Taoism/Confucianism Madeline Burford

What is the human condition?

According to Taoism and Confucianism, the importance of life is finding and maintaining the balance between good and bad as well as up keeping morals. Taoism says that the human condition is living out balance of nature while Confucianism maintains the notion of balance of life but with a twist of social dysfunction that can be eliminated by finding and seeing our right place in society. In a nutshell, the human condition can be boiled down to finding a balance of right and wrong in oneself.

What is the solution to the problem?

I would argue that both Taoism and Confucianism would agree that the simple solution to life is to simply live life. Become a good person by making intelligent and wholesome choices. While there is a cause and effect in life, people will reap what they sew, not in a karma sense, but in a sense of the world having balance in consequences.

How do we move from the problem to the solution?

Well this question runs parallel to the last one. With each choice, one must accept the consequences and simply enjoy the ride that is this life. Make choices that move towards the betterment of mankind but do not worry long on hardships because the world will move on and balance it all out.

Both of these remind me of Buddhism in that there is not really an emotional draw to religion but simply more of a philosophical view. Especially with the ideas of the yin and the yang, and the I Ching, which both seem to be a devotion to a form of ideas.

Confucianism & Taoism >> Leah Mattix

What is the human condition?

The human condition according to Confucians is that of social dysfunction and disorder whereas Taoists view it as an imbalance of the yin and yang. These ancient Chinese religious traditions balance each other as Taoism focuses on the relationship between one and nature and Confucianism is based off of rules and teachings. The human condition is caused by imbalanced relationships (if you were to ask a Confucian) or by fighting the flow of Tao (if you were to ask a Taoist). Fighting the flow of Tao can be seen as swimming against the current.

What is the solution to this condition?

The solution to the human condition according to Confucians is to balance relationships and moral duties. Taoism, however, finds the solution to the human condition to be found through alignment of oneself with nature.

How do we move from problem to solution?

To find the solution to the human condition, according to Taoists, you should just go with the flow, literally. Confucians believe that human perfection cannot simply be achieved through ritual or meditation, only through rules, education and values. The best way to move from problem to solution is to simply live and react. When ones feels out of the flow or imbalanced in relationships know that every previous decision has brought you to this point and that any further decision will only bring you closer to balance/flow or further away. Taoism believes that to move to this stage one should meditate and align your chi with Tai-Chi as well as study. Confucianism follows the arts of peace to ease the human condition.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

The simplest way for me to break down Confucianism and Taoism is to say that they seem to make up their own yin and yang. They fit perfectly together because they are contrasting images. Where Taoism is completely natural and organic, Confucianism is rigid and ruled, pressuring the two to agree to disagree (if you can get religions to do that). Of the religions studied so far, I find Confucianism and Taoism (though I continuously am mispronouncing it in my head) to be the most apropos to my life. I tend to sway between a need for order and a need for nature constantly and it seems as though a one-two-combo of Taoism and Confucianism is near perfect for my lifestyle.

Side note: This is an improper use of chi.

Taoism and Confucianism: Vermillion

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000105 EndHTML:0000007872 StartFragment:0000002296 EndFragment:0000007836

Taoism and Confucianism are similar in that they are non-theistic Eastern belief systems that emerged at nearly the same time in history. However, while Taoism does believe in a somewhat metaphysical force in the universe, Confucianism is more about social and psychological constructs.

According to Taoism, the problem of the human condition is dis-ease and restlessness due to an imbalance of yin and yang energies. This imbalance occurs because we fight the Tao. The Tao is the guiding force of the universe. The Tao is essentially reality, but it is far too infinite to be assigned names or attributes. It’s a simultaneously simple and complex concept. By trying to overcome the circumstances of reality, fighting the forces guiding our existence, or constantly asking meaningless or answerless questions of the universe – we fight the Tao and throw our yin and yang out of balance.

The Taoist solution to this condition seems less transformative than the solutions to the Hindu or Buddhist human condition. The Taoist solution is essentially to stop these struggles and exist. To facilitate a harmonious existence you can study the Tao De Ching, meditate, or practice energy-balancing activities such as Tai Chi. Since in Taoism there is no problem of reincarnation or afterlife, the Taoist solution is very existential. There’s nothing waiting for you after death, so it’s really better if you just don’t worry about it and get on with your life.

