The Rise of the Tao and Confucius
In The Rise of the Tao, the personality of Abbess Yin reminded much of Confucius. Her wise, calm and meticulous statements are similar to the tone of Confucius’. Their knowledge is presented by saying only what needs to be said. This is an honorable notion that takes much patience. Abbess Yin states in order to consecrate the temple correctly it must take four hours exactly. She said plain and simple “No” (NY Times) to a local official who asked if she could rearrange the ritual.
One statement of Confucius’ is “He by revising the old knows the new, is fit to be a teacher.” (A1092). Although Abbess Yin performs a ritual that does not change, she demonstrates that one must be very precise in order for it to be correct which is just as crucial. Abbess Yin was even concerned if the temple was ready to begin the ritual. “Tomorrow” she said slowly, calculating the logistics. “They don’t have much ready….”. (NY Times)This displays her familiarity and experience which proves her fit to be a teacher.
Although both Abbess Yin and Confucius seem to have similar personalities, they differ by the religion they practice. The article describes Taoism and how Abbess Yin is trying to spread the growth by “…[T]emptation is to turn their temples into adjuncts of the local tourism bureau.” (NY Times) It mentions that all creation is unified through Taoism and is practiced by “Usually the supplicant will pray to a deity, and the priest or nun will stage ceremonies to summon the god’s assistance.” (NY Times)
The differences are that “…Confucianism emphasizes moderation, harmony and social structure, Taoism offers a refuge from society and the trap of material success.” (NY Times) The description of Confucianism is stated by “Confucius focused not on “goods and spirits” but rather on the realm of the concrete and human.” (A1091) Also, “Ethical behavior is grounded in a refusal to do to another what one would not want done to oneself…” (A1091). Being a good-hearted “civil” human being is enough in Confucius’ eyes but in Taoism one must seek a deity to confess to.
Works Cited
