Chinese Religious Traditions Flashcards
What three traditions are included in the Chinese Religions?
- Taoism
- Confucianism
- Buddhism
What is Taoism?
It is both a philosophy and a religion, that is considered with the ethical behaviour of people and the government
What is the Tao?
The flow of energy or “The Way”
Who is Lao Tzu?
Creator of Taoism
- he was a library curator who wanted to live in balance and harmony
- he wrote the Tao-Te-Ching (The Book of the Way)
What is the Tao-Te-Ching?
Taoism scripture
- not necessarily a scripture
- a book of poetry
- attributed to Lao Tzu
What is Qi?
The vital life force and energy that flows through everything, that is needed to be in balance
What is Yin Yang?
Concept of dualism and balance, (opposing forces that creates harmony)
What is Wu Wei?
Non action, non doing, action less
- going with the flow in alignment with the tao
- but NOT apathy!!
What is Confucianism?
One of the most influential philosophies in China
- strong moral, ethical, and behavioural code of conduct
- emphasis on strict adherence to rules, authority and respect
Who is Confucius?
He was a Chinese philosopher and teacher, believed to be a student of Lao Tzu
- taught moral and ethical lessons that prioritized reverence to parents, authority, and ceremony
What are the Analects (Lunyu)?
Moral teachings and sayings of Confucius
- Rules of Confucius
What are the 4 main moral teachings?
- Honor ceremony, ritual, and tradition
- Honor our parents and elders
- Honor obedience and respect for authority
- Honor hard work and developing knowledge over creativity
What is Ritual Propriety?
Honoring ceremony, ritual and tradition (One of the main moral teachings)
What is Filial Piety?
Honor our parents and elders (One of the main moral teachings)
- One’s duties and indebtedness to parents, even after their death
What are the 5 constant virtues?
- Benevolence (Ren)
- Ritual Propriety (Li)
- Righteousness (Yi)
- Wisdom (Zhi)
- Integrity (Xin)
