1. Chinese religion is built upon four basic foundation blocks. Understanding these and how they relate is vital to properly understand Chinese religion!
What are those four ideas, and how would you summarize each in your own words?
How do these ideas fit into Daoism and Confucianism?
What is your general reaction to these four ideas, and which one do you find most intriguing?
2. Confucius lived during a time of great social upheaval and disorder. Much of his teaching is a response to that situation. Please respond to the following:
What were the two ideals held by Confucius and what did he see as the key to their fulfillment?
How would you summarize the sources of human excellence according to Confucius?
What is your response to these Confucian values?
3. As the text points out, in Confucian thinking to a great extent, human being are their relationships. Yet not all relationships are equal, so Confucianism has a hierarchy known as The Five Great Relationships.
What is your response to how the relationships are ranked in importance?
How do you react to the idea that following these leads to social harmony?
What do you think about the Confucian idea of seeing each other strongly in terms of relationships and social roles rather than individuals?
4. Daoism has one book which is considered by most to be a central scripture for their religion, which is discussed in the text reading.
What are the two names for the book?
What concept is often referenced in this book, and how would you attempt to describe this concept?
Do you like/dislike, agree/disagree with the kind of thinking found in this concept?
5. Reading your reactions to the kind of thinking found in the Daodejing has been enjoyable!
Let's consider the main teachings of Daoism from the Daodejing and the Zhuangzi. Please respond to the following:
What are the four main teachings, and how would you describe each of them in your own words?
How do you respond to the teachings, and why?
6. A passage found in the Daodejing declares: "The softest things in this world May be harder than the hardest Soft water can wear away the hardest rock; Soft water can go through the strongest calm. Knowing this, I know the value of calm. Knowing this, I know the value of patience. Knowing this, I know the value of persistence."
What might be examples of "soft" and "hard" things?
Can you recall an example in your own life which illustrates this passage?
Do you see American culture as more "hard" or "soft", and why?