CHINESE PHILOSOPHIES

Buddhism

Origins and founder

• Siddhartha Gautama
• Began in India and incorporated much of Hinduism in its practice
• Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince

Principles

• Desire is the cause of suffering.
• The way to end suffering is the way to end desire.
• They believe in reincarnation.
• Buddhism is based on four noble truths.

Diffusion

• Spread to Southeast Asia
• It was a religion that actively seeks to convert others
• It was never widely accepted by Indian.

Confucianism

Origins and founder

• Kung Fu Tzu
• From 551-479 bc
• During the Zhou Dynasty

Principles

• Confucianism is not a religion.
• The primary goal is to have harmony,peace,and happieness
• There are 5 seen relationships
• The main idea is to have control

Diffusion

• Spread of his followers after the death of Confucius
• Formed the basis for the civil service exam in China
• They spread to Korea and Japan

Taoism

Origin and founder

• Lao-Tse
• Grew from China philosophies that were merged into one basic teaching
• In some ways it grew from a reaction to the spread of Confucianism and Buddhism.

Principles

• The symbol most associated with Taoism the yin/yang
• The yin/yang reflects the ideals of harmony and balance.
• The three jewels, compassion, moderation, and humility.
• The Tae Te Ching is the most significant text.