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.