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During class this week, we studied Taoism and Confucianism.
We first read through Substance, Shadow, and Spirit by Lao Tzu. This poem is about a conversation between the body, its shadow, and its spirit. The body talked first of how the body will not go on after death, so you must take while you can while your here. The Shadow then argues that you must not take when you can, but make something of yourself so that your reputation may live on. The Spirit then says to both of them that they are both wrong. He tells them that taking what you can will shorten your lifespan, and no one has to praise you for what you have done, so you should just drift through your life and not worry about when you will go. He says when you must go, go without a fuss.
We then read through The Analects by Confucius. It tells of the way men should act in their own lives and in government. It says that men should live without bias, learn in the presence of a good man and learn to equal him, and should not procrastinate. It also says that you should make your parents worry about nothing more than your health and let there be no evil in your thoughts.
I thought reading about Taoism and Confucianism was sort of interesting because I've never really experienced any other cultures' religions or ways of life
Very interesting we studied these religions in World History two years ago. I am a christian and the poem about the body, the spirit, and the shadow makes me think of the Christian Trinity. The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Interesting that the same triad is in other religions, and even the Confucianism sounds like a few of the commandments. I guess wherever you live you shouldn't worry your parents.
ReplyDeleteA good summary of the poetry.
ReplyDeleteI agreed with a few of the Chinese ways of life, such as to die without fuss, and to not be bias. If I was never bias that would be awesome and I think I'd learn quicker.
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