Confucianism and Daoism Flashcards
(14 cards)
three teachings (sanjiao)
The three major traditions of China: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Often seen as complementary rather than conflicting.
Li
Rituals that uphold harmony and order in society.
self-cultivation
The process of improving one’s character and moral virtue through learning, reflection, and ethics.
Junzi
A ‘gentleman’ or superior person.
Ren
Goodness, benevolence.
filial piety
Deep respect and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors.
Qingming
A traditional Chinese festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) where people honor and clean the graves of their ancestors, reflecting filial piety.
Dao
‘The way’ or ‘Path,’ representing the natural order and flow of existence.
Wuwei
‘Non-action’ or ‘effortless action’ that aligns with the natural flow of the Dao rather than forcing things.
Ziran
‘Naturalness’ ideal of being true to one’s nature and the natural world without artificial interference.
Alchemy
The practice of internal and external transformation aimed at immortality or prolonging life.
Qi
Vital energy or life force that flows through all things; central to Chinese cosmology, medicine, and martial arts.
yin-yang
Complementary opposites that together create balance and harmony in the universe.
The Cultural Revolution
A political movement in China (1966–1976), launched by Mao Zedong, aimed at preserving Communist ideology by purging remnants of traditional culture, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.
