Great Minds of the Eastern Intellectual Tradition

[Cypress]

How do you like them so far? We get the catalog of offerings now and then; there are so many that look interesting.

For the person who considers themselves a life long learner, they are an incredible resource in my opinion.
If you have a good public library system, that is the best way to obtain these products for free - either on DVD, audio, or streaming.
If you try to just order their products from them directly, it can cost an arm and a leg. But there are other options, which are far cheaper, and I can tell you about if you are interested in more intel..

 

[anatta]

In a way, western higher education is still stuck in that Aristotelian scholasticism tradition that began with the first European universities of the Middle Ages, and that thread continues to run its course to the modern day in the West. There is a certain chauvinism about western intellectual thought and western experience that comes affixed to the scholastic tradition.

That is not to say that I do not hold western intellectual history in the highest esteem - that is where rationalism, skepticism, empiricism, and scientific inquiry really reached its apex. But still, I think the well-rounded person, the educated person really has a major void in their educational experience if they deprive themselves of being exposed to the Eastern intellectual tradition.

well stated.. the west has always seen the eastern ideas as inferior - but I find them much more humanistic/holistic regarding th nature of the world/universe and man

 

[Mott the Hoople]

I did the comparative religion thng early in life..it sounds silly but the TV show "Kung Fu"
introduced me to Chinese thought.

If you watch some of the symbol on the show they are based on taoism, being as Shaolin priests were daoists.
And the entire fighting system is a combination of "hard" and "soft" styles - mimicking animal movements.
The hand on the back of his robe is the integration of all animal styles into a human form

That kind of thought took me to eastern religions and philosophies/religions early.
Some are too esoteric to use like shinto - some like Confusianism are more universal, but still innately Chinese,
and then the great ones are daoism,and Buddhism (neither which are god based BTW).

I studied eastern martial arts when I was young and came to the conclusion that with the exception of Judo and Muay Thai, if you master both Western Boxing and Wrestling you'll kick the ass of any Eastern Martial Arts practitioner.

 

[Mott the Hoople]

For the person who considers themselves a life long learner, they are an incredible resource in my opinion.
If you have a good public library system, that is the best way to obtain these products for free - either on DVD, audio, or streaming.
If you try to just order their products from them directly, it can cost an arm and a leg. But there are other options, which are far cheaper, and I can tell you about if you are interested in more intel..

I'm too cheap to buy their courses but I do review their catalog because it gives me good ideas on topics to buy books on. Which is a lot cheaper. LOL

 

[Mott the Hoople]

well stated.. the west has always seen the eastern ideas as inferior - but I find them much more humanistic/holistic regarding th nature of the world/universe and man

Agreed. I couldn't have said it better.

 

[Cypress]

I'm too cheap to buy their courses but I do review their catalog because it gives me good ideas on topics to buy books on. Which is a lot cheaper. LOL

This may come as shocking news to Trump boot-lickers, but socialism is well established in this country and I take full advantage of it.

I would estimate that at least half of of the books, DVDs, and streaming content I watch of literary, historical, and cultural value comes from our Socialist Public Library.

Our capitalist overlords would probably be utterly furious to become aware of the money they have lost because I don't need their products, being readily available at my local Marxist-Leninist socialist library.

 

[anatta]