According to Confucianism, the problem of the human condition is social dysfunction and all its resulting strife. This social dysfunction is caused by imbalanced relationships. There are Five Constant Relations in Confucianism which must be maintained properly to uphold social order. These relationships are Husband-Wife, Parent-Child, Older Sibling-Younger Sibling, Older Friend-Younger Friend, and Master/Emperor-Servant/Serf. These relationships are not equal in nature, but they are all entail two-way obligations. Social harmony can be attained by all parties fulfilling all obligations in all of their Constant Relations.

Additionally, Confucianism calls for practicing the Arts of Peace: poetry, literature, music, painting, and so on. Confucianism differs from Taoism in that it’s more humanist. In Taoism, fitting into the flow of reality is the whole point of existence. In Confucianism, humanity and all the above-animal trappings that come with it are the whole point of existence. The problem here is society can’t function when everyone is an artist and a scholar. The world needs farmers and laborers and people to clean the toilets. Again, Confucianism is an inherently non-egalitarian system.

I can understand the philosophy behind Confucianism, but it doesn’t interest me very much. I can see why many people consider it more of a philosophy than a religion: it seems to depend a lot more on sociology than theology.

I’ve been enamored with Taoism since we read the first verse of the Tao de Ching in class. For a long time, I’ve told people I’m agnostic because I’m unsure about the existence of God. What I really meant was that I don’t believe in God, but I’m unsure about the existence of a guiding force in the universe greater than I can conceive. I feel that the basic principles of Taoism that we’ve studied perfectly encapsulate the beliefs I’ve been trying to express for years. I’ve had the light-bulb moment I was hoping for in this class.

Taoism/ Confucianism Erica Price

What is the human condition?

Taoism and Confucianism revolve around the ideas of good and bad. Each individual decision that is made has its own consequence. The Ying and Yang is a symbol of this religion that show the relationship between nature and the person. Taoism and Confucianism both developed from the Chinese. One of the biggest similarities between the two is that they have no other reincarnations they simply are what they are. In order to have a good life one must make good decisions and will therefore become prosperous. Bad decisions mean bad repercussions. By showing affection for others and for nature one will live a positive life.

What is the solution to this condition?

There are five major points to follow in order to find the solution to the human condition. These points include Jen (Ren), Chun Tzu, Li, Te, and Wen. The first point Jen (Ren) is about making decisions and having good intentions that elad to these decisions. Chun Tzu is how mature a person is. Li takes the form of guidance and direction in which things are done. Te is in regards to power and people in charge and how to have faith in those parties in charge. Lastly, Wen is in reference to the arts and finding peace in those arts. By participating in the arts, inner peace can be achieved and as a result from the peace in arts one can become a higher Confucist.

How do we move from Problem to Solution?

In order to move from the problem to the solution one must follow the five principles and make good decisions. By making good decisions they are able to live in harmony and have peace. Even if they make bad decisions by accepting the consequences is still an example of moving from problem to solution. The solution does not exist in an afterlife because they do not believe in the afterlife so therefore they can move from problem to solution with each of their decisions.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

The best way to live the solution in our own lives is to follow the Jen (Ren), Chun Tzu, Li, Te, and the Wen. By following these five solutions one is able to live their own solution in their life. Each decision that a person makes in their life has a consequence. Without the afterlife the person must lie out their full life in their physical lifetime. It is very simple, a good person lives a good life and a bad person lives a bad life.

The good thing about having no afterlife is that people can think that they have to live life to its fullest. But, on the other side of that people can believe that they don’t actually have to do good since there is no punishment in the afterlife. In order to get the most out of this religion one must be extremely dedicated and focus on every single decision that they make.

Confusionism-Taoism/Travis Batista

What is the human condition?
Taoism says that the human condition is living out of balance with nature. This understanding brings human being into the understanding of nature. We are all to understand the cycles of nature and where we are in the mix. Taoism has to main forces in nature that can help us find where we are at any given point in time. These are Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang has an active and passive relationship in nature. As humans we must learn how to deal with our surrounding in this way.

