Taoism and Confucianism as Balance of Values
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Taoism and Confucianism as Balance of Values
In Chinese societies, Taoism and Confucianism have been philosophies that have influenced many people. Up to date some countries in East Asia still feel the impact of the two philosophies. In the years from 551 to 479 B.C, The teachings of Master Kong were developed through the system of Confucianism. Development of morals is the most vital attribute of Confucianism. People are not always aware of about their actions as they cannot judge if they are wrong or right. Therefore, people that are able to know a lot concerning the moral values that they have. This is because they have become negligible as a result of applying the coercive laws to their lives. Eventually, this helps in effectively governing societies as people are aware of, which approach they need to follow. Taoism and Confucianism are quite opposite, but at the same time, they are complementary in matters that concern solving problems and approaching life.
People should stay away from committing wrongs and they will be saved from embarrassment in the future. Furthermore, throughout history, many countries in East Asia have prevailed as they have adhered to Confucianism. On the other hand, Nature is the key principle of Taoism and its rule seeks for people to be involved with it. Those who follow Taoism believe that followers of Confucianism are only interested in moral values as a way of progressing their societies. It is vital that all times, rules of nature are followed by those who practice Taoism. In order to live a well guided life, Taoism advocates for committing actions that are pleasant. Also, it dwells upon flexible, vital and peaceful ways of being respectful and honorable.
Most times in Taoism, the inner force is usually involved in matters that concern subtraction. This means that individuals can live in a pure state after the bad things are eliminated from their lives. In Confucianism, addition occurs whereby; the outside force makes sure that a person’s life has only good things. Enlightenment is a process that is always continuous according to a Taoist. It occurs when a person transforms gradually till the point whereby, they cannot be realized. Also, the gradual transformation takes place from one generation to another. Even in a Confucian context, the latter takes place as the process is not always static. In turn, it yields a government that is favorable as well as brings about human interaction. There is a center in the philosophy of Confucianism that deals with transformation. Moreover, one can easily think that by attaining the Tao one has fulfilled their lives goals. Therefore, it is right to claim that how people express enlightenment is the best way to differentiate Taoism from Confucianism. There is a time when Chinese people mixed their various personalities, tastes as well as their phases of life.
After the extreme prevalence of Confucianism, the formation of Taoism took place. Philosophers developed it after they found out that Confucianism moral and social values were not prevailing in society. In order to improve Confucianism, moral values were provided to by Taoism. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned, as instead of having to educate Confucianism, it went to another direction. The right channel or path refers to Tao and in turn, philosophers believe that it leads to a healthy life among individuals. In fact, anyone interested in matters that concern nature, should follow the path of Taoism. Individuals in the path of Confucianism often have to change their lives and this is not applicable in Taoism.
In Taoism, it is preferred that people’s personalities are not touched as it might change their personalities, as well as their attitudes. It should be known that the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, believed that in nature, there are three key forces. They are either contractive forces or expansive forces. Also, he claimed that nature will always be eternal as well as never changing. On the other hand, the Confucianism approach believes that human beings tend to be wise. This means that they can live life as they please through using their abilities. The human mind is extremely essential as it serves many beneficial purposes. It ensures that human beings make decisions that are wise and they can also observe nature. In Confucianism, it is believed that individuals are honest and virtuous in nature. Unfortunately, the latter does not guarantee that everyone in society will be successful.
Complete harmony prevails among individuals when the forces of Ying and Yang are equal. It means that if a balance is maintained between the two forces then people will always be at peace .There is usually a lot of confusion when the two elements seem to outweigh each other. In the circle represented by the Yang and Ying, the dark circle is represented by the latter. It symbolizes things that are mysterious, dark or cold. Also, the two spots on the circle are representations of things that exist on earth. Therefore, Yang is represented by Confucianism, while Taoism refers to Ying.
