Introduction To World Religions and Belief System: Guided Learning Activity Kit
Introduction To World Religions and Belief System: Guided Learning Activity Kit
INTRODUCTION to
WORLD RELIGIONS and
BELIEF SYSTEM
Guided Learning Activity Kit
Confucianism and Taoism
Quarter 3 - Week 7
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Introduction to World Religions and Belief System – Grade 12
Guided Learning Activity Kit
Confucianism and Taoism
Quarter 2- Week 7
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Introduction
“Those who know do not say; those who say do not know.” –Lao-tzu
“The superior men are sparing in their words and profuse in their deeds.” –
Confucius
During the 6th century B.C.E. which was an amazing time of philosophical
growth for ancient China, two most influential spiritual leaders, Confucius and
Lao-tzu, are thought to have lived and taught. The philosophies of these two native
to China that they practiced, Taoism and Confucianism, existed simultaneously in
dynastic China, attracting countless numbers of followers over the past 2,500
years. Their philosophies and practices fascinated both the Eastern and Western
worlds and remained strong in years.
Learning Competency
Analyze the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Confucianism.
Analyze the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Taoism.
Objectives
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Review
Before we proceed to the next lesson, let us make a short review of the
previous lesson.
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________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
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Discussion
What is Confucianism?
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CONFUCIAN DOCTRINES/ BELIEFS
Perhaps Confucius is more often celebrated for his Golden Rule: “Do not do
unto others what you would not have them do unto you.” Found in the Analects,
this saying teaches the ethics of mutuality and reciprocity. Some of the most
important Confucian doctrines include the idea of Tian or heaven, human nature,
rectification of names, the five constants, filial piety and ancestor worship.
A. Belief in Tian
“When you have offended against Heaven, there is nowhere you can turn
to in your prayers.” (Analects 3.13) This is one of the passages in the Analects
which shows Kung Fuzi’s idea of Tian or heaven. Tian may also refer to that
which is beyond human control. Confucius believed that Tian is analogous with
moral order but dependent upon human intervention to bring its will into
action. For him, the li or ritual propriety is the way through which the family,
the state, and the world may become parallel with Tian’s moral order. He
believed that only by performing the ancient rituals, which was done by earlier
kings, could harmony between heaven and earth be revived.
Xunzi believed that human nature is basically evil but can be improved
through self-cultivation. Like Mengzi, Xunzi considered the li or discipline as the
key to cultivate human nature.
C. Rectification of Names
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respect to the parents. In return, ruler must care for his subjects and parents
must care for their children. Zhengming helps bring social order and harmony.
E. Filial Piety
(Wilson 2010) The Five Classics (wujing) and Four Books (si shu) collectively
create the foundation of Confucianism. The Five Classics and Four Books were the
basis of the civil examination in imperial China and can be considered the
Confucian canon. The Five Classics consists of the Book of Odes, Book of
Documents, Book of Changes, Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals.
The Four Books are comprised of the Doctrine of the Mean, the Great Learning,
Mencius, and the Analects.
The Five Classics are a group of books which was regarded as early
Confucianism’s basic texts. This includes the Book of Change, the Book of History,
the Book of Poetry, the Classic of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals.
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Believed to have existed at the time of Confucius
Book of Change The oldest of the Classics.
(I-Ching) It focuses on short predictions following a type of divination called
cleromancy.
The longest of the Five Classics and a historical chronicle of the State of Lu
Spring and Created specifically for annalistic purposes
Traditionally understood as being written by Confucius, but modern scholars
Autumn Annals believe the text was actually written by various chroniclers from the State of
Lu
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with how to maintain perfect balance and harmony in one's life.
It focuses on following the Way and acting in accordance with
what is right and natural, but acknowledges that people often do
not act properly and emphasizes the fact that the good
governance rests with men and that rulers who maintain
balance are not only more effective, but also encourage the Way
in others.
https://academics.hamilton.edu/asian_studies/home/culttemp/sitepages/five classics.html
Although Confucianism does not brag to have all the clear cut answers of the
universe, the ones who practice have a strong belief in rituals. They believe that
participation in ritual serves uniting people and strengthening the community.
However, Confucianism does not hold all the aspects of a religion (such as
Christianity or Islam), nor do they hold regular practices and rituals. Instead they
symbolize four important times in one’s life. These are birth, reaching maturity,
marriage and death.
