Examine Daoism and Confucianism as reflections of ancient Chinese values

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

1. Daoism is a mystical school of thought codified in the Dao De Jing (The Way and Its Power), traditionally ascribed to Lao Zi (“the Old One”), who lived during the sixth century BCE. The Dao (“the way”) is deeply embedded in nature, and, to attain it, the individual must practice the art of “not-doing.” It argues for a unifying principle in all nature, the interchangeability of energy and matter, a principle the Chinese call qi. The qi can be understood only by those who live in total simplicity, and to this end the Daoist engages in strict dietary practices, breathing exercises, and meditation. For Daoism, enlightenment lies neither in the visible world nor in language, although to find the “way” one must, paradoxically, pass through or use both. Daoism thus represents a spiritual desire to transcend the material world.
2. Unlike Daoism, Confucianism sought to define the proper way to behave in the world. Its core text, Analects, consists of transcriptions of conversations between Confucius and his followers compiled after his death in 479 BCE. Traditional Chinese values, such as self-control, propriety, reverence for one’s elders, and virtuous behavior lie at the core of this system. At the heart of Confucius’s teaching is the principle of li—propriety in the conduct of the rites of ancestor worship. The courtesy and dignity required when performing the rites lead to the second principle, ren, or benevolent compassion and fellow feeling, which further manifests itself as charity, courtesy, and, above all, justice. De, or virtue, is the power of moral example that an individual, especially a ruler, can exert through a life dedicated to the exercise of li and ren. Finally, wen, or culture, will result.