Confucianism vs Buddhism vs Taoism - Realpolitik of the Three Teachings of Ancient China

Summary

This script explores the harmonious yet complex synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in ancient China. It delves into their early developments, philosophical underpinnings, and the historical process of integration. Despite differences and occasional rivalry, these teachings adapted and borrowed from each other, influenced by political and religious climates. The script highlights how Confucianism maintained political power, while Buddhism and Taoism influenced each other and were influenced by Confucian elites and commoners alike, leading to a rich tapestry of shared beliefs and practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are the three major teachings of ancient China, often thought to be harmoniously synthesized in the Chinese intellectual and spiritual landscape.
• 📚 Confucianism is a scholarly tradition that predates Confucius, focusing on morality and ritual, and does not prescribe a specific god or afterlife.
• 🌐 Taoism is a complex school of thought with the principle of 'wu wei' (action through inaction), and has incorporated various philosophies and local gods into its pantheon.
• 🙏 Buddhism, not native to China, is part of the dharmic religions of India and emphasizes concepts like dharma, reincarnation, and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
• 🛣️ The synthesis of these teachings was not a conscious, directed process but a natural evolution to survive the political and religious climate of China.
• 🏛️ Confucianism held the domain of the elites, with its focus on philosophical ideas and disdain for superstition, while Buddhism and Taoism were more influential among the commoners.
• 🌟 Taoism and Buddhism did not always get along, with periods of rivalry and persecution depending on the emperor's favor.
• 🤝 The Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, which focuses on the liberation of all beings, became predominant in China and incorporated Taoist and Confucian ideas.
• 🧘‍♂️ Neo-Confucianism during the Song dynasty borrowed Buddhist and Taoist concepts, but still maintained its unique stance on morality and ritual.
• 🏵️ The Ming dynasty marked a period when the three teachings were treated equally, with the first Ming emperor showing equal respect to all three.
• 🌈 Despite the saying 'three teachings as one,' it's Confucianism that holds the political power, free to borrow from Taoism and Buddhism without being threatened.

Q & A

What are the three main teachings of ancient China?

The three main teachings of ancient China are Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

How did the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism synthesize in ancient China?

The teachings synthesized through a historical process where they competed and adapted to the political and religious climate, eventually incorporating elements from one another without significant doctrinal violence.

What is Confucianism and how did it develop over time?

Confucianism is a Chinese scholarly tradition that emphasizes morality and ritual. It was not created by Confucius but rather he transmitted and edited ancient moral traditions, which were later expanded upon by other scholars.

What is the principle of 'Wu Wei' in Taoism?

Wu Wei, or 'action through inaction', is a principle in Taoism based on Laozi's teachings, which advocates for effortless action or non-intervention.

How did Taoism evolve to incorporate various philosophies and local gods?

Taoism evolved to include various philosophies, folk religions, and local gods due to its lack of a strong central authority, leading to the emergence of different religious sects and the incorporation of ideas from other traditions.

What is the difference between Mahayana and Theravada traditions in Buddhism?

Mahayana, or the Great Vehicle, focuses on the liberation of all beings, while Theravada, or the School of the Elders, is more concerned with following the Buddha's teachings literally. Mahayana may incorporate elements from other cultures, whereas Theravada adheres more strictly to the original teachings.

How did Buddhism adapt when it entered China?

Buddhism initially faced resistance due to its foreign nature but later incorporated Confucian and Taoist ideas, such as filial piety, and developed into a form of Buddhism that resonated with the Chinese people, known as Chan Buddhism, which later became Zen in Japan.

What was the role of the scholar-bureaucrats in the domain of philosophical and religious interaction in ancient China?

The scholar-bureaucrats, educated in Confucian classics, were more interested in the philosophical aspects of Buddhism and Taoism. They held a disdain for superstition, which influenced their approach to religious ideas.

How did the common people's religious beliefs differ from those of the elites?

Common people were more influenced by the religious aspects of Buddhism and Taoism, where gods and supernatural concepts were shared, borrowed, and reinterpreted. There was less emphasis on philosophical debates and more on practical religious practices.

What historical event illustrates the rivalry between Buddhism and Taoism?

The rivalry is exemplified by the persecution of Buddhism by Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei, who favored Taoism, after discovering weapons in a Buddhist monastery. This rivalry was also depicted in Wuxia movies and series.

How did the synthesization of the three teachings manifest in the Ming Dynasty?

During the Ming Dynasty, the three teachings were treated equally, with the first Ming Emperor showing respect to all three. Neo-Confucianism also borrowed concepts from Buddhism and Taoism, and there was a mutual assimilation of deities and practices.