In Chinese philosophy, the three teachings (; , Chữ Hán: 三教; Indonesian: tridarma) are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The learning and the understanding of the three teachings are traditionally considered to be a harmonious aggregate within Chinese culture.[ The term may also refer to a non-religious philosophical grounds of aggregation as exemplified within traditional Chinese medicine.
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Three teachings harmonious as one
The phrase also appears as the three teachings harmonious as one (). In common understanding, three teachings harmonious as one simply reflects the long history, mutual influence, and (at times) complementary teachings of the three belief systems.
It can also be used in reference to the Sanyi teaching, a syncretic sect which was founded during the Ming dynasty by Lin Zhao'en, wherein Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist beliefs are combined according to their usefulness in self-cultivation.
While Confucianism was the ideology of the law, the institutions and the ruling class, Taoism was the worldview of the radical intellectuals and it was also compatible with the spiritual beliefs of the peasants and the artisans. The two, although opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum, jointly created the Chinese "image of the world".[Freiberg, J.W. “THE DIALECTIC OF CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM IN ANCIENT CHINA.” Dialectical Anthropology 2, no. 3 (1977): 175–98. http://www.jstor.org/stable/29789901.]
The joint worship of the three teachings can be found in some Chinese temples, such as in Hanging Temple.
Believers of the concept think that "three teachings are ... safer than one" and that using elements from all three brings good fortune.
Confucianism
Confucianism is a complex school of thought, sometimes also referred to as a religion, revolving around the principles of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It was developed in the Spring and Autumn period during the Zhou dynasty. The main concepts of this philosophy include ren (humaneness), yi (righteousness), li (propriety/etiquette), zhong (loyalty), and Filial piety (filial piety), along with strict adherence to social roles. This is illustrated through the five main relationships Confucius interpreted to be the core of society: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend. In these bonds, the latter must pay respect to and serve the former, while the former is bound to care for the latter.
The following quotation is from the Analects, a compilation of Confucius' sayings and teachings, written after his death by his disciples.
This quotation exemplifies Confucius' idea of the junzi () or gentleman. Originally this expression referred to "the son of a ruler", but Confucius redefined this concept to mean behaviour (in terms of ethics and values such as loyalty and righteousness) instead of mere social status.
Taoism
Daoism (or Taoism) is a philosophy centered on living in harmony with the Dao (Tao) (), which is believed to be the source, pattern and substance of all matter.
The basis of Daoist philosophy is the idea of "wu wei", often translated as "non-action". In practice, it refers to an in-between state of "being, but not acting". This concept also overlaps with an idea in Confucianism as Confucius similarly believed that a perfect sage could rule without taking action. Daoism assumes any extreme action can initiate a counter-action of equal extremity, and so excessive government can become tyrannical and unjust, even when initiated with good intentions.
The following is a quote from the Daodejing, one of the main texts in Daoist teachings:
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion that traces its roots back to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Central ideas of Buddhist belief and practice are karma, rebirth, and Anicca. Most Buddhists believe that life is full of dukkha, but that suffering can be overcome by attaining enlightenment. Nirvana can be obtained by breaking away from (material) attachments and purifying the mind. However, different doctrines vary on the practices and paths followed in order to do so.
Another concept prominent in the Buddhist belief system is the Eight-Fold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths, which is said to be the first of all Buddha's teachings.
Controversy
Though the term "three teachings" is often focused on how well Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have been able to coexist in harmony throughout Chinese history, evidence has shown that each practice has dominated, or risen to favour, during certain periods of time.
See also