Introduction to Confucian Thought
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1000bce_confucius_intro.htm
Government and society in China were grounded in the Confucian philosophy, which held that there was a
basic order in the universe and a natural harmony linking man, nature, and the cosmos (heaven); it also held that man was by nature a social being, and that the natural order of the universe should be reflected in human relations.
The family unit was seen as the primary social unit; relationships within the family were fundamental to all others and comprised three of the "five relationships" that were the models for all others: sovereign-subject; husband-wife; parent-child; elder brother-younger brother; friend-friend.
In this hierarchy of social relations, each role had clearly defined duties; reciprocity or mutual responsibility between subordinate and superior was fundamental to the Confucian concept of human relations. The virtue of filial piety, or devotion of the child to his parents, was the foundation for all others. When extended to all human beings, it nurtured the highest virtue, humaneness ("ren" or "jen"), or the sense of relatedness to other persons.
~~~

The notion of the role of the state as guarantor of the people's welfare developed very early, along with the monarchy and the bureaucratic state. It was also assumed that good government could bring about order, peace, and the good society.

Tests of the good ruler were social stability, population growth (a reflection of ancient statecraft where the good ruler was one who could attract people from other states), and ability to create conditions that fostered the people's welfare.
The Mandate of Heaven was understood as justifying the right to rule, with the corollary right to rebel against a ruler who did not fulfill his duties to the people. The state played a major role in determining water rights, famine control and relief, and insuring social stability. The state encouraged people to grow rice and other grains rather than commercial crops in order to insure and adequate food supply; it held reserves in state granaries, in part to lessen the effects of drought and floods, particularly common in northern China.
For fear of losing the Mandate of Heaven governments levied very low taxes which often meant that the government could not provide all the services expected of it, and that officials ended up extorting money from the people.

 

[Cypress]

Introduction to Confucian Thought
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1000bce_confucius_intro.htm
Government and society in China were grounded in the Confucian philosophy, which held that there was a
basic order in the universe and a natural harmony linking man, nature, and the cosmos (heaven); it also held that man was by nature a social being, and that the natural order of the universe should be reflected in human relations.
The family unit was seen as the primary social unit; relationships within the family were fundamental to all others and comprised three of the "five relationships" that were the models for all others: sovereign-subject; husband-wife; parent-child; elder brother-younger brother; friend-friend.
In this hierarchy of social relations, each role had clearly defined duties; reciprocity or mutual responsibility between subordinate and superior was fundamental to the Confucian concept of human relations. The virtue of filial piety, or devotion of the child to his parents, was the foundation for all others. When extended to all human beings, it nurtured the highest virtue, humaneness ("ren" or "jen"), or the sense of relatedness to other persons.
~~~

The notion of the role of the state as guarantor of the people's welfare developed very early, along with the monarchy and the bureaucratic state. It was also assumed that good government could bring about order, peace, and the good society.

Tests of the good ruler were social stability, population growth (a reflection of ancient statecraft where the good ruler was one who could attract people from other states), and ability to create conditions that fostered the people's welfare.
The Mandate of Heaven was understood as justifying the right to rule, with the corollary right to rebel against a ruler who did not fulfill his duties to the people. The state played a major role in determining water rights, famine control and relief, and insuring social stability. The state encouraged people to grow rice and other grains rather than commercial crops in order to insure and adequate food supply; it held reserves in state granaries, in part to lessen the effects of drought and floods, particularly common in northern China.
For fear of losing the Mandate of Heaven governments levied very low taxes which often meant that the government could not provide all the services expected of it, and that officials ended up extorting money from the people.

I cannot pretend to say anything profound about Confucianism, expect what I know at the most rudimentary level.

The strict social hierarchy inherent in Confucianism does not speak to me personally, though I can appreciate it is all part and parcel of the well ordered society Confucianism advocates for. Neither can one take philosophy out of its historical context, its time and place in human affairs. The warring states period was obviously a time of great chaos and cruelty in the China of antiquity, and I can see how a well ordered society where everyone knew their place could sound appealing.

What does speak to me in Confucianism is the emphasis on cultivating virtue, that living a life of moral virtue is its own reward, and that leaders, monarchs, and emperors must set an example by having the highest moral character possible.

I have a class on the Analects of Confucius on my watch list, so hopefully it will be a cure to my continuing ignorance of this eastern tradition.

 

[anatta]

I cannot pretend to say anything profound about Confucianism, expect what I know at the most rudimentary level.

The strict social hierarchy inherent in Confucianism does not speak to me personally, though I can appreciate it is all part and parcel of the well ordered society Confucianism advocates for. Neither can one take philosophy out of its historical context, its time and place in human affairs. The warring states period was obviously a time of great chaos and cruelty in the China of antiquity, and I can see how a well ordered society where everyone knew their place could sound appealing.

What does speak to me in Confucianism is the emphasis on cultivating virtue, that living a life of moral virtue is its own reward, and that leaders, monarchs, and emperors must set an example by having the highest moral character possible.

I have a class on the Analects of Confucius on my watch list, so hopefully it will be a cure to my continuing ignorance of this eastern tradition.

you got as much as I did out of Confusianism..It's a Chinese remedy for a Chinese problem.
As far as China goes though it mirrors the loyalty to China by it's people today.
That is the right role with honor and function clearly demanded by the Mandate of Heaven. China be family..

