The guiding principle of Taoism is roughly translated as “the Way,” which is a harmonious natural order that arises between humans and the world, and that Taoists should strive to achieve. In contrast to Confucianism, Taoism is mainly concerned with the spiritual elements of life, including the nature of the universe. Taoism (also called Daoism) is a Chinese religion that developed a bit after Confucianism, around two thousand years ago. The structure of Chinese society and its focus on rituals, familial respect and obligation, worship of ancestors, and self-discipline, remains greatly influenced by Confucius and his teachings. Because Confucian teachings were conservative and told people to maintain their role in social order, the philosophy was used by the state to keep the status quo from that time forward. This is why Confucianism is considered a philosophy rather than a religion, even though it is often lumped in with other major religions.Ĭonfucianism became the dominant political philosophy during the Han Dynasty from 206 B.C.E. While religious rituals were mentioned alongside all of the other rituals a person was expected to perform, Confucius did not focus on spiritual concerns like the afterlife, gods and goddesses, or mysticism.
He taught that if everyone fulfilled their roles and obligations with respect and kindness towards others, it would build a stronger state. His teachings focused on humanism, including treating others the way you would want to be treated. Confucius saw every aspect of life as being made up of obligations between people and entities, and rituals to convey the mutual dependency between them. His teachings gave guidance on all levels of ancient Chinese life, from interactions between family members and in the public sphere, to educational standards and how states should be governed. He took older religious precepts and translated them into guidelines for social mores. He was a philosopher and political figure who lived during a time when traditional Chinese principles began to deteriorate under competing political states. The founder of Confucianism, named Confucius, lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. Though closer to a philosophy than a true religion, Confucianism was a way of life for ancient Chinese people, and it continues to influence Chinese culture today. Understanding the unique interplay between these three traditions gives great insight into ancient Chinese society, as well as modern times. Instead of one tradition taking over and pushing the others out, the three philosophies have influenced society alongside each other, changed each other, and at times blended together.
Though their specific beliefs and teachings have occasionally been at odds with each other, there has been much room for overlap. As philosophies and religions, they not only influenced spirituality, but also government, science, the arts, and social structure. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are considered the “three pillars” of ancient Chinese society.