Confucianism also sees the human condition from a viewpoint of balance. However, the Confucian view of balance has to do with social dysfunction. Confucianism believes that when we can rightly view our place in society then there will be no more struggle.

What is the solution to this condition?
Taosim views the solution to this problem as learning to stop fighting the natural flows of nature. When we are supposed to be active, instead we do nothing. When we are supposed to be passive we instead are aggressive. We must study the great works of Tao and mediate about our lives.

Confucianism sees the solution to this condition as rightly viewing our place in society. If everyone is able to do so, we will form a truly healthy society.

How do we move from problem to solution?
Taoism prescribes becoming a true student of nature. We will no longer be imbalanced if we are able to understand how nature works. We become part of the natural flow. This includes understanding the “chi” in the universe and within us. This is done through a practice known as Tai-Chi. We must also mediate.

Confucianism prescribes understanding the 5 main relationships. These relationships are what rule society. Imbalance here is what causes the chaos in society. These relationships are parent-child, husband-wife, older sibling-younger sibling, older friend-younger friend, and ruler-subject.
Confucianism also teaches that “Arts of Peace” will bring health to society. The artists in Confucian society are the one with the power.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?
Taoism- Go with the flow. Nature is always flowing. All we can do is accept our own individual realities and move forward. We are able to be a part of this flow when we stop looking outside our situations.

Confucianism- We must live rightly within our relationships. We also must pursue the “Arts of Peace”.

Reactions:
It is hard for me to view either of these as religions. In my own mind, I generally define religion as a means of worship or devotion. These instead seems more like life philosophies.

Out of the two, I am most drawn to Taoism. It understanding of nature and the human in that context makes a great deal of sense to me. It hinges on very simple, but weighty teaching: acceptance of reality. Accepting who you are and where you are in life is very powerful.

Confucianism & Taoism/ Andrew Yousef

With a few differences, Taoism and Confucianism are two of the religions found in China. Each religion views the world from its own perspective. Confucianism sees that the human problem lies within social dysfunction. Due to the time of war, Confucius—the founding father of Confucianism, had to live through, he saw that the problem is the social disorder the world is faced with. Smith writes, “As the clue to the power of Confucianism lies in its answer to this problem of social cohesion…Confucius lived at a time when social cohesion had deteriorated to a critical point.” The cause of this problem, Confucius thought, was the imbalance of relationships. If the relationships were balanced, the social dysfunction would disappear.

There are five order relationships set by Confucianism in order to solve this problem of social dysfunction. The relationships are between: husband and wife, parents and children, older sibling and younger sibling, older friend and younger friend, and finally the master and student. If everyone knows where he is in a relationship, the problems would be solved. Confucianism teaches that in order to move from the problem to the solution each individual must live out his own role in a relationship. For example, a wife must learn her role in the relationship to her husband and an older sibling must learn to care for the younger sibling.

To best live out this solution we must learn what our role is in relationship to our families, friends, and the community as a whole. The problem I see today in our society is that we are unable to live out the roles set for us. Each individual in the society must contribute in his field of expertise; the schoolteacher must stay at school and the judge must remain in court. The problem I see in our society is that we let unqualified individuals do jobs they are not trained to do. If this situation changes, and each individual starts playing his role in society, we will have a prosperous and productive community.

Taoism, on the other hand, sees that the human problem is the imbalance on the yin and the yang. These are the two forces that are found in the world. Taoists believe that humans are naturally good, but it is only due to this imbalance that we find this problem. The cause of this problem is humans’ incapability of submission to the Tao—or reality. The solution is to submit to the Tao and naturally things will be great. In order to move from the problem to the solution, Taoists believe that meditation, or tai-chi, is the best prescription. To live out the solution in our lives, we must learn how to face reality and be able to deal with it, without fighting it.

