just great art, they have deep meaning to certain people. Confucianism deals with social matters, while Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning. when the two contemporaries, Lao Tzu and Confucius are believed to have lived and taught their respective philosophies. But this is misplaced confidence because it simply amounts to worshiping created things rather than … By Staff Writer Last Updated Apr 8, 2020 5:27:26 AM ET. Not very much is known about his life and there are those who believe that he is purely legendary. • Founder of Confucianism was Kong Qiu (Confucius). Also, because natural ways to deal with problems were always considered better than imposed ways. This includes the veneration of ancestors. philosophy is more about finding the person’s way of life through nature and universe around him. Even though they were different many Chinese found both to be compatible with one another and even practiced both at the same time. 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. This means that there are different things that should be dealt with in a more natural manner. • Goal of Confucianism was to create social harmony. Despite the differences in their origin, they are all ways of life which were followed by a number of people in China in the dynasty era (Berthrong, 2008). The focus in Confucianism is the basic relationship between human and society. Tao means ‘The Way’ and Taoism is defined as the follower of Tao or The Way. What is Confucianism? 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. Both hold to two basic ideals. ), Mencius, and Xunzi. In a sense, they can be considered as opposite sides of the same coin. Definition of Confucianism. In Taoism one works more with the individual, whereas Confucianism tends to take into account the relationship of the individual to his environment. This philosophy is more about finding the person’s way of life through nature and universe around him. Yet the Hindu acknowledges a "supreme reality" in Brahman. I don't think Taoism or Confucianism do either. Although they may represent different ways of thinking and behavior, it is important to note that both beliefs are similar in a way that they focus on man’s self-improvement. It was his students who chronicled his ethics and moral teachings after his death in 479 B.C.E. The keyword in Confuianism is 礼 Li, the right way of behavior - among people, in the right situation, right time and place. For those that can't make it to a studio, here are 10 YouTube channels you should try. 2) moderation is good. 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