Chinese Philosophies

BUDDHISM

ORIGINS AND FOUNDER

• It began in India and incorporated.
• The founder was Siddhartha Gautama.
• He was an Indian prince
• Siddhartha Gautama left his city
• He developed compassion for all.

PRINCIPLES/DIFFUSION

• Reincarnation it is not always seen rebirth.
• Buddhism does not hold to a belief.
• Four Noble Truths and Eightfold path.
• Spread to Southeast Asia and to East Asia.
• Desire is cause of suffering.

CONFUCIUS

ORIGINS/FOUNDER

• China during the Zhou (Chou) Dynasty.
• Founder was Kung Fu-Tzu
• After the end of feudalism crime was rampant.
• Confucius spoke of returning to the moral standards of the ancient.
• (Confucius) 551-479 BC

PRINCIPLES/DIFFUSION

• Primary goals are order.
• Harmony, peace and happiness on earth.
• Benevolence in rulers and loyalty of minister and subjects.
• Spread by his followers after the death of Confucius as they obtained.
• These ideals eventually formed the basis for the civil service exam in china.

TAOISM

ORIGINS/FOUNDER

• Spread of Confucianism and Buddhism.
• Grew from Chinese philosophies that were merged into one basic teaching.
• In some way it grew from a reaction.

PRINCIPLES

• Taoism places a great emphasis on nature.
• When man's efforts and actions are in harmony with the universe.
• Taoism the yin/yang reflects the harmony and balance.
• Three Jewels, compassion, moderation,and humility.
• A key concept related to this balance, as seen in nature.

DIFFUSION

• Taoism spread primarily to areas immediately surrounding China
• Philosophies and religion- most notably Buddhism and Shintoism