The honor thing is notable given the back stabbing scurrilous behavior of the Swamp

 

[Cypress]

you got as much as I did out of Confusianism..It's a Chinese remedy for a Chinese problem.
As far as China goes though it mirrors the loyalty to China by it's people today.
That is the right role with honor and function clearly demanded by the Mandate of Heaven. China be family..

The honor thing is notable given the back stabbing scurrilous behavior of the Swamp

Those are good insights.

I think we also have to keep in mind that without a certain level of expertise, we are ignoring that confuciansim is not a monolithic philosophy that developed as a response to the warring states period of Chinese history. It has evolved and adopted elements of daosim, buddhism, and has gained adherents beyond China as a philosophy of ethics and rationality. So I have to admit that my lack of expertise is obviously making me stereotype and simplify this philosophical tradition

 

[anatta]

Those are good insights.

I think we also have to keep in mind that without a certain level of expertise, we are ignoring that confuciansim is not a monolithic philosophy that developed as a response to the warring states period of Chinese history. It has evolved and adopted elements of daosim, buddhism, and has gained adherents beyond China as a philosophy of ethics and rationality. So I have to admit that my lack of expertise is obviously making me stereotype and simplify this philosophical tradition

yes, and a word of caution not to conflate the various "Confucius Institutes" worldwide with a usable philosophy outside of China..they are also used for Chinese espionage

Closing Confucius Institutes
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-10/07/content_32950016.htm
The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Christopher Wray, told a Senate panel last February that the FBI was concerned about the institutes. The most prominent critics of the CIs in Washington -- U.S. senators Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas -- have come from the Republican Party, but Democrats have also raised concerns, as in the case of U.S. representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who has called on Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts Boston to close their CIs.

 

[Cypress]

yes, and a word of caution not to conflate the various "Confucius Institutes" worldwide with a usable philosophy outside of China..they are also used for Chinese espionage

Closing Confucius Institutes
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-10/07/content_32950016.htm
The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Christopher Wray, told a Senate panel last February that the FBI was concerned about the institutes. The most prominent critics of the CIs in Washington -- U.S. senators Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas -- have come from the Republican Party, but Democrats have also raised concerns, as in the case of U.S. representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who has called on Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts Boston to close their CIs.

I do not know anything about that, but government and political infiltration of religious and spiritual institutions is ubiquitous throughout human history. I am sure there are sects of the American baptist church which are essentially a partisan arm of the Republican Party. The Orthodox Church in America had to divorce itself from the Moscow Patriarch, because the Russian Orthodox Church had become an arm of Kremlin policy.


On a more philosophical tangent, I am looking forward to learning more about Zoroastrianism. One of the few things I know is that they were the first monothestic religion, and they have the most concise, crystal clear, and elegant statement of moral principles I have ever heard of.
I mean, this is just a thing of beauty:

Zoroastrian morality is summed up in the simple phrase, "good thoughts, good words, good deeds"
(wikipedia)

 

[anatta]

http://www.avesta.org/zfaq.html

overview

Zoroastrianism is a religion founded in ancient times by the prophet Zarathushtra, known to the Greeks as Zoroaster.

Zoroastrianism was the dominant world religion during the Persian empires (559 BC to 651 AC), and was thus the most powerful world religion at the time of Jesus. It had a major influence on other religions. It is still practiced world-wide, especially in Iran and India.

To quote Mary Boyce,

"The prophet Zarathushtra, son of Pourushaspa, of the Spitaman family, is known to us primarily from the Gathas, seventeen great hymns which he composed and which have been faithfully preserved by his community. These are not works of instruction, but inspired, passionate utterances, many of them addressed directly to God; and their poetic form is a very ancient one, which has been traced back (through Norse parallels) to Indo-European times. It seems to have been linked with a mantic tradition, that is, to have been cultivated by priestly seers who sought to express in lofty words their personal apprehension of the divine; and it is marked by subtleties of allusion, and great richness and complexity of style. Such poetry can only have been fully understood by the learned; and since Zoroaster believed that he had been entrusted by God with a message for all mankind, he must also have preached again and again in plain words to ordinary people. His teachings were handed down orally in his community from generation to generation, and were at last committed to writing under the Sasanians, rulers of the third Iranian empire. The language then spoken was Middle Persian, also called Pahlavi; and the Pahlavi books provide invaluable keys for interpreting the magnificent obscurities of the Gathas themselves." - Zoroastrians, Their religious beliefs and practices, London, 1979, pg 17.