As I ponder upon these philosophical religious studies, I see that there is a clear relationship between Confucianism and Taoism. In Confucianism I see that the main idea is the imbalance on relationships; in Taoism, it is the imbalance of the two natural forces: good and evil. I do not agree completely that what controls this universe is a force. If humans are good by nature, like these religions claim, and that the forces controlling the world are good and evil, then it is logical to conclude that humans would choose to do the good and refrain from the evil. Obviously, when we look around, we find that this is not the case: people do evil things all the time. This reality raises a question: if humans are truly good by nature, why do they choose to do bad things? To complete this argument, it would be safe to conclude that either humans are not good by nature, or that they are really good but the evil force is the stronger force—even stronger than the will of humans.

Confucianism & Taoism... Heather Mathis

What is the Human Condition?

The human condition is Confucianism is social disfunction. There are two types of people Realists and Mohists. Realists basically thought people were more focused on themselves and not with the world or people around them, and Mohists thought that people were good and would assume a personal commitment to do their job in the world.

In Taoism the human condition is the imbalance between the yin and yang. I really liked what Huston Smith said in the book "Life does not move onward and upward toward a fixed pinnacle or pole. It bends back upon itself to come full circle to the realization that all ia one an all is well." Basically we are imbalanced with the universe.

What is the solution to this condition?

Confucianism- Jen, Chun tzu, Li, Te, Wen. Jen means being able to feel for others, not being selfish, and having a good heart. Chun tzu means being a mature person who helps others. Li is the way things should be done and relationships between husband and wife, parent and child, older sibling and younger sibling, ruler to subject. Te means power and the thought that people should believe that their leaders were working for the common good and to trust them. Wen is the arts of peace.

Taoism would prescribe medicines as a solution

How do we move from problem to solution?

In Confucianism you try to live a good life according to the laws and structure, focus more on social responsibility. With Taoism you just accept that three is good and bad and really its all just reality.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

Following what Confucius' five key points Jen, Chun tzu, Li, Te, Wen. Trying to be a selfless person who has self respect and respect for others.

In Taoism go with the flow of the Tao not against doing things like Tai-chi to find balance.

Rebekah - Confucianism / Toaism

To be quite honest, the elements of Confucianism and Toaism ran together for me. Because they both come from Chinese origins and have ties to ancient Buddhism there are so many similarities that I still get confused sometimes. However, even with these similar origins the two concepts and ideas are very different in mindset and ideals. For Toaists humans are inherently good and would create for itself a problem frees society if government would stay out of the lives of the individual. While on the other hand Confucianists see the people as the problem and it is the governed rules and regulations that keep people in order and in harmony.

For Confucianism the human problem is basic social disfunction. This disfunction is due to an imbalance within relationships. Thus in order to get back to unity and balance in relationships confucianists practice the arts of peace. These are: Jen: Benevolence, which can be regarded as a basic respect and dignity for other humans. Chun Tzu: Mature persons; Li: The way things are done or the golden mean of one’s five constant relationships (parent-child, husband-wife, older sibling-younger sibling, older friend-younger friend, ruler-subject). Te: power and virtue; and finally Wen: the arts of peace.

For Toaism the human problem is an imbalance of yin and yang. The imbalance comes from our constant tendency to fight against the flow of Toa. The question of how to fix it isn’t really addressed because once you try to fix or change the state of situation the Toa (its state) is already changing. To the Toaist there is no place for labels (good or bad) because things are just the way they are, and there’s no need to try to fix or change things because ultimately those efforts are in a sense the same reasons behind the problem in the first place. The only practice that is continually used is the study of Mediterranean Tai-Chi, which allows one to feel the force and harness its power in their life.

For me, there are too many intangibles in both religions. The problem with such open-ended religions is that there are so many missing pieces; a lot of gaps to fill. They also present the same problem that Buddhism did in a sense of if they can truly be considered a religion or just a psychotherapy or socioeconomic ideal. There are no deities or faith based interaction. I can’t buy into either concepts.

Confucianism and Taoism/Christy Robinson

What is the human condition?

Taoism and Confucianism share the beliefs on the balance of life and morals between good and bad. Each decision holds weight in the life each person lives, and how it affects life. Both religions grew and came from the Chinese people. This developed great respect and morals between the people allowing them to adapt to the religion easier then a deity and being able to question an “invisible” God. Taoism and Confucianism are simply living the right kind of life in this world, and there are no other bodies or spirits.

