Question

How are Confucious and Lao Tzu differ and how they shape differing religious practices?

Answer 1

• Confucianism and Taoism are both philosophies which began in China. Neither were apparently originally intended to be religions per se, but they have been treated as such by many adherants and scholars. Taoism is primarily concerned with the living of life by the individual, while Conficianism is directed at the life of society itself.
• Confucius believes in benevolence of mankind. Both he and Lao Tzu incorporate the concept of “Tao” into their ideology however, their versions of Tao are clearly different. Confucius believes that Tao is a force that acts to make man moral. His teachings have a large ethical and sociological facet. Lao Tzu, on the other hand has a firmer belief in inaction. Ethics seems to be less important and his focus is concentrated on achieving nothing.
• According to Lao Tzu,inaction is the best form of action; it is the best way to live harmoniously and naturally. Social interaction is not highly valued, everyone should be on their own paths to finding their true self. Lao Tzu’s version of Tao is that, it is the natural force of nature. It is everything at once. One should not try and name it or define it because then it would confine Tao to a single entity. His version of Tao is different for each person and it is a person’s duty to find it for themselves.
• With regards to leadership, they also possess different views. Confucius believes that a leader’s role is to look after its people. A good leader extends to being able to instill goodness within his subjects. A good leader would be a person of knowledge and education and be able to make decisions for his people.
• Lao Tzu, however, believes that a ruler should lead by example of inaction. He has a very minimal role in a country or settlement. He is to live by the Tao and encourage that within the people. The idea is if one “finds themselves” loves themselves and knows who they are, they are able to treat the world with the same care.
• Rituals and respect to tradition also play a large part in Confucius’s teachings. He believes to show respect and Tao, one must follow the appropriate ritualistic measures e.g. visiting the grave of dead relatives. Social interaction is also key and he loves the concept of benevolence. Lao Tzu, doesn’t really focus on that.
• The core philosophy of Confucianism is that rules and rituals are needed to correct the degeneration of people. The core belief of Taoism is that there is a natural harmony between heaven and earth, which can be discovered by anyone.