The period between 500 B.C. and 200 B.C. saw the emergence of three major schools of thought about the nature of human beings and the universe: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. These schools focused on the immediate world and how to create a stable order, unlike Hinduism and Buddhism, which were more concerned with freeing the human soul from the cycle of rebirth/reincarnation.
Confucianism
Confucius, also known as Kongfuzi, was born in 551 B.C. in China. Troubled by the prevalence of violence and moral decay during his upbringing, he sought to spread his ideas by traveling across China to persuade political leaders to adopt his teachings, but he was largely unsuccessful. However, after Confucius passed away, his followers compiled his sayings into The Analects. Up until the 20th century, nearly every Chinese student studied these sayings as they provided a fundamental set of ideas to maintain order.
It's important to note that Confucianism is a political and ethical philosophy, rather than a spiritual one. Confucius believed that speculating on spiritual matters was futile. This philosophy emphasizes organizing the world's affairs, asserting that those who act in harmony with the world will prosper. Confucianism is based on the revolutionary idea that government officials should be ruled by merit, not by noble birth.
Daoism - The Way
Daoism is a system of ideas based on Laozi. Those ideas are outlined in books like the Tao Te Ching. Daoism also does not concern itself with the underlying meaning of the universe but focuses on proper behavior.
Daoism differs from Confucianism - They believe that the true way to the will of heaven is not an action but inaction (unlike emphasis on the duty of humans to work hard and improve the life of earth) They act in harmony with universal order by acting spontaneously and letting nature take it's course by not interfering.
Unlike Buddhism, Daoism does not believe that life is full of suffering - Daoists believe that life is generally happy but that it should be lived with balance and virtue.
There is a duty (according to the Dao) that all should subordinate their own interests to the needs of family and community. They are governed by the 5 constant relationships - parent and child, husband and wife, older sibling and younger sibling, older friend and friend, and ruler and subject. Each person in a relationship has a duty to the other. Parents are loving towards children.
Legalism
Legalism is not that popular and not that known. Legalism allowed a strong government, strict laws, and harsh punishment. Han Feizi thought that when harsh punishment was in action, people would obey him and do the right thing.
How did these philosophies reach Vietnam?
- Temple of Literature - The temple of literature in Hanoi features ancient remains of developed Confucianism are found in the Temple of Literature, the icon of Hanoi.
- Quan Thanh Temple - The Quan Thanh Temple in Vietnam contains many sources of Daoism. This place is a rich source of ancient Daoism spread.
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