confucianism_and_shinto

EXPLAIN THIS?? Confucius   Born in 551 B.C. died in 479 B.C.  Confucius was an exceptional student who later became a teacher and a government official. Confucianism  Concerned primarily with restoring social stability and order Confucianism is a system of social and ethical philosophy… NOT A RELIGION  Confucianism  A system of social and ethical philosophy • “only when character is cultivated are our families regulated; only when families are regulated are states well governed.”- Confucius How do you cultivate one’s character? EDUCATION Human Qualities  What is maturity? What is the highest human virtue? What is the best way to behave? How can one be a cultured person? How can one best govern? Confucius’s Solution Confucius’s solutions centered on human relationships and drew from the sages of ancient times. At the time of his death, Confucius was considered a failure. However, his influence in China and around the world continues to this day. The Analects of Confucius * The single most important Confucian work. * In Chinese, it means “conversation.” * Focus on practicalities of interpersonal relationships and the relationship of the role of rulers and ministers to the conduct of government. The Analects of Confucius What the gentleman demands is something of himself. What the petty man demands is something of others. Anyone learning without thought is lost, anyone thinking but not learning is in peril. The Analects of Confucius * Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, is characteristics of the person who knows. making another mistake. * Making a mistake and not correcting it, is * The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others. * To go too far is as wrong as to fall short. Confucianism “The gentleman agrees with others without being an echo. The small man echoes without being in agreement.” Analects 15.30 “If one is guided by profits in one’s actions, one will incur much ill will.” Analects 14.24 “Never kiss a fool, or be fooled by a kiss.” Three Schools of Thought Legalists: Stern rule of law and harsh punishments Mohist: universal love, even towards enemies. Taoist: cared little about societal improvement and believed that the path to human happiness lay in the individualistic pursuit of harmony with nature. 1. Ruler 2. Father 3. Husband 4. Older Brother 5. Older Friend Subject Son Wife Younger Brother Younger Friend Human Relationships Self = the center of all relationships and is constantly changing and growing towards maturity. Family = each person has a clear sense of place and purpose. Good behavior and respect for elders are important in the family. Government = the leader has acquired the moral perfectionism needed to lead by the power of example. Heaven = represents the ultimate moral force that guides and nurtures humanity. Shinto Japan’s ancient religion Shintoism is a Polytheistic belief that expresses love and respect for nature. Comparison to the “West” •Paganism in Europe •Many tribal beliefs in Africa •Practices of native cultures in North and South America Shintoism celebrates life and the beauty of nature Shintoists worship kami KAMI •Kami is a general term for Shinto deities and spirits. •Some kami are compared to the “gods” of the west, but are different in many ways, too. Kami can also be forces of nature, important people, or even natural objects. KAMI •A special rock, a large tree, or a waterfall, can be considered Kami. •The emperor of Japan was considered a Kami. •Unlike most other religions of the world, Shintoism has NO: •Identifiable founder •Body of religious laws. •Written scriptures or Holy Text Shinto The Four Affirmations of Shinto Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the main force for traditions to be preserved. Main celebrations relate to birth and marriage. The Four Affirmations of Shinto Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the Gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits The Four Affirmations of Shinto Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often. Shinto stresses purifying that which is unclean, such as dirt, wounds, and disease. Touching the dead is considered unclean. The Four Affirmations of Shinto Matsuri: The worship given to the kami and the ancestral spirits. • Shintoists build shrines dedicated to specific kami. • The kami respond to sincere prayers of the faithful. • Shrine ceremonies include cleansing, offerings, prayers, and dances. ► According to ________ teachings Shinto everything in nature has spirits. kami ► These sprits called ________ are believed to keep people safe and help them live. ►They build shrines called gates and perform blessings ceremonies to ask for ____________. Torii Gate When entering a shrine, one passes through a Torii The Torii marks the separation between the finite world and the infinite world of the Gods. Torii Gate A Tunnel of Torii Gates Inari Mt., Kyoto Torii Gong Shinto Temple – “Worship Hall” Quick Answer: Yes But in an altered form, current Japanese religion is a combination of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.