Confucianism & Daoism Flashcards

Analects: Collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius, serves as a critical text for understanding Confucian philosophy.
Confucius/Kongfuzi: Renowned as the first teacher of Confucianism, emphasizing moral integrity and proper conduct in life.
Filial Piety: Central virtue in Confucianism, highlighting respect and duty towards one's parents, elders, and ancestors.
Five Classics: Comprises essential texts forming the foundation of Confucian teachings, including the Book of Odes, Book of Documents, Book of Changes, Book of Rites, and Spring and Autumn Annals.
Five Relationships: Defines proper social conduct through relationships, emphasizing roles such as father and son, elder brother and younger brother, husband and wife, older friend and younger friend, and ruler and subject.

Dao/Tao: Represents an ideal state of harmony where individuals exhibit virtues like faithfulness, trustworthiness, and love.
Daodejing/Tao Te Ching: Fundamental Daoist text that has influenced various philosophical schools including Legalism and Buddhism, regarding ethics and governance.
Laotzi/Lao Tzu: Legendary figure believed to be the patriarch of Daoism and potential author of the Daodejing, symbolic of ancient wisdom.
Wuwei: Concept of 'non-action' or effortless action, promoting a lifestyle of spontaneity and harmony with the natural order.

Eight Immortals: Mythical figures in Chinese folklore known for their extraordinary powers; their abilities symbolize life and the defeat of evil.
Qi/Chi: Vital energy believed to animate all life forms, fundamental to Chinese medicine and martial arts practices.
Qigong/Chigong: A discipline focused on breath control and movement aimed at improving health and spiritual well-being.
Taiji/T'ai-chi: Refers to the 'Great Ultimate' and a physical practice emphasizing slow, mindful movements that promote balance and health.

Ren: Central virtue in Confucianism, embodied as 'humaneness' or 'compassion', serving as a guide for ethical behavior.
I Ching: Ancient divination text serving as a basis for understanding change and duality, significant in both Eastern and Western philosophies.
Ying-Yang: Symbol of complementary forces in nature, illustrating how opposites are interconnected and interdependent, fundamental in both Daoism and Chinese thought.
Tian: An ancient term for heaven, illustrating a key concept in Chinese mythology and spirituality, especially during the Shang Dynasty.