A. Birth
The Tai-Shen (spirit of the fetus) protects the expectant mother, and
deals harshly with anyone/thing that harasses or harms the woman. She
receives a special diet and is given one month to rest after the delivery of the
baby. Her parents are responsible for everything that is needed to support
the child, on the first, fourth, and twelfth month anniversary of the child's
birth.
B. Marriage
There are six separate things that happen during the marriage rituals,
these include:
1. Proposal: Both sides of the relationship share the hour, day, month, and
year of their birth. If any upsetting events happens within the bride-to-
be's family within the next three days, it is believed that she has rejected
the proposal.
2. Engagement: After the couple decides the date of the wedding, the bride
announces the wedding with invitations and gifts of cookies shaped like
the moon.
3. Dowry: A dowry is a transfer of parental belongings when their daughter
is getting married. Gifts equal in value after given to the bride and groom.
4. Procession: The groom proceeds to the bride’s home, and brings her
back to his place, with much happiness and excitement.
5. Marriage: The couple recites their vows that will bond them together for
a lifetime, toast each other with wine, and then take center stage at a
banquet consisting of friends, and the families of both bride and groom.
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6. Morning After: The bride serves breakfast to the groom’s parents, and
then the parents do the same.
C. Death
After the death of a loved one, the family cries aloud to inform the
neighbors of the tragic news. The family begin to mourns and by making
clothes made of coarse material. The corpse is placed in a coffin, and many
family and friends bring money to help with the cost of the funeral. Food and
objects important to the deceased are placed into the coffin with him/her. A
priest or minister of any religion performs the burial ritual. The guests follow
the coffin carrying a large willow tree branch which symbolizes the soul of
the person who has died. The branch is then carried back to the family altar
where is used to "install" the spirit of the deceased. A public worship (called
a Liturgy) is performed on the seventh, ninth, and forty-ninth days after the
burial, along with the first- and third-year anniversary of the death.
https://confucianismbmhs.weebly.com/beliefs--practices.html
Issues of Confucianism
One characteristic of Confucian social order is the fixed and strict hierarchy,
with the higher partners being composed of men – father, husband, and rulers
exercising more right and privilege over women who are placed in a subordinate
position.
1. Female Subordination
2. Authoritarianism
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or to protect apathy, then Confucianism poses a serious threat to the
development of society and the flourishing of democracy.
3. Environmental Ethics
What is Taoism?
TAOIST CONCEPTS/BELIEFS
Taoism can be best understood by discussing its concepts and beliefs. Some
of its concepts include:
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action as possible; taking action spontaneously; taking a
passive attitude toward society; waiting for the spontaneous
transformation of things; and taking action according to
objective conditions and the nature of things, or acting
naturally. It advocates a “go with the flow” attitude by
cultivating a state of being wherein our actions are in
harmony with the natural cycles of the universe. Laozi
believed that wu-wei can lead to a peaceful and harmonious
society.
The concept was articulated by the Taoist philosopher
Zhuangzi who stated that “yin in its highest form is freezing
Yin Yang
while yang in its highest form is boiling. The chilliness comes
‘the law of
from heaven while the warmness comes from the earth. The
everything’ yet
interaction of these two establishes he (harmony), so it gives
there is no form
birth to things. Yin yang emphasizes complementarity,
being seen.”
interconnectedness, and interdependence of both sides
seeking a new balance with each other.
Qi/Chi It is the fundamental substance of nature and living
“air’ or “vapor” beings, as well as life force. It refers to matter which is
“material force” continuous, energetic, and dynamic. It is considered as the
or “vital force” foundation of body and life.
SACRED SCRIPTURES
It is Taoism’s foundational text meaning “The Book of the Way and its
Power.” Taoists regard this as the essential guide to living a full spiritual and
ethical life. It is a short book of around 5,000 Chinese characters which is
divided into 81 brief chapters filled with short, enigmatic paragraphs of
advice on life, and poetic descriptions of the nature of the universe.
B. Chuang Tzu
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development of the human person. Taoist priests are licensed to perform rituals of
specific traditions such as:
1. exorcism, performed in cases of sickness with the goal of gaining victory
over the evil spirits; and
2. festivals, especially New Year.
