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By:
David K. Every
(C)
1997 - All Rights Reserved
Confucianism is more practical in society than Taoism. They hold some similar views and values, and have probably influences each other. Taoism believes in inaction and letting the natural order take its course, while Confucianism believes in rules, roles, and duties all working in harmony for an improved society.
One of the major concepts of Confucianism is li. Li translates roughly as propriety, order, and courtesy, which is often expressed through ritual and ceremony. Li is basically the laws by which we are governed. These laws may be the etiquette and courtesy with which we interact with one another, or laws made by governments and society, or the social obligations we have to our superiors, inferiors, peers, family members, or strangers. The followers of li are considered to be "superior men" (chün-tzu).
The other major concept of Confucianism is jen. While li is the external rules, restraints or obligations, jen is more human nature or inner being. The confucianist belief is that human nature is good. By an individual following his li (duties), he is cultivating his jen.(inner-self). Then through the cultivation of jen, goodness and harmony will permeate society in the form of li.
This help explains why the Orientals tend to put so much emphasis on duty to family, on being industrious, on education, and on knowing ones place. Through the centuries this belief has influenced the Asian cultures. This is the Oriental equivalent of the "Judeo-Christian work ethic".
Confucianism is counting on human nature to be the motivating force behind goodness, while Taoism looks to nature as the eternal good.
MORE
- Confusious.org - excellent collection or texts, very informative
- Chinapage.com - another great starting point.
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