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While they both have elements of philosophy and religion,
Confucianism and Taoism at first seem to be polar opposites of each
other. They appear to represent different methods of thinking about
the world around us and to impose separate codes of behavior. However,
many people (especially in the East) incorporate elements of both
philosophies in their daily lives and believe strongly that the two
can and do work together in harmony.
One of the greatest areas where Confucianism and Taoism differ
is in their primary focus. Confucianism focuses on the social,
earthly orientation of everyday life. According to Confucius, humans
are primarily social beings with a natural capability for goodness -
which, if followed, leads to social harmony. In Confucianism a
"superior man" is one who has trained himself to do what society
expects of him. On the other hand, Taoism places much more focus
on the relationship of the individual with himself, on achieving an
inner harmony. Taoism is much less earthly in nature and places
importance on "coming into harmony" with the Tao - the ultimate
reality that formed the universe and everything around us. To
simplify,
while they both dwell on the improvement of the individual,
Confucianism
looks outward to accomplish this, while Taoism looks inward.
Another area where the two philosophies differ is in how they are
passed on and taught. While both philosophies revolve around the
wisdom of
a single teacher or master, they are presented in very different ways.
Confucianism has a dialogICCradition - that is, lessons and teaching
are
presented as a dialog between the master (Confucius) and his
student(s).
In fact, most of the Confucian texts are simply that - recordings of
question and answer sessions between master and student, each with a
distinct lesson to impart. Taoism relies mostly on the direct writings
of Lao Tzu, its founder. The "Tao Te Ching", Taoism's main text, is a
series of monologues (in poem form) that are meant to be taken as
a whole.
One thing that Confucianism and Taoism have in common is that both
philosophies focus on the goal of self-improvement. In Confucianism,
the
individual improves himself through orderly adherence with codes of
behavior and respect for elders, and the reward is achieved strictly
in this life. In Taoism, the individual improves himself through
contemplation of himself and universal energy, and the reward (while
also in this life) is mainly in the next life (i.e., through
reincarnation). However, in both philosophies, the end result of this
self-improvement is an improved social order that benefits all.
While no-one would deny that Confucianism and Taoism have strong
contrasts, their similar goals have allowed them to co-exist
successfully for thousands of years in many cultures of the world.
In fact, many believe that without incorporating elements of both
philosophies, an individual cannot be truly whole.
More here:
http://www.essays.cc/free_essays/f3/arm84.shtml
http://resademilo.org/art/writings/chinese.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/taoism-vs-confucianism.html
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=126275
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Anyone?? Similarities, differences, and info to put into comparative essay on Taoism
Thank you!
