Abstract
A comparative discussion of Taoism and Confucianism, arguing that Taoism has a much more mystical and poetic tendency and that Confucianism is rationalistic and laden with moral philosphy.

From the Paper
"To some extent, Asian philosophies overlap and converge, yet differences can be identified as well. An examination of two strands of Chinese thought, Confucianism and Taoism, illustrates the point. Taoism is associated with Laotse or Lao Tzu who was born at the end of the seventh century B.C. The Tao is known as the Way which might seem to imply that it has a moral component but that is not the case. The definition of the term encompasses much more and the..."

Tags:Taoism, Confucianism, The Way, rationalism, mysticism

Abstract
The paper discusses how Daoism commenced as a critique of and reaction to Confucianism, stressing the individual in a world of chaos as opposed to Confucianism's ideal of a stable hierarchical society of proper and regulating relationships. This paper refers to several examples from the "Daode Jing" and explains other Daoist concepts and then provides a concluding discussion that refers to syncretism and lasting vestiges of Daoist and other thought.

From the Paper
"Confucianism and Daoism have their roots as Han traditions of the early centuries BCE but Daoism shows a definite departure from Confucian ideas of searching for regulation, order and molding behaviours in a focus on personal paths of self sufficiency. Lao Tzu, the Daoist safe and `Old Master' was a principal critic of Confucian thought argued that people should study and develop themselves, aware of a personal path to be followed in contrast with Confucianism's sense of a cohesive human order made up of efforts to fulfill proper relationships with those above and..."

Tags:daoism daode jing, confucianism, reflection

Abstract
The Eastern religious traditions of Confucianism and Buddhism are structured around the experiences of the key figures of religious authority in these traditions, Confucius and Siddhartha Gautama. In comparing and contrasting these two traditions, it is evident that Confucian and Buddhist communities filled the gap left by their "founders" in a variety of ways, primarily by retaining the basic teachings and principles of their founders while modifying them at times in accordance with prevailing religious, social, and ethical values in their respective societies.

From the Paper
The Development of Buddhism and Confucianism The Eastern religious traditions of Confucianism and Buddhism are structured around the experiences of the key figures of religious authority in these traditions, Confucius and Siddhartha Gautama. In comparing and contrasting these two traditions, it is evident that Confucian and Buddhist communities filled the gap left by their "founders" in a variety of ways, primarily by retaining the basic teachings and principles of their founders while interpreting them at times in

Tags:buddhism, and, confucianism

Abstract
This paper considers the Analects of Confucius, one of the basic texts on which that creed is based, and finds that in many ways it is not so much a religion in the typical western sense as a philosophical system. The paper finds that there are close analogies between Christianity and Confucianism in several respects, but finds the difference in the powerlessness of heaven to redeem mankind. The paper points out that this explains the fact that many easterners are "Confucian Christians."

From the Paper
"I find it curious that religious people in Asia classify themselves as such combinations as "Christian-Confucians" ("Confucianism"), and having studied the Analects of Confucius, I find myself unsure whether I consider this a religion or not. As one source commented: Sometimes viewed as a philosophy, sometimes as a religion, Confucianism is perhaps best understood as an all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights Heaven ("Confucianism"). It does not deny Heaven, but it can hardly be said to embrace heaven, divinity, or any power beyond humanity. The Analects refer to Heaven, but..."

Tags:confucius, confucianism, christianity

Abstract
This paper examines Confucianism by explaining its rituals that show people how to live their lives and interact with others. The paper discusses in detail some of the cults, for example, Cult of Heaven, state cults, ancestor cults, and family rituals.

From the Paper
"Ritual played an integral role in Confucianism, and was important in the teachings of Confucius himself. This importance was also shown by his disciples, who taught these rituals themselves after the time of Confucius. Because of this, Confucianism became known as a ritual religion , emphasizing both doctrinal and ritual rites within family and society. Confucius made sure that people understood the proper way to go about viewing and practicing rituals, as well as how a leader should act. Some of the rituals are the Cult of Heaven, various State Cults, the Ancestor Cult, and Family Rituals; they include ideas relating to how to act properly and how to relate to each other."