Some of the major tenets of Zoroastrianism include:

God: Ahura Mazda
The supreme being is called Ahura Mazda (Phl. Ohrmazd), meaning "Wise Lord." Ahura Mazda is all good, and created the world and all good things, including people. He is opposed by Anghra Mainyu (Phl. Ahriman), meaning "Destructive Spirit," the embodiment of evil and creator of all evil things. The cosmic battle between good and evil will ultimately lead to the destruction of all evil.
Prophet: Zarathushtra
The religion was founded by Zarathushtra. His date is uncertain, but is probably somewhere around 1200 BC. He lived and preached in the Inner Asian steppes. Zarathushtra received his revelations directly from Ahura Mazda, and from his Archangels (Amesha Spentas).
Scripture: Avesta
The central scripture is the Avesta. The most sacred sections of the Avesta are the Gathas or Hymns of Zarathushtra; they are also the most enigmatic. Later sacred literature includes the Pahlavi Texts, which contain extensive quotations and paraphrases from lost Avesta texts.
Creed
The creed is summarized in Yasna 12. It is likely to have been composed by Zarathushtra himself, and to have been used as an avowal of faith by early converts (Cf. Boyce, Zoroastrianism, Its Antiquity and Constant Vigour, p. 102-4).
Observances
Two sacred garments, the sudreh (shirt) and kusti (cord) are the emblems of the religion. Zoroastrians perform a short cleansing ritual (Padyab), and retie the kusti several times a day with another short ritual (Nirang-i Kusti) as a sign of their faith. Other prayers are recited daily from the Khorda Avesta. Prayer is largely done in the Avestan language. The faithful should also participate in seasonal communal festivals ("Gahambars") during the year.
Fire and "Asha"
Fire, as a symbol of "Asha" and the "original light of God," holds a special place of esteem in the religion. Prayer is often done in front of a fire, and consecrated fires are kept perpetually burning in the major temples.

 

[anonymoose]

On another tangent, I have wanted to learn more about Daoism because it doesn’t seem to have the rigidity and prescriptive social function of Confucianism, and it seems to accept the reality, necessity, and spirituality of the natural world in a way that Buddhism does not. Of course, my ignorance of Eastern philosophy is vast, so I have attempt to avoid being an armchair expert, and remain open to the possibility that I am dead wrong about all that.

I first looked in to studying Taoism after a series of Tai Chi classes which I now do on my own almost daily.
Our Master Healer, Tao Shih Pei Wo Lun, would pop in every now and then to share wisdom and knowledge of our journey with the hope of attaining "The Promise". The promise of "heaven on earth, peace, bliss, ecstasy, unconditional love and equanimity."

We have a fabulous Oriental Healing Arts Center which is the equivalent of my Church.
I don't know much about Buddhism or Confucianism except that when reading some its philosophies I noticed a distinct similarity.

The Tao Te Ching, along with the Zhuangzi, is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism. It also strongly influenced other schools of Chinese philosophy and religion, including Legalism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, which was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts when it was originally introduced to China.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching

The movements of Qi Gong and choreography of Tai Chi have meaning and applications. The more one does, the more meanings and applications one finds.
What's amazing is that you can apply the movements to virtually every other sport. E.g., I run, cycle, golf and swim mainly. Therefore each time I run, cycle, golf or swim I am essentially also doing my Tai Chi exercises which means that I'm not only participating in the particular sport but I'm also consciously or unconsciously meditating - staying in the present.
The journey, path, or Tao never ends but always enhances.

 

[Cypress]

On another tangent, I have wanted to learn more about Daoism because it doesn’t seem to have the rigidity and prescriptive social function of Confucianism, and it seems to accept the reality, necessity, and spirituality of the natural world in a way that Buddhism does not. Of course, my ignorance of Eastern philosophy is vast, so I have attempt to avoid being an armchair expert, and remain open to the possibility that I am dead wrong about all that.

I first looked in to studying Taoism after a series of Tai Chi classes which I now do on my own almost daily.
Our Master Healer, Tao Shih Pei Wo Lun, would pop in every now and then to share wisdom and knowledge of our journey with the hope of attaining "The Promise". The promise of "heaven on earth, peace, bliss, ecstasy, unconditional love and equanimity."

