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A Comparison of Pre-Qin Confucian, Daoist and Ancient Hebrew Life-death Philosophies and Beliefs

Author: Aaron Kalman（LongAiRen）
Tutor: HeShanMeng；DongPing
School: Zhejiang University
Course: Chinese Studies
Keywords: Confucianism Daoism Old Testament Life-Death Pattern Comparison
CLC: B223.5
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2011
Downloads: 145
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Abstract

The thesis which consists of three main sections makes an in-depth analysis and comparison of pre-Qin Confucian, Daoist as well as Ancient Hebrew Life-Death philosophies and beliefs. In an endeavor to reach something permanent and everlasting, the Confucian and Daoist schools both sought to rise above the mundane life-death pattern. Although both schools in their ultimate goals appear not to be dissimilar, however the methods adopted as well as the internal logic of the philosophical approach of the two schools of thought are very different. Confucianism with Confucius and Mengzi as representatives taught a "moral ethic" and thus sought to socialize the life-death pattern. One of Confucius’main tools in trying to persuade people to rise above the mundane life -death transformation is the concept of "Ren", and in addition put forward a system of "social norms" which are intended to maintain a cohesive social structure. One of the most important of the Confucian teachings in this regard is the "funerary mourning rites" which form a central theme in early Confucian thinking. On the other hand, Laozi and Zhuangzi, both representing early Daoist thought, place much emphasis on "natural law" and give the life-death pattern a spiritual dimension pertaining to a common source, the "Dao". So as to help one rise above the life-death dichotomy Zhuangzi offers specific methods such as "fasting of the mind", etc. Although Zhuangzi’s philosophy appears to offer a clearer and more specific methodology than that offered by his predecessor Laozi, however in substance both are complimentary and very much alike, both seeking to offer a return path to "nature" and a removal of the life-death dichotomy. The Daoist doctrine seeks to free the life-death pattern from societal norms and analyses it as an abstract notion in and of itself. The two schools’central difference can be traced back to different world outlooks based on their respective philosophies. While Confucianism concerns itself with society and morals, Daoist Philosophy emphasizes the individual, and the inherent quality of abstract notions such as "death-life" etc. In comparing the pre Qin Daoist and Confucian philosophies to that of the doctrines of the ancient Hebrews as represented in the Old-Testament, we come to the conclusion that the teachings of the Old-Testament and the Confucian teachings both share a common concern for man and his relationship with society of which he is viewed an integral part. This focus is clearly reflected in the Confucian and Ancient Hebrew emphasis on "funerary rites" and a more or less lack of concern regarding the question of the nature of "death" and the question of the "afterlife". Although the Ancient Hebrew and Pre-Qin Confucian teachings appear to share much in common, however with regard to the specific methodology in dealing with life-death challenges the two teachings are quite dissimilar. Ancient Hebrew teachings are founded on the worship of "Yahweh", which is believed to govern all aspects of life and death. Whereas Pre-Qin Confucian teachings do not involve themselves with the supernatural but rather concern themselves with philosophic and moral concepts such as "Ren-Ai". It could be argued that the Hebraic teachings by their very nature are coercive, whereas the Philosophical Confucian teachings are regarded as mere moral exhortations lacking in a coercive nature. In addition Ancient Hebraic teachings, although religious, share some features in common with Pre-Qin Daoist Philosophy. Both worlds offer a Story of Creation, and the concept of "Yahweh" and "Dao" both share in common an "absolute" and "eternal" dimension. Pre-Qin Daoist and Confucian Philosophy as well as Ancient Hebrew Religion all belong to the period of what Karl Jaspers referred to as The Axial Age when different civilizations and regions in the east developed religious and philosophical doctrines which surprisingly quite often share a substantive likeness. This thesis draws the conclusion that there is much comparability between pre-Qin and Ancient Hebrew teachings, and that Confucianism and the doctrines presented in the Old Testament share more in common than Daoist Philosophy.

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