Confucianism

Philosophy & Religion in China
Learning Goal: I can identify the main components of both confucianism and buddhism

This lesson should be completed BEFORE you work on today's assignment!

​Remember to take notes as we learn!

Open Ended

"The perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development."

~ Confucius

What's your reaction to this quote? What do you think it means?

Uses critical thinking and reasoning (logic) to consider BIG issues.
Examples: what is right vs wrong? What is reality? What is knowledge?

​​Philosophy

Uses faith and revelation to answer BIG issues.
Examples: Where do we come from? Where do we go when we die?

Religion

​Who was Confucius?

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who lived a long time ago and is considered one of the most important thinkers in East Asian history.

His teachings, known as Confucianism, emphasized good behavior, strong family ties, respect for elders, and the importance of education.

​What is Confucianism?

Confucianism is the collection of Confucius' ideas and teachings. It became very important in China and throughout East Asia, influencing how people lived, how they were educated, and how they thought about the world.

​Harmony, Justice, Respect, and Loyalty.
.

​The central belief that people should strive to be virtuous and have good character.

Core Beliefs of Confucianism

​How did Confucianism spread?

Confucianism spread as his disciples (followers) continued his work and teachings after his death. Once Confucianism was adopted by the rulers of the Han Dynasty, it spread even faster.

Confucianism was also spread further through Asia via conquest and expansion.

​The Role of the Civil Service Exam

In 581 AD, the Chinese rulers started requiring job candidates to complete a standard test for employment (civil service exam). This text was heavily based on the teachings of Confucius. Therefore, people who wanted these government positions (which were highly sought after) began learning Confucianism at an early age.

Multiple Choice

Confucianism was official adopted by the _____ Dynasty

• Ming
• Tang
• Song
• Han

Multiple Choice

Confucianism emphasizes all of the following principles EXCEPT

• good behavior

• respect for elders

• strong family ties

• getting rich

Multiple Choice

Confucianism is a _________

• religion

• philosophy

Open Ended

"All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing

remain?" ~ Buddha

What does this quote make you think of? Do you think Buddha was right?

​Who was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, was born into a wealthy family and was expected to become a king, but he left his palace after seeing the suffering of the world.

- He spent years searching for the answer to suffering and eventually achieved enlightenment, becoming the Buddha.

​NOTE: Buddha was Northern India not China

​What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion that encourages people to achieve enlightenment (also called nirvana) and end the cycle of reincarnation. Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth unless a person can achieve nirvana (escape from the cycle).
Buddhism does not believe in any god or diety.

​How did Buddhism Spread in China?

Buddhism came to China during the Han Dynasty and quickly became the most popular religion.
By the Tang Dynasty, Buddhism reached its peak growth in China with many temples and shrines built.
The Silk Road was a key factor in providing a way for Buddhism to spread from India to the China.

Multiple Choice

In what country was Buddhism first founded?

• China

• India

• Nepal

• Japan

Multiple Choice

According to Buddhism, the only way to end the cycle of suffering in human life is by reaching

• nirvana

• heaven

• death

Two opposing forces in life (often thought of as the light and the dark).
They are interdependent (meaning they both must exist).
The concept of good cannot exist with the concept of evil.
Every person has both within them.

​Concept of Yin and Yang

Activity: Compare & Contrast Confucianism and Buddhism
1. Read the passage and take notes
2. Complete the Venn Diagram
3. Turn in your Venn Diagram to the red box.

When you are finished, start on independent work.

​The symbol for Scholar is often associated with Confucius