File philosophies and religions of china.pdf
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Taoism (Daoism)According to the religion <strong>of</strong> Taoism, people should learn from nature how to behave <strong>and</strong>think. For example, by observing the ways <strong>of</strong> a spring breeze or running brook, people couldput themselves in touch with a divine force. They would learn to behave in a simple <strong>and</strong>natural way rather than strive to follow formal rules <strong>and</strong> obligations <strong>of</strong> society. Living apartfrom society, Taoists hoped to achieve inner peace <strong>and</strong> harmony by acting in accordancewith the ways <strong>of</strong> nature. Lao Zi was the founder <strong>of</strong> this religion.LegalismBuddhismLegalism shaped China’s early history.Han Feizi was the most famous legalist writer. He believed that people were selfish <strong>and</strong>acted out <strong>of</strong> self interest.He rejected Confucian ideas about proper behavior. He believed people would respond torewards <strong>and</strong> punishment. Legalists believed only harsh rulers with strong laws could impose order on society. In 221BC, the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi used Legalism to unite China.Buddhism was a different religion for the Chinese. Confucianism, Taosim, <strong>and</strong> Legalism, gaveguidelines for living on earth.Buddhism also gave moral guidelines but the ultimate state <strong>of</strong> being, nirvana, was not earthly.Eventually, Buddhism blended with other <strong>philosophies</strong> to reflect Chinese values.Yin <strong>and</strong> YangYin <strong>and</strong> Yang are opposite forces <strong>of</strong> nature that balance each other. All Chinese <strong>philosophies</strong>follow this concept.
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