205 Reading Assignment Name PDF

Preview

Summary

Prof- Brian Eslinger ...

Description

205 Reading Assignment Chapter 8, The Dao

Name: Irving Chan

Carefully read the chapter. Type your answer the following questions using complete sentences. Be sure to read the questions carefully and answer them completely in your own words, do not work with others on the assignment or copy the text. 2 points each

1) In what sense are the two notions of Yin and Yang fundamental to the understanding of Chinese religions? Yin and Yang represents the Chinese religious mentality. It represents all binary entities and concepts and interact ceaselessly to form a continuum or spectrum, generating the myriad elements of the creation. It is a worldview that recognizes differences but also harmony among the differences. It is the fundamental energies of the cosmos that interacts with each other; yin and yang make solid matter when they coalesce and remain immaterial when diffused. It is the interaction of the human body and the soul, where yin and yang interplays with materialistic things as well as spiritual entities. Human beings have an immaterial aspect and the yang reflects components of being light, pure, and upward-rising. Conversely, yin in the component of being heavy, turgid, and downward-sinking.

2) Why is Daoism more than the teachings of the Laozi and the Zhuangzi? The teachings of the Laozi and the Zhuangzi are more of a representative of certain modes of thinking than of individual thinkers, they are anthologies containing different strands of thought rather than coherent and logical teachings of single authors. They express a decidedly alternative understanding of the dao and of ideal human action. The Laozi and Zhuangzi contains chapters that are sophisticated philosophical discussion of the Dao; they hint at invulnerability to harm, longevity, and immortality which are the goals of Daoism. The Daoism religion goes way beyond the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi where these two texts can be perceived as “proto-Daoist texts by virtue of their distinctive view of the Dao and their reference to various practices and powers that anticipate those of the later organized Daoist groups. Though, Laozi and Zhuangzi are traditionally recognized as early founders of the Daoist tradition, they could only be be considered proto-Daoists.

3) Why is Confucianism a religious tradition despite its lack of concern for the afterlife?

Confucius was a great teacher. He offered fresh insight into human condition, creatively reinterpreting the belief system he inherited from the early Zhou. Because he had an intense and charismatic personality, he became a popular private teacher with a huge following. He is believed to have put the major classical works into their final form. The intellectual and spiritual autobiography of Confucius illustrates the pattern of his development from a scholar to a religious figure. He was the consummate representative of the ru tradition and an exemplary teacher. He was then honored as a sage and the founder of China’s most important philosophical and religious tradition. Confucianism became a state-designated orthodoxy, in recognition of its usefulness in fostering effective governance and enhancing social cohesiveness. Confucius remained as large an exemplary human figure worthy of veneration, rather than a god promising salvation and demanding pious submission. In short, Confucius had such a great impact in China that governments and rulers cherished and respected him so much so that it became a religion.

4) In what ways do Confucianism and Daoism complement each other, and in what ways do they oppose each other? Confucianism and Daoism complement each other by shaping the personal conduct and social behavior of the people in China. Confucianism is not just a teaching of ethics and good government but a deep religious faith in a numinous Absolute-Tian. Daoism is a rich and elaborated belief in the cosmological importance of the human body, a salvational message of communal redemption, and an abiding yearning for physical transformation and perfection. Together, Confucianism and Daoism helped shape the Chinese religions mindset. Confucian values continue to inform chinese familial ethics and social and political behavior, and Daoist concerns for the well-being of the human body and harmonious relationship with the spiritual world shape contemporary chinese attitudes. Confucianism and Daoism oppose each other by their lifestyles where Confucianism focuses on rituals and Daoism focuses on practices. Confucian puts great emphasis on rituals. They believe that ritual enables them to communicate effectively with the spiritual powers. Daoism is more of a lifestyle. They believe that beliefs need to be put into action.

5) What aspects of the Confucian and Daoist teachings are still relevant to the 21st century world? Aspects of confucian that are still relevant in the 21st Century world is the central importance of the family, the persistence of ancestral remembrance, and the value placed on education and self-improvement. As for the Daoist, in the 21st Century world, ceremonies are continued, shrines are rebuilt, and academic studies of Daoism are being studied. Some scholars have also become ordained Daoist priests of either the Celestial Master or the Complete Perfection tradition. Qigong exercise, martial arts, and food therapy are also popular in China and aboard.

Practices in breath circulation, gymnastics, and dietetics are also ocntinued in the modern world....