What is the solution to this condition?

The Taoism has some major points to the religion with Jen (Ren), Chun Tzu, Li, Wen, and Te each of these having very specific meanings. Li is a form of guidance or directions, Chun Tzu is the maturity of the person, Wen is the groups of people administrating the form of Li that have obtained Chun Tzu, and Jen Is the final choices on how you make your individual decisions. All of these are parts of the whole religion/belief.

How do we move from Problem to Solution?

To move from problem to solution is American’s saying “live with your consequences”. By living life in the way of Tao or Confucian is to take life with each choice wisely, thought out, and no matter what the results is good or bad, you must endure the pleasures or hardships.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

The simplest way to implement this religion to life is to live life without worry of your choices. With every decision made by the person, there is an affect the person must live with. Being the ideal character just or unjust in their actions will allow people to see their beliefs in action and the individual will “reap what they sew.” All actions will have the reaction in life. This fact is accepted as “cause and effect” on life. Being the selfless person is an overall look on the life: Taoism and Confucianism tries to endorse for the well-being of mankind.

Confucianism/Taoism-Justin Wesson

Confucianism and Taoism are religions in China. They view life in good and bad, represented in Taoism’s Ying Yang. Confucianism see humans as teachable and being that learn from our experiences. We can be improved or perfected over time. Confucianism is based around the teachings of Confucius. Through Confucianism we see humans as malleable beings that can become almost anything. Where other religions place emphasis on a metaphysical deity, Confucianism places emphasis on humanity. All humans have the potential to become a sage, or display acts of extreme benevolence. What prohibit that is that human’s first discern between what is right and profit. Our actions can become focused on our own gain, a ruler rules for personal gain, the ruled suffer from unjust burdens. Our behavior is decided by greed and our ego. The ultimate goal is to become the “gentlemen”, the ideal moral figure. We achieve this in how we treat others in the relationships around us. To solve the human problem we need to get rid of greed and our ego and make our actions not about ourselves but about others, this is done through self discipline.

The Taoist would disagree with Confucianism in its disbelief in a deity. Where Confucianism would say that humans can train themselves up to the Decree of Heaven, Taoist believe that the Tao, or way. They look at the relationship between humanity and the cosmos. A Taoist looks at how we line up with the Tao. The human condition exists when we are not in balance with the Tao and opposing forces, light and dark, good and bad, are unbalanced-ying and yang. To solve the human condition we need to balance out the force to line ourselves up with the Tao.

I found these two very fascinating in their view of humanity and how we live our lives. I think that how we do treat others is important to humanity as a whole, and that ego and greed does cause serious problems. I also like in Taoism the sense of balance and symmetry. Life does suck at times, and those times always seem to be when or lives are unbalanced with so many opposing forces.

Confucianism/Taoism-Aronne McCoy

Confucianism and Taoism are inextricably linked, both having had a profound influence on China, in a way reminiscent of Taoism's yin yang symbol. In Novak's book he writes, "Chinese philosophy has also been shaped by an interplay: between Confucianism, with it's emphases on will and rationality, and Taoism, with it's preference for intelligent instinctiveness, intuition, and creative letting-be." While Taoism and Confucianism share inherent qualities with the other, there are also glaring differences.

The human condition in Taoism is an imbalance of the yin/yang. In Confucianism the human dis-ease is social dysfunction or disorder. The cause of the Taoist imbalance is that people fight against the flow of the Tao, while in Confucianism the cause is an imbalance in one's relationships. Clearly, imbalance is a big problem in both philosophies. Confucianism chooses to battle imbalance with a precise delicately balanced hierarchy. Part of Li, one of the five ideals that, according to Smith, "structured Confucius' thought," the goal is to have perfectly balanced hierarchy within all human relationships. This hierarchy falls into the following categories: Husband to Wife, Parent to Child, Older Sibling to Younger Sibling, Older Friend to Younger Friend, and Master to Servant. While these categories are clearly hierarchical in nature (as one side in each category is the dominant or more powerful of the two) the relationships are two-sided. A husband has duties to his wife just as the wife has duties to her husband. It is not equal, but it is reciprocal. According to Confucianism, the happiness and efficiency of the individual, family and nation-state are wholly reliant on the balance of these relationships. In order to keep the proper balance in these relationships, Confucianism promotes a focus on Wen or the Arts of Peace, which include music, poetry, painting, and all aesthetic and spiritual endeavors.

