In this paperwork, I am going to analyze the similarities and differences between aspects of the Chinese Confucian and Daoist traditions. I will select aspects from the following types of cultural phenomena: philosophical ideas, ritual performances, as well as defense strategies.
Philosophical ideas: this is an extensive field; therefore, I am going to select specific areas with the objective of maximizing the accuracy of my responses- wuwei and rens are my main parts of focus. I will start by establishing a good rapport with these ideas by giving a brief introduction of what they stand for, and finally construct my responses.
Wuwei: it is a philosophical idea among the Daoist traditions. It states that a person should live instinctively in harmony with the natural flow of the Dao, since happiness can, only, take place when one aligns with the Dao. The Principle, Wuwei, lets people to live in harmony with one’s natural environment. It is important to note that the person is not expected to act against natural orders (Edward 61).
On the other hand, ren is considered as the most vital character of human beings by the Chinese Confucians- the decisive moral principle. According to Confucians, this status can be attained by anyone who commits to it- the effort applied by an individual determined the time taken to attain it. A ren person is expected to show love to his parent, relatives, as well as spreading the love to the entire community. It is important to note that a ren person is depicted as being in a position of establishing a solid legacy meant for future generations to construct upon (Edward 48).
It is, now, clear that the above Chinese Confucius philosophy is, mainly, focused with setting good examples for others to follow. Contrary to this, the wuwei principle, practiced by daoists, mainly focused on a person separate life and person ethical progression in harmony and steadiness with nature- living harmoniously. Although the two philosophies tend to vary, it is vital to note that both philosophies are concerned with establishing excellent behaviors in persons- they both have a common goal.
Defense strategies: the Chinese Confucians as well as Daoist have their unique arts of war.
The Chinese Confucian as well as Daoist traditions believed in the idea that right is vigor. In order to attain superior personality, it was mandatory to acquire these skills, but it is important to note that the skills acquired were not intended for attacking others. The Chinese Confucian as well as the Daoists believed that the skills acquired were intended for defense purpose, only, and attacks were, therefore, forbidden. According to Chinese Confucian, it was right for peaceful community to rely on mercenaries for protection, but violent communities with big armies were condemned. On the other hand, Daoism has a similar approach, whereby, it denounces violent communities that have sturdy standing militia (Ross, 2011).
Ritual practices are common among the Chinese Confucian as well as Daoism traditions, but the techniques of application varies; for example, the Chinese Confucian permits the use of animal blood to carry out rituals, but the Daoism prohibits the use of animal blood. Alcohol is accepted by both Chinese Confucius as well as the Daoist. In both Chinese Confucius and Daoism, rituals are performed by special people in the community such as priests. It is important to note that women are forbidden from performing rituals by both Daoism and Chinese Confucian. Chinese Confucian as well Daoism conducts rituals in sacred places (Ross 128).
Works cited
Ross, Jeffrey Ian. Religion and Violence: An Encyclopedia of Faith and Conflict from Antiquity to the Present. Armonk, NY: M.E. Shape, 2011. Print.
Slingerland, Edward G. Effortless Action: Wu-wei as Conceptual Metaphor and Spiritual Ideal in Ealry China. Oxford UP, 2003. Print.
