Reflective tag:

This assignment from my comparative religion class gave me the opportunity to explore Confucian and Daoist views on death. I anticipated that I was going to be getting into the profound philosophical perspectives on mortality. After some research, I gained insight on how different cultures approach the inevitable end of life. Initially, I found myself drawn to the emphasis Confucianism places on social harmony, familial bonds, and ethical conduct surrounding death. The rituals and practices surrounding death in Confucianism underscore the importance of community support and remembrance, fostering a sense of unity and respect. On the other hand, I found Daoism to be the more detached and naturalistic approach to death promoting acceptance and aligning with the cosmic order. Moreover, I found myself resonating more with Confucian ideals, particularly regarding the importance of ethical reflection and familial obligations. By prioritizing these values, Confucianism not only provides solace and support during times of mourning but it also encourages personal growth and moral development.

 

Contrasting Confucian and Daoist Views on Death

Throughout the world, there are around 150,000 deaths each day. There have been many debates surrounding death with regards to what happens after death and how someone should feel about the matter. Specifically, there are many debates between Confucian and Daoist views on death. I believe that the Confucius’s attitudes towards death are better than the Daoist’s attitudes with regards to death because of their emphasis on social harmony, family, and ethical conduct.

Starting off, Confucianism was founded by Confucius (551-479) in order to promote social harmony and ethical conduct. Death can be viewed through the social lens with emphasis on maintaining harmony in their family and society. In Confucianism, death is often viewed as a natural part of the human life in the sense that it should be embraced because it is unavoidable. With this, many Confucian rituals surrounding death shows a lot of respect for ancestors and shows a commitment to preserving familial bonds after a death has occurred. Ethically, one can learn from Confucianism that its emphasis is on social harmony. Moreover, knowing how death is viewed through their lens can teach individuals how one should approach the end of their life while being able to interact with others who are also grieving which reinforces the importance of maintaining familial bonds. Interpersonal relationships are also important by understanding Confucian rituals surrounding death can teach individuals how to support friends and family by showing respect to the deceased while offering support to the grieving family.

Secondly, Daoism was founded as a religion and a philosophy in the 6th century BCE in eastern China. People who follow Daoism believe in a naturalistic and spontaneous approach to life while avoiding social hierarchies and moral codes. Followers also view death as a fundamental part of the cosmic order and it should be embraced as a natural process and not feared. Daoism also encourages individuals to prepare for a sense of detachment. These detachments can be material possessions, status, life, and death. By creating this sense of detachment individuals can come to terms with the fact that death is inevitable, and it should not be feared. Additionally, Daoist philosophy emphasizes the cultivation of wu wei which is also know as effortless action where individuals align themselves with the natural flow of Daoism free from attachment. With this, wu wei in the context of death involves accepting the inevitability of mortality without clinging to life. In turn, this perspective highlights the Daoist belief in the inseparability of life and death which suggests that both are integral aspects of the cosmic order.

            Thirdly, when comparing Confucian and Daoist attitudes towards death there are several distinctions. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of social harmony, familial obligations, and respect for one’s ancestors. Daoism emphasizes the importance of a more transcendental outlook which is characterized by detachment, spontaneity, and acceptance of cosmic order. Confucianism’s emphasis on social harmony and moral obligations establishes death within the context of familial and societal continuity. On the other hand, Daoism’s emphasis is on the Dao and the wu wei which encourages individuals to go beyond conventional distinctions and embrace the action of existence. Moreover, both Confucian and Daoist attitudes offer their own perspectives on death that reflect their own philosophical outlooks and values.

Transitioning from contrasting Confucian and Daoist attitudes towards death, I will now tell you why I believe that the Confucian attitude towards death is better than the Daoist view toward death. Firstly, I like how the Confucians emphasize social harmony when someone dies. This is really important because death is a natural part of life and understanding the social harmony promotes respect within a community during times of mourning. From this, it creates a supportive environment for grieving families while supporting the bonds of familial and societal unity. Next, I believe that the Confucian attitude on family and ancestors is important and better than the Daoist attitudes when it comes to death. Specifically, when families participate in rituals surrounding death of a loved one. This is important because this allows the family to remember the lost loved one while also showing respect towards them so that they are not forgotten. I also believe that by looking at death through a Confucian lens is better than the Daoist because of its emphasis on ethical conduct. Specifically, Confucianism teaches the importance of fulfilling social roles and responsibilities with integrity and virtue. This is important because death can be seen as an opportunity to reflect on someone’s actions while ensuring that their actions contributed positively to society. I think that this is much needed in a growing society, and everyone should look at death this way because it allows oneself to see someone else and look at their successes and failures and then reflect upon themselves to see how they can go on and live a better life until it is their time to die. Overall,Top of Form I believe that the Confucian view on death is better and stands out more than the Daoist view due to its emphasis on social harmony, family, and ethical conduct.

All in all, by learning more about the Confucian and Daoist views on death one should be able to now notice why the Confucian view is superior. It is superior because of its emphasis on social harmony, family, and ethical conduct. By prioritizing these values, Confucianism not only builds a supportive environment for grieving families while strengthening societal unity, but it also encourages personal reflection and moral growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Down, Bernard. “Death in Classical Daoist Thought.” Perusall, app.perusall.com/courses/erh-211wx-04-comparative-religion/death-in-classical-daoist-thought-or-issue-27-or-philosophy-now?assignmentId=vJFCkArMppoPjwnvR&part=1. Accessed 31 Mar. 2024.

Mark, Emily. “Daoism: An Overview.” Humanities LibreTexts, Libretexts, 3 Oct. 2023, human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Religious_Studies/World_Religions_II_(Lumen)/04%3A_Confucianism_and_Daoism/4.04%3A_Daoism#:~:text=It%20emphasizes%20doing%20what%20is%20natural%20and%20%E2%80%9D,%E2%80%9Cgoing%20with%20the%20flow%E2%80%9D%20is%20called%20wu%20wei.

McLeod, Alexus. “What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us about Dealing with Our Own Grief .” Perusall, app.perusall.com/courses/erh-211wx-04-comparative-religion/what-chinese-philosophers-can-teach-us-about-dealing-with-our-own-grief?assignmentId=2m7QAEnNFoL3Rz6aS&part=1. Accessed 31 Mar. 2024.