The spread of Buddhism: Confucianism and Taoism

Confucianism

• Consists of guidelines for the behaviour of individuals, the family and society
• The fundamental virtues are respect for others, courtesy, hard work, social concern and honouring one's parents
• Moral behaviour is cultivated by a sense of genuine loving kindness towards others and results in the best possible benefit for all
• The Golden Rule 'Do not to others what you would not like them to do to you'
• Human beings are seen as one point in a triangle of forces: earth, man and an impersonal heaven
  • The emperor is the mediator of the three forces and so is worthy of the greatest respect
  • This gives rise to a hierarchical social and political system, in which everyone knows their place and…