Shermaljit Singh

A-Levels April 2013

Moral Studies
15/7/2013

Objective Questions
1)D
2)D
3)D
4)B
5)D
6)B
7)A














Subjective Questions
Many of the beliefs, taboos and religious practices of the Chinese today originated from Taoism.
Evaluate the differences between Taoism and Confucianism.

Confucianism and Taoism are both ancient Chinese styles of living. Confucianism is an ethical and
philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
Confucianism originated as an "ethical-socio political teaching" during the spring and autumn Period,
but later developed metaphysical and cosmological elements in the Han Dynasty. Taoism is a
philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. The term Tao
means "way", "path" or "principle", and can also be found in Chinese philosophies and religions
other than Taoism. Both of these systems has is widespread throughout the world with followers
from many countries such as China, Malaysia and Taiwan. The main difference between them is their
principles. Confucianism all about the brotherhood of humanity while Taoists believe that life is
good. Taoism lays emphasis on the body
One of the differences between them is the beliefs. Confucianists visit to temples to pay homage
to Ti'en (God or Heaven), Confucius, and/or ancestors. Neo-Confucianists practice 'Jing zuo,' or
'Quiet Sitting,' as a kind of meditation. Most believe in One God (Ti'en; or Heaven), but in the way
that a Deist would rather than as a Christian or a Sikh would. Ancestors are also worshipped. As for
Taoism, they visit shrines to pay homage to Taoist deities such as Tai Chi. Most believe in numerous
deities. The highest being the Jade Emperor. They especially worship The Three Pure Ones. In the
concept of life after death, Confucianists are to be worshipped as ancestors while Taoists believe
that the soul survives after death and has the ability to travel through space.
Another difference between them is religious practices. Confucianism refers to philosophy and
religious traditions that focused on respect, humanism, and honour while Taoism refers to
philosophy and religious traditions that focused on compassion, moderation and humility. In Taoism,
at certain dates, food may be set out as a sacrifice to the spirits of the deceased or the gods, such as
during the Qingming Festival. This may include slaughtered animals, such as pigs and ducks, or fruit.
Another form of sacrifice involves the burning of Joss paper, or Hell Bank Notes, on the assumption
that images thus consumed by the fire will reappear not as a mere image, but as the actual item in
the spirit world, making them available for revered ancestors and departed loved ones. At other
points, a vegan diet or full fast may be observed. Also on particular holidays, street parades take
place. These are lively affairs which invariably involve firecrackers and flower-covered floats
broadcasting traditional music. They also variously include lion dances and dragon dances . The
various participants are not considered performers, but rather possessed by the gods and spirits in
question. In Confucianism, there are no specific rituals or religious practices. Confucianism is a set of
philosophies and not seen as an actual religion. Worship is the act of religious devotion to one or
many theories. Confucius had these philosophies and now many people respect and follow by his
way of living. Liturgy is a type of worship done publicly by a certain religious group. Confucianism is
neither a monotheistic religion nor a polytheistic religion. It is more a system of ethics and social
behaviour.
To conclude, although both these systems have differences, they correlate with one another.
Both of these systems sees no contraction in following more than one religion. Chinese New Year is a
holy day for both of these systems. Both of these systems are an Oriental religion, not a Dharmic
one. However, most Confucianists and Taoists follow Buddhism as well.