subject: Daoism and Confucianism [print this page] Daoism and Confucianism Daoism and Confucianism
In every society, there exist systems that are aimed at giving direction to the people. In China, there were quite a few of these, but two of them form the subject of our discussion. These are Daoism and Confucianism. These two have for several years been followed by a great number of people in China, and became subject of study across the world. This movement is thought to have been founded by Lao-Tse, who lived between 604 and 532 BCE. Daoism is mainly concerned with the natural, simplistic way of self actualization. Confucianism on the other hand, was a school of thought said to have been founded by K'ung Fu Tzu, a Chinese born around 550 BCE. Their main concerns were morality and conduct. This paper has as its focus, the differences and similarities between two movements. It will also establish whether Confucianism is a religion or a philosophy of life.
Similarities and Differences
Both Daoism and Confucianism concern themselves with the practical issues of life. They are less concerned with the abstract reality. The writings of both Confucius and Lao are considered as forming part of the culture of China. These movements were founded as philosophies of life, but later the religious traces in each evolved into religious cults. Both put great emphasis on the practical rather than on belief in religion, and unlike in other religions, they lack a distinct routine; any place is convenient for practice. Daoism teaches that the only way to avoid the problems of life is by avoiding a life based on the differences that we impose on things (Slingerland, 2003). These differences, they say, are the source of all evils in society. The solution thus lies in acting in a way that does not alter nature, or reality. Confucianism on the other hand teaches that life can be altered. They therefore concern themselves with the possibility of changing reality. Confucians think they can actually control the way reality works. In this they completely differ with Daoism. Daoism seeks solutions to the problems of life through contemplation, meditation, and observation (Slingerland, 2003). Confucianism on the other hand has a hands on everything kind of approach.' For Taoists, government is not necessary. Everything should be let to flow according to the laws of nature. Moral laws for them are an obstacle to the needed balance in life. Confucians on the other hand teach morality. They are concerned with personal relationships, with the way people should relate with each other.
Confucianism- a religion or a philosophy
Many scholars today consider Confucianism as a way of life, rather than a religion (Slingerland, 2003). Perhaps this is informed by the fact that certain elements must be there before a movement can be classified as a religion. There are various commonalities that all religions share, which Confucianism seem to lack. For any religion to be there should be some sort of common belief. In Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, there exists a common belief that a higher power than they exists. Some Confucians are of the belief that gods do not exist. Mostly, religions have canons that cannot be edited. The Christians for example cannot add onto the bible, or Muslims into the Koran. The text used by Confucians continues to be added onto. Religions are often identified as institutions. Confucianism does not have any head, neither is it recognized as an institution.
Conclusion
These two movements have had a long history. They also have spread fast across the world, gaining a lot of attention from all corners. We must say however they are not religions as such. The religious cults that have stemmed from them cannot qualify to be described as religion. Some of their teachings however, resemble very closely those of the other religions. One certain thing is that Lao Tse and K'ung Fu Tzu left a lot for the world to ponder about. These movements have influenced the world, especially the Asian world in a very profound way.
