A Comparative Study of Taoism and Confucianism: Beliefs and Practices

This essay delves into a comparative analysis of Taoism and Confucianism, two prominent philosophical and religious traditions originating in ancient China. The essay begins by outlining the fundamental principles of Taoism, emphasizing the concept of 'Tao' (the Way), 'Wu Wei' (non-action), 'Pu' (simplicity), and 'Te' (virtue). It then contrasts Taoism with Confucianism, highlighting the core tenets of Confucianism such as 'Ren' (altruism), 'Li' (etiquette), and 'Yi' (righteousness), while also touching upon the importance of filial duty and reciprocity. Furthermore, the essay examines the 'Book of Songs' and its significance in understanding ancient Chinese society, including discussions on gender roles and social organization. The author reflects on how they would personally apply the principles of simplicity (Pu) and filial duty in their life.

Running head: TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
Answer 1
Confucianism and Taoism had originated at around the same time and are somewhat
similar to each other in the ideas and that they had propounded. Needless to say that they have
their own set of differences. Taoism had historically originated way before Confucianism, and
historical records say that the latter had been influenced highly by the former. On aspects like the
last rites and the ways to conduct it has been recorded that Confucius had sought the advice of
Laozi. Both the religions, or rather religious philosophies which prescribe a way of life deeply
embedded in spirituality and a pious way of leading the life, are based on certain key principles.
The similarities and the differences shall be discussed on the basis of the basic ideas espoused by
each of them.
Taoism has chi or energy as centrally placed in its philosophy. Laozi had said that the
earth, the universe and the life of human beings are tied to each other by means of energy. Hunan
beings are endowed with the capacity to indulge in actions that can either disturb the balance of
supernatural energy or can maintain that. Human actions should thus be aimed at ensuring that
the balance between the supernatural and the human world should not be disturbed. Human
actions which seek to assimilate and accommodate as per the laws of the universe can become
one with the Tao. Tao has many connotations, it means the master, the god head, the way to
heaven and path. Taoism is a religion which considers Laozi as the god head and the progenitor
of all the people who follows the religion. The basic aim of the religion is to follow the example
set by Laozi, who embodies the term Tao and all the connotations. The basic teachings of the
religion are based on the pillars of Wu Wei, Pu and Te, which are the three central ideals of
Taoism. Wu Wei roughly translates itself to English as spontaneity which has to be adhered to in
order to ensure that the balance of energy that exists between the human and the supernatural

2TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
world is maintained. By necessitating spontaneity, Laozi does not mean that the willingness of
human actions should be disrupted, rather he is of the opinion that the human action which seeks
to disrupt the way things are modelled to function naturally should be refrained from.
Spontaneity has been exemplified by Laozi using the example of a river which flows without
being aware of its purpose. The moment the river is interfered with in terms of disrupting its
flow, then it can produce adverse consequences for human beings. The ideal of Pu roughly
translates itself to simplicity. Laozi had laid a lot of emphasis on simple life and that
complements with the ideal of Wu Wei, as discussed above. Simplicity is quite analogous to the
ideal of spontaneity as the purpose of human actions should be aimless and without any
expectation. The moment one embarks upon an action which is having the undertone of
expectation, that can cause miseries to human life. Laozi had opined that expectations do not
always fulfill itself and unfulfilled expectations can lead human beings to misery. The third ideal
is that of Te, which roughly translates itself to energy, virtue and the personal character. Taoist
faith lays a lot of emphasis on the aspect of building of the personal character and virtue as that
is the basis of generating positive energy in the universe and maintaining the harmonious balance
between the energy that regulates the supernatural and the human world. These are the ways in
which a human being should conduct his or life in a society and as an individual as per the
teachings of Laozi. On a personal note, I shall try to implement the principle of Pu in my life as it
teaches of positive detachment and is quite universal in its appeal owing to the fact that it forms
the basis of many religions of the world. It teaches human beings to indulge in good actions
selflessly for the peace of mind, and that is what is extremely necessary in today’s world full of
temptations.

3TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
Having talked of Taoism, the discussion shall now be devoted to contrasting
Confucianism against Taoism. The three basic pillars of Confucianism are Ren, Li and Yi. Ren
translates itself to English as altruism, which is connotative of sacrificing of oneself for the sake
of others. Every person is endowed with the capacity to do good but it is their way of life, their
influences, and practices that change them. Li translates itself to etiquette and it implies a set of
values that one should incorporate in life to make the society healthy. Yi translates itself to
righteousness which implies morality. The factor of morality and purpose is something which
makes Confucianism distinct from Taoism. The factor of purpose and morality is very much
immanent in the Confucian principle of filial duty and that of reciprocity. Filial duty or the duty
towards ones parents and the element of behaving the same way with others the way one wishes
to be behaved with speak volumes about how Confucius viewed morality. There is an element of
purpose in these actions and these methods of embarking upon an action. With regard to the
similarity with Taoism, it can be said that the principle of spirituality and harmony immanent in
the Confucian philosophy is what accounts for the similarity. As such there is no direct similarity
between Taoism and Confucianism except the nuanced similarity of being spiritual and deriving
good for oneself and for others. On a personal note, I would like to incorporate the principle of
filial duty in my life. It is said that charity begins at home and the Confucian principle is replete
with charitable aspects which can be implemented at the societal level only when one applies it
at a personal level.

4TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
Answer 2
The book of songs is replete with examples which exemplify the way life should be
conducted. The book of songs covers up a lot of aspects out of which only the aspects of gender
and social organizations shall be discussed.The book of songs is important as it in lyrical form
provides a lot of information about the Chinese society in the ancient period and the values that
were espoused by the people. The reason behind devoting importance to the book of songs is
precisely because they provide a basis of the source from where the valuable sources of
inspiration for deriving a composite body of philosophical knowledge.
Much of the Confucian philosophy is derived out of the Chinese society and the way
people lived, with very little input from outside sources. This is the reason why a reading of the
book of songs is very important. The book of songs also show the inherent simplicity of the
people of the ancient Chinese period as the teachings are conveyed in form of songs which
shows that the level of dogmatism and the aim to appeal to the common people occupies a
position of centrality in the Confucian philosophy. The aim thus has been to simplify the
teachings as much as possible so that the common people find it within the range of their
comprehension and that shall contribute to the successful incorporation of those elements in the
daily lives of the people.
With regard to the issue of gender, two poems are very important. They are ‘Peach Tree
Soft and Tender’ and the poem‘Plums are falling’.
Peach tree soft and tender,
How your blossoms glow!

5TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
Peaches are symbolism of women and their nature is exemplified as soft and tender. The
imagery of blossoming of the peach is reflective of the youth of a woman.
Plump, the ripening fruit.
Its leaves spread thick and full.
The imagery of a plump and ripened fruit is reflective of the beauty, glamour and the
attractiveness of a woman. The imagery of a peach tree being spread, thick and full is reflective
of the bounty that is quintessentially befitting the quality of a woman.
ripe plums are falling
now there are only five
The poem Plums are fallings speaks of plums falling down the tree and many men trying
to get their hands on them.
may a fine lover come for me
while there is still time
Plums signify women and the desire of plums to be owned by just one man shows that
monogamy and loyalty of a woman to one man was a very important value of womanhood.
With regard to social organization the poem Big Rat Big Rat is very important.
Big rat, big rat,
Do not gobble our millet!
Three years we have slaved for you,
Yet you take no notice of us.

6TAO AND CONFUCIAN LITERATURE
Big rat is the torturous lord and the corn refers to the fruit of the labour of the peasants. It
recounts the story of the laborious peasants whose labour gets alienated from them and through
it, the sentiment of longing for a utopian society which is devoid of feudalism and unequal
distribution of resources is detested has been conveyed very skillfully.
At last we are going to leave you
And go to that happy land;
Much before the Maoist revolution, Confucius had actually sowed the seeds of a
revolution which sought to overthrow the lordly class and redeem the people of their
predicament. Thus the communist revolution can justifiably be called as having its basis in
Confucian philosophy apart from deriving its basis from the Marxist philosophy. The happy land
signifies the utopian society whereby the peasants shall no longer be tortured and there equality
shall prevail. It is like an indication of the society that shall be ushered in after the communist
revolution. When the peasants say that they are going to leave the Big Rat, they actually indicate
the revolutionary spirit in them which they shall be unleashing against the master.