In Taoism there are two sects. One focuses on the philosophical, much like the Jnana yoga in Hinduism, and the other on magical pursuits. Smith notes that what divides the two schools is their "respective stances toward the Tao's power on which life feeds... philosophical Taoists try to conserve their te by expending it efficiently, whereas the second group try to increase it's available supply." Taoists, particularly the philosophical ones, promote the study of the Tao Te Ching as well as physical pursuits like Tai Chi and Chi Gong in order to reach a yin yang balance.

For me, Confucianism, much like communism, looks good on paper but fails to work realistically. I find this to be the main problem with patriarchal systems. Each individual has to agree with the relationship dynamics laid out by Confucius at least to the point of following the system. This is highly unlikely. One need only look at any society on Earth to see that there is always at least one person (and generally, many more than one) who rebels against the societal beliefs. It is unrealistic to expect every member of a given society to submit to strict rules of behavior. Having said that, there is some benefit in recognizing that in a relationship such as boss to worker (or as Confucius labeled it, Master to Servant) there are some behaviors that are simply unacceptable. One has to submit to a certain degree to the will of one's boss, just as a child must submit to the will of his or her parent.

Taoism on the other hand, I find to be beautiful and full of many useful habits and knowledge to improve one's spiritual and physical health. Meditation has been one of the most beneficial practices I've discovered from studying Taoism. While it is not the only religion to advocate meditation as a spiritual practice, it was the first I discovered after reading (and being baffled by) The Tao of Pooh. In addition I love the tangled, labyrinthine in meaning but few in words wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. I have on occasion used a kind of bibliomancy with the Tao Te Ching to great effect. (Which I realize is more of a promotion of what I like to call The Random Perfection of the Universe than it is of Taoism itself but I feel that if the Tao could speak it would approve.) I suppose my love for Taoism comes down to the fact that there is some connection, some unspoken deep feeling of rightness of the ideas inherent in the structure of the philosophy that I don't fully understand. I've always loved the poison arrow parable of Buddhism because it is so easy to drive one's self mad with the circular questioning and pursuit of answers one will never have. Taoism has the same kind of sloughing off of that cycle of questions and non-answers. (The 'It-doesn't-matter-so-why-bother' attitude.) On the other hand, when I spoke to my older brother about this blog entry and how I could explain why I have this profound love for the Tao specifically and Eastern religion in general, he reminded me, "Maybe it's cause you watched so many kung fu movies and episodes of that David Carradine show when you were a kid." I'm pretty sure that's Buddhism but hey, maybe he's right.

Confucianism and Taoism/ Emma Egli

What is the human condition?

From what we've learned in class, Confucianism is more so a system of ethics while Taoism is a path of behavior. While both spawn from different creators (although it's hard to determine if Lao-tzu was a real person) and consist of different ideologies, they both seem to share a common goal: to seek harmony and order in one's life, as well as with the rest of the universe.

Confucius's main concern were the principals that govern our lives. According to him, human perfection can't be obtained through religious rituals, but instead solely by respecting moral values. He denied the worship of Gods or spirits and strictly pursued the perfection of human character.

Taoism on the other hand states that humans must align their lives with the life of nature. Human nature is essentially reflective of the universe. All instincts and feelings should not be hindered, but instead, should manifest freely. Just like the universe, humans have an ascending and descending life which ends in death.

What is the solution to the problem?

Confucius felt that the ideal of shu, or reciprocity, should guide all actions. What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others (precursor to the Golden Rule). Through self-discipline, a human is able to move in accordance to Tao, and thus will enjoy the principle of change. We are here to better ourselves and society and this is done through education and enlightenment.

Taoism encourages us to seek a harmonious way to relate to oneself, others, nature and the universe. To arrive back at this pure inwardness, it is necessary to reverse all self-seeking and cultivate perfect cleanliness of thought and body.

How do we move from the problem to the solution?

