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.
This was really well done. And I am pleased you found something of value in Taoism. If you want to follow up on this I suggest you read Alan Watts' books on Taoism: What is Tao? and the Watercourse Way. He is easy to read and gets to the heart of Taoism in a very powerful and practical way. You can also listen to him talk about Taoism on the Alan Watts podcasts you can get free from iTunes or the Alan Watts website.
ReplyDelete