GOAL PRACTICES
Use of potions (led to the practice of alchemical experiments
which made lasting contributions in various fields such as
chemistry, medicine, and pharmacology)
To obtain
Practice meditation (includes experiments with one’s self,
longevity and
especially the body through the use of methods of inner
immortality
alchemy, associated with yoga and other forms of meditation)
Breathing technique (to be in contact with qi, for longevity and
to counter aging)
Jiao Festival (or the rite of cosmic renewal, celebrated to
rededicate the local temple and to renew the whole community
by cleansing it from suffering and hardships)
To dispel
Refrain from eating grain (based on the Taoist belief that
illness or
illness is caused by three corpse worms which reside in the
suffering
body, and eating grain will encourage these worms to stay)
Confession and purging of one’s sins (based on the belief that
illness may be caused by wrongdoings)
ISSUES OF TAOISM
Like any other religion, Taoism has its share of issues. These are:
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1. Fatalism. Taoism has often been criticized for propagating laziness or
espousing a fatalistic attitude in life by letting nature take its course and
reminding Taoists to just go with the flow. Inaction is often misinterpreted as
not doing anything, when in fact it means doing things naturally by taking
the natural action without the use of force.
2. Superstition. Taoism believes in superstitious practices. For instance, there
is a misconception that Taoism involves sorcery, which includes the drawing
of signs, chants, and other practices which led to the notion that Taoism
promotes superstitious practices. But the practice of ancestor worship has
been an aspect of Chinese culture which found its way in Taoism, similar to
the Shinto practice among the Japanese, thus Taoists often find themselves
in temples, praying to their ancestors for guidance in their everyday lives.
3. Urban Development. Taoists believe in the dictum “leave nature alone and
nature will thrive.” Taoism has advocated a utopian vision of society
characterized by order and harmony, and an emphasis on self-cultivation as
a means of achieving social harmony. One should have a healthy
relationship with nature and it should begin with one’s own body. Taoism
advocates the idea that we should follow the lead of nature instead of
controlling it, for humans are natural creatures who should live in harmony
with nature. Taoism emphasized the balance of opposites and the
interdependence of all things, which can be interpreted as an ancient
equivalent of today’s notion of the ecosystem. Taoists believe that social
harmony will be achieved through a return to nature.
Activities
Guided Practice 1
Directions: Match the terms in Column A with their meanings found in Column B.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Column A Column B
A. group of books regarded as early Confucianism’s basic
1. Tian
texts
B. emphasizes complementarity, interconnectedness, and
2. Five Constants interdependence of both sides seeking a new balance with
each other
3. Qi Chi C. a Confucian belief of heaven
D. a Taoism belief and practice being mistaken as an
4. Yin Yang
involvement in sorcery
E. the fundamental substance of nature and living beings,
5. Tao
as well as life force
6. Book of Poetry F. a collection of the wisdom of many different people
consisting delightful parables, metaphors, and poetic
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passages
G. five most important Confucian ethics mentioned in the
7. Laozi (Lao-tzu)
Analects
H. believed to have authored the Dao De Jing or The Book
8. Superstition
of the Way and its Power
I. all things come from it and are nourished by it, that is
9. Five Classics
why sometimes it is called “Mother”
J. a collection of 305 songs including feast songs and state
10. Chuang Tzu
chants
Guided Practice 2
Directions: Write “GOT IT” if the statement is true. Otherwise, change the
underlined word to make the statement correct. Write your answer in a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Yin in its highest form is freezing while Yang in its highest form is boiling.
2. Confucians believe in the dictum “leave nature alone and nature will thrive.”
3. Confucianism stresses the hierarchy between relationships.
4. Tao Te Ching is Taoism’s foundational text.
5. Women, being at the middle of the Confucian hierarchy, are expected to
display ideal behavior and accommodation.
6. Confucians believe that participation in ritual serves uniting people, and
strengthening the community.
7. Taoism has often been criticized for propagating diligence or espousing a
fatalistic attitude in life by letting nature take its course.
8. The Five Classics and Four Books were the basis of the civil examination in
imperial China.
9. A possession is a transfer of parental belongings when their daughter is
getting married.
10. The relativity of things or nature is the central theme of Chuang Tzu.
Directions: Identify the terms being described in each numbers. Complete the
words below by filling the missing letters. Write your answer in a separate sheet of
paper.
