Historically, China has been influenced by four major philosophies which focus their social, political, ethical doctrine.
1. Confucius, (K'ung Fu Tzu, 551-479 bce). Born in the modern province of Shantung. He is seen as a teacher, not a saint. His writings deal primarily with individual morality and ethics and the proper exercise of political power by the rulers. He taught optimism; all natural men are good; propriety, decorum, ritualism.
2. Mozi, (Mo Tzu, 470-391 bce). Known as Mohism, teach human nature can't be changed; rejects ritualism, familialism; stressed action, frugality, universal love.
3. Dao (Taoism) is an indigenous chinese religious tradition in which reverence and veneration of the Dao (Tao) is a matter of ultimate concern. For Daoists, the Dao is
the source of all that is, unnamable mystery, all-pervading numinosity of the universe. The Dao is impersonal and simultaneously religious and tradition that connect practitioners to each other in a historical continuous.
4. Gautama Siddahartha, Buddhism,(the Buddha), Indian prince, achieved enlightenment, devoted to teaching Four Noble Truths: life is suffering, suffering comes from craving, to end craving end desire, to end desire follow the eightfold path. The Eightfold Path: right views, right intentions, right speed, right action, right livehood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. Every action yields karma, karmic score determines rebirth. To escape the cycle of rebirth and achieve nirvana, follow the eightfold path.
edited by virecalde on 5/30/2012
edited by virecalde on 5/30/2012
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