Confucius suggested five basic principals: Jen, Chun tzu, Li, Te and Wen. By integrating these, virtue and a moral self is achieved. It also encourages understanding the five major human relationships that should be governed by respectability: Ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, older brother to younger siblings, and elders to juniors. By following these, it means becoming a better chun tzu - a fully realized human being - through expanding one's sympathy and empathy indefinitely.

In Taoism, it is necessary to align one's daily life to the Tao, and the basic way to do this is to perfect a life of wu wei. Through contemplation, meditation, and by rejecting worldly affairs, material goods, ambition and luxury, you can obtain the Tao. By also following the flow of yin and yang - the manifestation of Tao in the world - one can better come to terms with reality.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

I really like the idea that both Confucianism and Taoism sort of encourage this sort of tossing out of worshipping any deities. Instead, they encourage you to simply live. Confucianism seems like a very practical system of ethics, and I believe that Confucius was on the right track when he envisioned an ideal society and I think it's a shame he wasn't really able to implement it while he was still alive. I'm a firm believer of the "Golden Rule" - although I'm sure he wouldn't have really liked the term "rule" - and it should go without saying that humans should want to treat others with respect or order to receive the same treatment. While Taoism is on much more of a spiritual and abstract plane, I like that it encourages naturalness, non-action and inwardness. The fact that a supreme being or an ultimate truth is quite frankly beyond words or any conceptual understanding is incredibly significant, because I feel like no matter which religion you follow or practice, you can never fully know the answers to the human condition.

Confucianism and Taoism / Christopher Hamby

What is the human condition? What is the solution to this condition? How do we move from problem to solution? And how is it best to live the solution in our own lives?

In Taoism and Confucianism, the human condition comes down to a balance between good and bad. Basically, everything that is happening is working to find harmony within oneself. The famous image of the yin and yang illustrates this balance and relationship between one and nature. There are 5 constant relations that exist within the world. These relations tie into both Taoism and Confucianism. The 5 relations are Jen, Chun Tzu, Li, Te and Wen. Jen (pronounced Ren) focuses on the benevolence and love of humans. Chun Tzu is a mature and developed person who follows the tao. Li is the general principle of order, or simply, the way things are done. Te is the power, by which men are ruled and by which sets moral examples. Wen is the arts and the Taoist's and Confucianist's respect for the arts. By using some of these principles, humans can lead a good and prosperous life. By showing affection for other humans and caring about others, we can lead a great life.

In Taoism and Confucianism, the best way to live your life and move from problem to solution is to simply live. Make decisions for yourself and learn as much as you can and be a good person. In Confucianism, many people separated themselves among two different sects of ideals. The Realists, who believed that punishment will help one become a good person. Then there are the Mohists, who believe people are good and if left alone, they will do the right thing. Personally, the Mohist outlook sounds very nice and I think everyone enjoys the concept of “universal love,” but this is not always the case. Some people do very bad things for absolutely no reason at all. The Realist approach, through punishment, can be effective but you risk people behaving good only to avoid the bad, which means they are not being good for the right reasons. Ultimately, it is up to the person to decide what they want to do and who they want to be. The Confucius and Taoist way of life, I think, are both very peaceful and would certainly do people a lot of good to take the opportunity to think and grow.

I also wanted to comment that I really enjoyed what we did with the I Ching. I had heard of it before, from friends, discussing how it can be used to determine the end of the world and whatnot. I never realized it was as simple as placing certain symbols on 16 note cards. I must admit, however, I was a bit frightened when I read what my hexagrams meant. I received the hexagrams 20 and 23. Now, I asked what are the forces behind my relationship with my girlfriend? The first hexagram was 20, contemplation and observation, which doesn’t sound too bad. I take that as “I am contemplating over some aspect of my relationship with her.” Then, I received the next hexagram, number 23. I learned, after some research, that hexagram 23 is considered by many people to be one of the bad or unwanted hexagrams. This does not mean it is a bad thing to receive this hexagram, it just tends to be seen in a negative light. Well, 23 means splitting apart and finality of death! To be honest, this scared me pretty bad. I searched dozens of websites, hoping that there was an alternative meaning to this hexagram, which there is because the I Ching is completely subjective to interpretation. I thought about this all day and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is a splitting(or ending) of my contemplation of what is happening. Almost as if I need to break away from something that I continue to think or dwell over in our relationship.