Tags:asian, confucianism, eastern, religion, cult, ritual

Abstract
This paper describes the concept of Confucianism as a social code more than a religious value.

Tags:confucianism, religious, value

Abstract
This essay discusses Confucianism and how it is a philosophical system that is based on the teachings of Confucius. It has been practiced throughout China for nearly 2,000 years.

Tags:confucianism

Abstract
This well-researched and clearly written paper details the numerous differences in both the Samurai and Ninja philosophies. Due to the differences in their religious and social origins, valuing ceremony versus intimidation and their general code of fighting ethics, the Samurai and the Ninja followed different paths of honor. The writer details the religious aspects of both Japanese warriors. The Samurai were strongly associated with religions that enforced inflexible dogmas. The Samurai were generally Shintoists or followers of Confucianism. In contrast, the Ninja were associated with religions that did not have strict unmovable dogmas. The Ninja were mainly Zen Buddhists. This paper examines the Samurai and Ninja's role and status in Japanese society. The Samurai were considered an exalted part of society, whereas the Ninja were perceived as social outcasts. The writer also delves into the fact that the Ninja and the Samurai warriors occupied different social classes and approached life with very different personal philosophies. The fact that the Samurai and the Ninja held such different values helps to explain the vast differences between the two groups of warriors, which are detailed in this paper.

From the Paper
"Although the Ninja were considered social outcasts, they were not solitary. In fact, the Ninja worked in organizations, which were separated into three layers: jonin (high ninja), chunin (middle ninja), and genin (low ninja). The ninjas all worked under a daimyo. Structure within Ninja groups ranged, with some having little structure and others being organized almost like an army unit ("Ninja"). However organized, all Ninja followed the ninpo or okite. The most important rule of the ninpo was to keep the secret of the Ninja. In fact, the most severe crime was to leave a Ninja family and not return ("Ninja"). Those who did so were called nukenin, and their family members would bring them back, whether dead or alive ("Ninja"). This was done in order to prevent ninjas from revealing the secret of the Ninja or of revealing the identity of the daimyo for whom the ninjas were working."

Tags:japanese, philosophy, buddhism, religion, theology, society

Abstract
This paper consists of an imaginary letter by a Buddhist monk of well placed origins who wants to return to China where he studied in youth. In the paper, the monk describes the new wealth of Heian-kyo, the extreme power of the Fujiwara Clan and signs of decay and rebellion perhaps to come. Next, the paper describes why the Silla Unification fell apart in Korea towards the rise of the Koryo Dynasty. The Silla feudal order tended to ignore in its Confucian justification the suffering of the masses and also new trading interests. It was an order based on a very narrow, small lineage groups not in touch with changing times.

From the Paper
"Dear Uncle, I am now one of few people to know China in Heian-kyo. I am told that since the Japanese court moved here from Nagaoka, 200 years ago, all of Japan has had less Chinese influence. It is now 30 years since I was sent to study with you, so perhaps I would need to see China again to know how Heian-kyo is in comparison. It does seem to be a place that has changed in the last years. As you know, Heian was designed like an old Chinese city with an earth wall running around it..."

Tags:heian, kyo, silla, koryo, essays

Abstract
This paper explains that at the center of the Asian values debate is the contention by its proponents that the cultural and social fabric of many of East Asia's and Southeast Asia's societies are radically different than many of those found in the West and therefore cannot support the Western values and ideologies founded upon liberal democracy and human rights. The paper then points out that the alternative Asian paradigm envisions a benign but autocratic type of government, which makes decisions based on the collective good as a way to promote social harmony, such as Communist China. The paper then describes Asian values and how they apply to issues of freedom and power.

Table of Contents:
Overview
What are Asian Values?
The Politicization of Values
Political Freedom or Power

From the Paper
"The inverse argument to the Asian values debate is that while many might concede that there is a legitimate rationale to this viewpoint, it in no way substantiates the claim that liberal democracy's ideals are somehow invalid. Mahbubanin tends to argue that Asian values are not only a sound alternative but a legitimate moral philosophy that in certain respects is less strident that liberal democracy and even more rational in some cases when he observes that the free press in most liberal democracies is in fact not such a free press after all"

Tags:confucianism group, moral philosophy, family loyalty, china