BASIC FEATURES OF CHINESE PHILOSOPHY

1. Three Sources

         a. Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism)

         b. Daoism (Neo-Daoism)

         c. Buddhism

2. Theory

         a. Focus on Ethics--before Metaphysics & Epistemology

         b. Processional nature of HP--Being a GOOD HP

                  i. Inner Excellence--integrity & contentment--sageliness

                  ii. Outer Excellence--living well with others--kingliness

                  iii. Spiritual and Moral development

3. Social Humanism/Sacred Secularism

         a. Confucius--cultivating self--humanity--to make HP better

         b. Daoism--union with universe/DAO

         c. Buddhism--cultivating humanity/Buddha nature--social development

4. Practice

         a. REN--Heart-Mind unity of HP/Authoritative conduct/person--100X

         b. LI--Rites and Ritual--playing/being role

         c. XIAO--Filial Piety--Family Value--Social Values

         d. YI--Moral Righteousness/Appropriateness

5. Complementarity of Views

         a. Ambiguity--Language/Pictograms/Paranomasia-meaning by context

6. Key Terms & Concepts

         a. REN(wren)--authoritative person--morally praiseworthy

         b. LI(lee)--rites and ritual practice

         c. XIAO(showe)--filial piety

         d. YI(yee)--moral righteousness/appropriateness

         e. SHU(shew)--consideration--altruism

         f. CHUNG(zhong)--center--mean--loyalty

         g. TE(de)/DU(duh)--character--virtue--manifestation of Dao--personal

             participation in Dao--(Ch'i + Li)

         h. DAO(dow)--?--80X

         i. CH'I(jhee)--material force--vital force--energy

         j. YIN & YANG--passive--active--opposition--cosmic flux

         k. LI(lee)--pattern--principle

         l. WU-WEI(woo way)--non-coercive action--inaction

         m. TIAN(tee-en)--heaven & earth--what & how our world is