AP Human Geography 2011 - Confucianism and Daoism

1. Confucianism and Daoism By: Brittany Cole & Emily Harris

2. Confucianism’s Origins and Beliefs Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived from 551-479 B.C. who wished to be an advisor to a noble Confucius taught and emphasized the importance of “correct behaviors”, an art known as li He traveled from region to region with a small group of students, his disciples Brittany Cole

3. Confucian Beliefs Confucianism is an ethnic religion because it focuses primarily on works Confucius believed that any perception about the after life was beyond human comprehension Confucius also rejected the idea of “sin” but viewed mistakes as an opportunity to do better the next time Their ultimate goal is to be perfect and moral Brittany Cole

4. Confucian Holy Books and Writings Confucius actually did not write anything The "Five Classics" of Chinese literature are attributed to him as writer. The "Analects" is a collection of aphorisms put together by Confucius's students after his death. The " Liji ," or "Record of Rites," also contains dialogs, discourses, anecdotes, and narratives about Confucius and his teachings. Brittany Cole

5. Confucian Traditions and Rituals Confucius believed that ordinary life was a sacred time because he could not comprehend an external reality. He also believed that each day should be a ritual (wake up at the same time, eat at the same times, etc.) so that the day would be more sacred. He also theorized that rituals united large groups of people and made a stronger community. Brittany Cole

6. Confucianism’s Other Aspects Essentially, Confucius simply left most questions unanswered, making a very undefined religion. He ultimately believed that he should try to be good, and that he did not and could not know anything beyond that. Morals are surprisingly undefined Worship No definite means of worship other than living a good life Holy Days Each day is an opportunity to be better Holy Places None on earth Brittany Cole

7. Confucianism Symbol Only definite symbol associated with Confucianism Means “scholar” in Chinese Also associated with to “yin” of yin-yang Brittany Cole

8. Daoism’s Origins and Beliefs Founder is believed to be Lao-Tse who is rumored to have lived from 604-531 BCE. Many historians argue that he could be mythical, or mixture of many different political leaders Searching for a way to avoid constant warfare and feuding during his lifetime Started as a combination of psycology and philosophy Emily Harris

9. Daoist Belief Believe in the Tao, the first-cause of the universe There is no god that they worship or pray to, try to achieve answers through meditation and observartion Believe in small spirits/deities, but they aren’t personified Promote health and vitality Must nuture Ch’i (air/breath) that has been given to them Be kind and virtuous to others, but are also looking for the behavior to be reciprocated Plan in advance and think through each decision carefully Follow “wu wei,” letting nature take it’s course Believe people are naturally kind and compassionate Five main organs of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal and earth. Ultimate goal is to harmonize oneself with the Tao Emily Harris

10. Daoist Holy Books and Writings Tao te Ching-The Book of the Way. Said to have been written directly by Lao Tzu Emily Harris

11. Daoist Traditions, Rituals, and Practices Tai Chi-believed to balance energy flow and improve the function of the organs, nerves, and bloodstream Emily Harris

12. Yin Yang Emily Harris Represents balance of opposites in the universe When it is in balance, all is calm. If not, things are in chaos. Swirling shapes represent change, believed to be the only constant in the universe Humans upset the balance of Yin Yang Yin corresponds to night and is darker, feminine, passive, and more downward-seeking Yang corresponds to day and is brighter, masculine, active, and more upward-seeking Nothing can be fully black or white, that is why there is a dot of the opposite color in each swirling shape.

13. Sources http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism.html all-famous-quotes.com www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/religion/ confucianism / http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm http://www.ishwar.com/taoism/