Unit 4: Lecture - Chinese Religion

                                                          

Chinese Religion Download Chinese Religion

Some centuries before the beginning of the Christian era, Confucianism and Daoism emerged as  ethical guides to the proper behavior of individuals and officials in what has become known as the “Golden Age of Chinese Thought.”

Confucianism emerged as an intellectual traditional concerned with moral philosophy and a codified ritual system reinforcing existing social hierarchies. It established the proper way for all people to behave in society and in relation to each other with a set of obligations which when upheld, would yield harmony and a just society and a stable government.  It has been dubbed “Human Relations 101” by the author of The Idiot’s Guide to World Religions.  Over two thousand  years old, scholars are still asking:  Is it Philosophy?  Religion?  Ethical system?  Scholarly discipline?  Social tradition?

Buddhism was a religion of foreign origin, which developed as a Chinese home-grown religious phenomena. Originally an aristocratic cult centered on ancestor worship (ancestors of aristocrats), it prescribed sacrifices performed on behalf of the state.  Focused groups emerged at the local level, often worshiping a nature divinity.

The “proper” Chinese religion is Daoism, and at that, it has never been an entirely coherent religious system, but a compendium of several streams.  Various traditions emerged in the early centuries CE to compete with Confucianism and Buddhism for influence at court.

Daoists didn’t have the advantage of Buddhism with a religious founder in the historical Buddha, or of Confucianism, which could trace its tradition to the philosophy of Confucius.  Instead, each individual Daoist school traced its identity to its own sacred scriptures.  The aim was to secure and enjoy longevity, or to become an immortal, to promote the inner peace of individuals through harmony with their surroundings.

The focus of our reading in this unit is on the two religions of China, Daoism and Confucianism, but Buddhism also has played a significant role in Chinese religious life.

Compared with Confucianism and its emphasis on proper society and the establishment of ethical standards,  Daoism is open, formless impersonal, effortless.  The two are not rivals, but are generally regarded as balancing each other.

Confucianism advocates conformity, proper behavior within an ideal social system.

The Dao defies explanation-  which is considered entirely appropriate.

It is not antisocial, Daoism just believes efforts to control people are counterproductive.

It emphasizes spontaneity, self-reliance, finding some parallels in Buddhism.

Daoism encourages a receptive approach to life.  Truth is found in the rhythms of nature and the world around us.  Think rivers running, stars shining, children laughing, rocks waiting.  In modern understanding, think fractals, perhaps.

The ideal Daoist life is farmer.  Why?  In Daoist thought, the farmer seeks complete harmony with the patterns of nature.  Contrast this with Jainism, for which farmer is never acceptable.

With Daoism’s emphasis on letting nature take its course, on allowing situations to unfold, they generally refrain from trying to influence political or social institutions.  This is in opposition to Confucianism, which specifies right relationships, duties and responsibilities, and so the professions of influence are greatly sought out and revered:  teach, politician, administrator, leaders of all kinds.

Confucianism would specify particulars of ethical government and social structure.  The Daoist would tell the ruler to follow the pattern of nature’s harmony:  as few restrictions and directions as possible;  guide rather than rule.

Daoism derives from the Dao De Ching, one of the worlds shortest religious texts.  Its message is that all is interdependent and ‘resistance is futile.’ (Do you recognize the reference?)  This is from the Dao De Ching, and typifies the advise given to adherents:

On the Neglected Art of Keeping It Simple      

As to dwelling, live near the ground.

As to thinking, hold to that which is simple.

As to conflict, pursue fairness and generosity.

As to governance, do not attempt to control.

As to work, do that which you like doing.

As to family, be fully present.

Daoism eventually caught on, in large part because one of its basics was the promise of eternal physical life.  It encouraged a profound reverence for life, interest in natural processes, health, immortality.  Therefore, knowledge of the Dao, about Dao, was linked to superior physical health.  Daoism is associated with herbal remedies, with breathing techniques, with deep concentration.  The Daoists brought advances to non-invasive medical arts in China.

In Chinese religion, there are three teachings:  “Three religions, one culture.”  The three are assimilated in different proportions in an individual’s own belief system. 

One saying advocates:  Confucian head, Buddhist heart, Daoist belly.

Confucian head:  ethics and morality

Buddhist heart:  funeral rituals and prayers for the dead, compassion

Daoist belly:  philosophical attitudes toward nature, harmony.