We have a fabulous Oriental Healing Arts Center which is the equivalent of my Church.
I don't know much about Buddhism or Confucianism except that when reading some its philosophies I noticed a distinct similarity.


The movements of Qi Gong and choreography of Tai Chi have meaning and applications. The more one does, the more meanings and applications one finds.
What's amazing is that you can apply the movements to virtually every other sport. E.g., I run, cycle, golf and swim mainly. Therefore each time I run, cycle, golf or swim I am essentially also doing my Tai Chi exercises which means that I'm not only participating in the particular sport but I'm also consciously or unconsciously meditating - staying in the present.
The journey, path, or Tao never ends but always enhances.

Much obliged for the contribution.

My limited understanding is that - at some level - Daoism was a reaction against traditional Confucianism. A reaction against Confucian cultivation of hierarchy, ceremony, ritual, submission, and knowing one's place in a well ordered society. Legalism, especially as practiced by the Qin dynasty, was most certainly in direct conflict with Daoism. Undoubtedly, as the centuries past, Daosim, Confucianism, and Buddhism borrowed from each other, fused ideas, and various permutations of their tenets were adapted as deemed suitable for local custom and local tradition.

 

[anonymoose]

Much obliged for the contribution.

Your welcome. I rec'd a PM from anatta about this thread while on vacation in SE Alaska and didn't have the chance to post.

My limited understanding is that - at some level - Daoism was a reaction against traditional Confucianism. A reaction against Confucian cultivation of hierarchy, ceremony, ritual, submission, and knowing one's place in a well ordered society. Legalism, especially as practiced by the Qin dynasty, was most certainly in direct conflict with Daoism.

I thought I'd take to Buddhism after reading some of its philosophy but the chanting, etc. was meaningless to me. I've been in Buddhist Temples in Anchorage - not much going on. Like I said the Oriental Healing Arts Center in Anchorage is a thriving but peaceful enclave. Much Taoist literature, healing oils, massage and acupuncture school, Kung Fu classes, TuiNa pain relief clinic, acupuncture, and so on and so forth.
https://www.akinstitute.com/About.htm

Undoubtedly, as the centuries past, Daosim, Confucianism, and Buddhism borrowed from each other, fused ideas, and various permutations of their tenets were adapted as deemed suitable for local custom and local tradition.

I've read several interpretations of Tao Te Ching with explanations. No doubt it has changed from it's original meaning but if one follows the overall gist of the meaning you can't go wrong. Wisdom in simplicity.
An example from a chapter that struck me was how Lao Tzu wrote that a bad leader was better than no leader. If only our politicians could follow something so simple rather than attempt to use brute force to rid a bad leader without replacement. (sorry to interject politics but the Tao Te Ching does actually discuss politics).

 

[anatta]

I first looked in to studying Taoism after a series of Tai Chi classes which I now do on my own almost daily.
Our Master Healer, Tao Shih Pei Wo Lun, would pop in every now and then to share wisdom and knowledge of our journey with the hope of attaining "The Promise". The promise of "heaven on earth, peace, bliss, ecstasy, unconditional love and equanimity."

We have a fabulous Oriental Healing Arts Center which is the equivalent of my Church.
I don't know much about Buddhism or Confucianism except that when reading some its philosophies I noticed a distinct similarity.


The movements of Qi Gong and choreography of Tai Chi have meaning and applications. The more one does, the more meanings and applications one finds.
What's amazing is that you can apply the movements to virtually every other sport. E.g., I run, cycle, golf and swim mainly. Therefore each time I run, cycle, golf or swim I am essentially also doing my Tai Chi exercises which means that I'm not only participating in the particular sport but I'm also consciously or unconsciously meditating - staying in the present.
The journey, path, or Tao never ends but always enhances.

really glad to hear just how dialed in you are to your practices..
There's a lot of good stuff going on there. "good karma!" ROFL

I can't even imagine the physical and holistic benefits.
I'm just coming to terms in getting myself tuned up for the long race into ( *inshallah* ) old age.
Losing weight, tightening up has really been helping getting thru the day..

I see what you are getting from the taoists..are they not primarily concerned with balance ? ( like homeostasis)
I'm sure i'm not getting the gist here..