Confucianism/Richel Albright

What is the human condition? In Confucianism the human condition focuses on morality and ethics, to put it in a western sense. Confucians believe there are two types of people, Realists and Mohim. Realists believe that people are inherently bad and will at some point do things that are in his or her best interest, rather than the good for the common man and woman. Nor are they concerned with the happenings of tomorrow, next week, month or year. People are concerned with what is going on currently and how it is affecting them. Therefore, people believe realists should be controlled. While Mohim’s believe that people really are good and if they’re left to live on their own and not needing control because people cannot be forced to do anything. But Confucius did not follow either realist or mohim practices.
What is the solution to this condition? There are five keys to follow in the solution to the human condition. They are Jen (Ren), Chun Tzu, Li, Te and Wen. Jen is about having good intentions and doing good deeds, which leads to how you make your choices in life. Chun Tzu means the “mature person” which just means to have a big heart and not be vain or selfish. Li is the way in which things are done. There needs to be direction and rules as to the way things are done. It also means “constant,” this is represented in the five relationships in life – husband to wife, parent to child, older sibling to younger sibling, older friend to younger friend and ruler to subject. This serves as a reminder to how each person should treat the other – a parent should be loving to their child. Te refers to power, more importantly the parties in power. The people must trust those in charge. While Wen means Arts of peace, as in music, art, literature, etc. Doing this is supposed to help your mind and make you higher in the Confucian order when you excel in an art.
How do we move from problem to solution? The five steps aforementioned is how one moves from the problem into a solution. Since there is no afterlife in Confucianism one must life their lives under these orders and laws.
How is it best to live the solution in our own lives? The best way to do this is live these five laws. Having good intentions, having a big heart, being constant in your relationships, trust in the power and excel in an art. While this may work for some people I, personally, have a hard time getting behind it. There seems to be no reward in the end – no heaven, no hell, no enlightenment. Just being a good person. It makes it seem that there is no bigger picture in the end, your life, after you are gone, will not matter, people will not remember you. I think if this were how I was supposed to live my life I would feel there’s clearly no reason for me to do good, there’s nothing for me in the end.

Confucianism/Ricki Uselton

What is the human condition?
Confucianism is based off of the fact that humans can be teachable and can learn throughout life by molding their selves through out their every day life by using acts of kindness. The human condition is that we are moldable to learn how and why we should act certain ways. We can learn this by focusing on human morality by using ren, chun tzu, and li. Confucianism is more importantly about your day to day behaviors, and supporting these behaviors are not done because of a promise of an afterlife, but instead just for personal morality. This is not a theory based religion but instead focused on making sure we worry about our time here on the earth, and be gentle and kind to people and learn about your inner self.

What is the solution to this condition?
By using these moral codes, such as ren, chun tzu, and li, we can establish happiness, and content within our lives. Ren is used by caring about people, and the welfare of human beings. If we are gentle and kind hearted we can fulfill our own happiness. Chun tzu is the capability to be more of a positive, and less petty of a human being. By being more accepting and not putting up a hard front, we can feel better about ourselves. Li, is how we fulfill these things in our lives, and having a set plan for our future, as well as present. By keeping li constant and going through our 5 major relations with important characters in our lives, we can remain positive. By using relations within our Parent-Child, Husband-Wife, Older Sibling- Younger Sibling, Older Friend-Younger Friend, Ruler-Subject. By understanding our roles within these relations we can remain calm and content. They are to remain obedient to their daily roles such as a parent, child, husband, wife, sibling, or friend.

How do we move from Problem to Solution?
We can move from problem to solution by just living our lives to the best possible moral. We can uphold the Confucianist lifestyle by keeping our price and morality within ren, chun, tzu, and li. By using these we can uphold these standards.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?
I personally believe this is a great religion that feels warm and inviting. We must learn to not worry and stop thinking too far ahead and work on our inner self and morality. If we focus too much on the future we can lose track of ourselves.