1. A __ T __ __ R I __ A __ __ A __ I __ M
It is a challenge that Confucianism still faces at present because it stresses the
hierarchy between relationships by encouraging deference to one’s superiors-
ruler, father, teacher, or anyone older.
2. __ X __ R __ I __ M
Performed in cases of sickness with the goal of gaining victory over the evil
spirits
3. __ U __ E __
It is a concept used to negate or limit human action.
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4. G __ __ D __ __ R __ __ E
“Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.”
5. __ I __ __
Also known as heaven, an all-encompassing God.
6. __ H E __ __ M __ __ __
People must play their important roles in society which was called the
Rectification of Names.
7. __ U __ __ __ N __
The five most important Confucian ethics mentioned in the Analects.
8. C __ U __ N __ T __ U
A collection of the wisdom of many different people consisting delightful
parables, metaphors, and poetic passages
9. T__ __ E __ O __ __ D __ __ N __ __ __
Three stages of Confucian women’s lives
10. F __ __ E C __ __ S __ __I __ __
A group of books which was regarded as early Confucianism’s basic texts
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Assessment
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write on the space before
each number. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Confucian woman’s life can be summed up into three stages which is called
“Three Obediences,” these are __________________.
a. Obedience to Tian; Obedience to Confucius; Obedience to Law
b. Obedience to her father; Obedience to her husband; Obedience to her son
c. Obedience to Country; Obedience to Government; Obedience to Nation
d. Obedience to parents; Obedience to ruler; Obedience to Teach
2. “When you have offended against Heaven, there is nowhere you can turn to in
your prayers.” (Analects 3.13) This is one of the passages in the Analects which
shows Kung Fuzi’s idea of ___________.
a. heaven c. reincarnation
b. superstitions d. All of the choices
3. Confucius’ Golden Rule, “Do not do unto others what you would not have them
do unto you,” explains ______________.
a. Treat others equal to themselves and in equally the same manner as they
would have wanted to be treated.
b. Good behavior is a great virtue in Confucian doctrine.
c. You can take revenge if someone hurt you.
d. Anyone can face Karma.
4. According to Confucian belief, why must people play their roles in society?
a. because it helps bring social order and harmony
b. because it brings happiness to someone
c. to avoid being punished by the government
d. to have a peaceful life
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c. Daniel, a tricycle driver always works late and accepts extra trips to earn
extra money just in case there is a family emergency
d. Ericka is selling watches online to save for her coming birthday.
9. All things come from it, and are nourished by it, that is why it is sometimes
called “Mother.”
a. Yin Yang c. Chi
b. Tao d. De
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Reflection
Complete the paragraph with the necessary words or sentences that best describe
what you have learned from the discussion. Write your paragraph in a separate
sheet of paper. Follow the format below.
The Confucian values that can be applied to solve particular problems at present
are
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
The aspect of Taoism that we can adopt as Filipinos that will help us improve our
society is/are ____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.
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References
Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief
Systems (Textbook). Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., 2016
Wilson, Thomas A. 2010. "Cult of Confucius and the Temple of Culture." Hamilton
Academics.
https://academics.hamilton.edu/asian_studies/home/culttemp/sitePages/fiveclas
sics.html Accessed (January 4, 2021)
https://www.goodnet.org/articles/these-4-teachings-daoism-will-help-you
navigate-life (Accessed January 4, 2021)
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Key to Corrections
Independent Practice Guided Practice 1
1. AUTHORITARIANISM 1. C
2. EXORCISM 2. G
3. WU WEI 3. E
4. GOLDEN RULE 4. B
5. TIAN 5. I
6. ZHENG MING 6. J
7. WUCHANG 7. H
8. CHUANG TZU 8. D
9. THE OBEDIENCES 9. A
10. FIVE CLASSICS 10. F
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Acknowledgment
The Schools Division of Zambales would like to express its heartfelt
gratitude to the following, who in one way or the other, have contributed to the
successful preparation, development, quality assurance, printing, and distribution
of the Quarter 2 Guided Learning Activity Kits (GLAKs) in all learning areas across
grade levels as a response to providing the learners with developmentally-
appropriate, contextualized and simplified learning resources with most essential
learning competencies (MELCs)-based activities anchored on the principles of
guided learning and explicit instruction:
Finally, the parents and other home learning facilitators for giving the
learners the needed guidance and support for them to possibly accomplish the
tasks and for gradually helping them become independent learners.
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