Chinese Philosophies

Buddhism

Origin and Founder

• Began in India
• Incorporated Hinduism in its practice
• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama
• Eliminating desire is the basis of Buddhism

Principles

• Desire causes suffering (end desire)
• Teaches reincarnation (rebirth)
• Doesn't hold a belief in a deity
• Based on Four Noble Truths
• Also based on the Eightfold Path

Diffusion

• Spread to Southeast Asia and East Asia
• Spread during the Maurya Empire
• Also, it spread through the Gupta Empire
• It actively seeks to convert others
• It was never widely accepted in India

Confucianism

Origin and Founder

• It came from China in the Zhou Dynasty
• The founder was Kung Fu- Tzu (Confucius)
• Confucius founded it in 551-479 BC

Principles

• It is a code dealing with moral character
• Goals: order, harmony, peace, and happiness
• Capable by education, self-effort, and self-reflection
• Important principals: the Five Relationships
• The principles dealing with the controls with social action

Five Relationships

• Parent-child
• Husband-wife
• Elder sibling-younger sibling
• Elder friend- younger friend
• Ruler-subject

Diffusion

• Spread by Confucius's followers after his death
• Confucius became the founder of Chinese education
• These teachings spread to Korea and Japan

Taoism

Origins and Founder

• Grew from ancient Chinese religions merged into one
• The founder is Lao- Tse

Principles

• Tao (Dao) means "The Way"
• Focuses on achieving balance and harmony
• Has a great emphasis on nature
• The Yin Yang reflects the harmony and balance
• Emphasizes the Three Jewels

Three Jewels

• Compassion
• Moderation
• Humility

Diffusion

• Taoism spread to the areas around China
• Incorporated mostly into Buddhism and Shintoism

Bibliography

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LifeAndWorksOfConfucius1687.jpg
• http://www.freewebs.com/taoismreligion/history.htm