Chinese Religions

Copy the information from the slides.

Confucianism

Based on the teaching of Kong Fu Zi, who was called Confucius by Europeans

Focused on proper conduct, respect for elders, education, and hard work

Confucius taught that life would be harmonious if everyone was loyal, courteous, honest, and faithful

Children show absolute respect for authorityRulers need to live by strong virtues and set a

good example for society to be harmonious

Confucius

Taoism

Based on the teaching of LaoziHumans should see themselves a part

of naturePeople should live a simple life in

harmony with natureHarmony comes from balancing

opposite forces of nature, called yin and yang

Loazi

Buddhism

Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha

Buddha means “enlightened one” Buddhism started in India and was

brought to China by Buddhist monks traveling along the Silk Road

Buddha

Four Noble Truths

1. All life is suffering and pain2. Suffering and pain are caused by

desire for wealth, pleasure, fame, or power

3. To end suffering, one must overcome desire

4. To overcome desire, one must follow the Middle Way

The Middle Way

The Middle Way teaches compassion for all living things, which leads to calmness and purity of mind

Reincarnation – when a person dies, the soul is reborn in a new body

Nirvana – First goal in life is to attain nirvana, the state of having no desires. When one attains nirvana, he or she breaks the cycle of birth and death and no longer is reincarnated into a life of suffering

Critical Thinking Questions

Who do you think said the following statements, the Buddha, Confuscius, or Laozi? Explain your answer with a fact from the notes.

1. "Like a spider caught in its own web is a person driven by fierce desires. Break out of the web, and turn away from the world of sensory pleasures and sorrow.”

2. "If a ruler himself in honest, all will go well without orders. But if he himself is not honest, even though he gives orders they will not be obeyed."

3. "Deal with difficult tasks while they are easy. Act on large issues while they are small.”

4. "No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see. ”

5. "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned."

6. "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

7. "He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.”

8. "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.