 

[Cypress]

Your welcome. I rec'd a PM from anatta about this thread while on vacation in SE Alaska and didn't have the chance to post.
I thought I'd take to Buddhism after reading some of its philosophy but the chanting, etc. was meaningless to me. I've been in Buddhist Temples in Anchorage - not much going on. Like I said the Oriental Healing Arts Center in Anchorage is a thriving but peaceful enclave. Much Taoist literature, healing oils, massage and acupuncture school, Kung Fu classes, TuiNa pain relief clinic, acupuncture, and so on and so forth.
https://www.akinstitute.com/About.htm
I've read several interpretations of Tao Te Ching with explanations. No doubt it has changed from it's original meaning but if one follows the overall gist of the meaning you can't go wrong. Wisdom in simplicity.
An example from a chapter that struck me was how Lao Tzu wrote that a bad leader was better than no leader. If only our politicians could follow something so simple rather than attempt to use brute force to rid a bad leader without replacement. (sorry to interject politics but the Tao Te Ching does actually discuss politics).

It is impossible to separate politics from philosophy. The great philosophical traditions of the axial age, from China, to Greece, to Judah, to India most certainly considered not only questions of virtue and ethics, but also conceptualized what the ideal state would look like, or how one would render a well-ordered society.

As far as the sacred text and philosophical tomes, this a list of things I need to become more informed about:

Vedas
Upanishads
Bhagavad Gita
Torah
Zoroastrian scriptures
Annalects of Confucious
Sikh scriptures
Theravada sutras
Jain scriptures
Neo-confucian books
Daoist scriptures
Qur'an
Tibetan vajrayana

There is a course I am going to take that covers all this, but still I've got my work cut out for me!

 

[anatta]

Daoism was a reaction against traditional Confucianism

The first major philosopher who lived in China was Lao Tzu . He lived about 600 BC, under the Eastern Zhou dynasty. Lao Tzu founded the philosophy of Taoism. ... Not long after Lao Tzu began teaching Taoist ideas, another philosopher named Confucius came along to disagree with him.

ou can see that these two ideas conflict with each other. Yet both Taoism and Confucianism were popular all over China for the next two thousand years, and they are still both popular today.

More than a thousand years later, in the 500s AD, Buddhist monks came to China from India. They brought a new Buddhist philosophy with them. Buddhists thought that people should concentrate on being good people and helping others, so they could stop being reincarnated and become one with God. In China, many Buddhists soon became Zen Buddhists. Zen Buddhists taught that you should not think or read too much, and instead you should become good by doing things and by meditating. Many people in China became Buddhists, including many Chinese emperors. But Chinese people kept on reading and thinking about Taoism and Confucianism, too.
https://quatr.us/china/chinese-philosophy-taoism-confucianism.htm

 

[Cypress]

The first major philosopher who lived in China was Lao Tzu . He lived about 600 BC, under the Eastern Zhou dynasty. Lao Tzu founded the philosophy of Taoism. ... Not long after Lao Tzu began teaching Taoist ideas, another philosopher named Confucius came along to disagree with him.

ou can see that these two ideas conflict with each other. Yet both Taoism and Confucianism were popular all over China for the next two thousand years, and they are still both popular today.

More than a thousand years later, in the 500s AD, Buddhist monks came to China from India. They brought a new Buddhist philosophy with them. Buddhists thought that people should concentrate on being good people and helping others, so they could stop being reincarnated and become one with God. In China, many Buddhists soon became Zen Buddhists. Zen Buddhists taught that you should not think or read too much, and instead you should become good by doing things and by meditating. Many people in China became Buddhists, including many Chinese emperors. But Chinese people kept on reading and thinking about Taoism and Confucianism, too.
https://quatr.us/china/chinese-philosophy-taoism-confucianism.htm

I think one of the more interesting aspects of the human experience is how communities of people fuse and modify philosophical traditions and spiritual heritage to comport with their own local customs. For example, how the Japanese fused their native Shinto traditions with the Buddhism that was imported via China. Or how African tribes fused Christianity with their native spiritual traditions.

There is also no question that a large and complex nation like China has fused the Daoist, Confucian, and Buddhist traditions in interesting ways appropriate to local conditions - even though at face value, traditional Daoism and Confucianism existed as kind of a ying and yang in opposition to each other.