and economical changes resulting from trade and commerce were replacing the
agricultural society. Due to this political and social anarchy, a new class of
people was formed. This class consisted of men who wanted to reunify the
empire and restore order to society through learning and wisdom.
From this new class, there were several schools that proposed solutions to the
chaotic situation of the Chinese Empire. Among these, Confucianism was one of
the most influential schools of the time. Confucius, the founder of the school,
believed that to reestablish order and prosperity, the imperial government, social
and family organizations, and the rules of propriety, had to be restored. The
most important element in his system, however, was the individual. Each human
being had to maintain personal virtues such as honesty and love. This would
bring harmony to family, society, and state. The second great philosophy of the
classical age was Daoism (Taoism). The philosopher Laozi (Lao-tzu) is
considered as the founder of this school. While Confucianism wanted the
development of human beings through moral education, Daoism sought to
preserve human life by following the Way of Nature. Daoism attempted to bring
the individual into perfect harmony with nature. Finally, among the most
important philosophies was Legalism. They believed that human nature was evil
and that strict rules were needed to control human conduct. The Legalists
developed a political philosophy that emphasized strict laws and harsh
punishments in the control of society.
Indian civilization has a very sharp contrast comparing to Chinese
civilization. Neither its geographical and cultural aspects helped to develop a
distinctive civilization, as china did. For instance, the Indus civilization collapsed
by the middle of the second millennium B.C., and was replaced by the Indo-
Aryan people who absorbed some traditions and built a whole new civilization.
As a consequence of this modification, Indian thought and religion began to
flourish after 600 B.C. Ancient Indian thought appears in scriptures called Veda.
It also includes mystical pieces known as Upanishads (700 to 100 BC), and early
Buddhist writings (300 BC to AD 500).
The oldest literature of Indian thought is the Veda, a collection of poems
and hymns composed over several generations beginning as early as 1200 BC.
Four collections were made, so it is said that there are four Vedas, and all of
them came to be viewed as sacred in Hinduism. Most of the poems of the Veda
are religious and tend to be about the activities of various gods. Yet some Vedic
hymns and poems regard philosophic themes. Indian thought became more
precise with the Upanishads, which were mystical pieces. Upanishads were
very important to the development of several classical philosophies. In the
Upanishads, views about Brahman (God) and atman (one's true self) were
proposed. After the Upanishads, Buddhism, now a major world religion, was
also developed. Buddhism is concerned with mystical experience. Buddhist
thinkers commonly compare enlightenment (nirvana) experience to awakening
from a dream.
Chinese philosophy and Indian though differed vastly. Not only because
of different geographical positions, but because the thoughts and explanations
were very different. Chinese philosophers focused more on finding solutions to
restore society and government. This is obviously a consequence of a political
crisis. Chinese thought is more realistic, while Indian is more mystical and
spiritual. Even though both philosophies cared about the individual, the
approaches were distinct. Chinese philosophy cared about the individual’s
ethics and morals and its participation in society. On the other hand, Indian
thought cared more about the individual’s inner peace and soul, and their main
goal was to achieve full enlightenment or nirvana. The latter could only be
achieved by accepting that life was about suffering and to overcome this
suffering, self discipline and concentration was needed. Hence, Chinese and
Indian philosophies were very different concerning thoughts, explanations and
sentiments.
Although Chinese and Indian philosophies developed in different
continents and had different cultures, similarities can be found among them.
First, it is not accidental that both philosophical revolutions develop near or in
river-valley civilizations. These areas were more developed than other areas,
both technologically and culturally. Second, both revolutions were causes of
political and social crisis. The discovery of iron meant better weapons, which led
to more powerful armies. The relation of humans to nature changed drastically,
which led to new views of the world and universe. With so many changes
occurring, new ideas had to be proposed both to restore society and to reunify
empires. Furthermore, both revolutions had the same purpose; to answer
unsolved questions about the human condition.
To conclude, Chinese and Indian philosophies are very significant and
valuable to our society. They have influenced our daily life and our world both
politically and religiously. Chinese thought inclines towards humanism rather
than spiritualism, rationalism rather than mysticism, and syncretism rather than
sectarianism. Indian philosophy is spiritual, mystical and fulfilling, and by
combining them we have one extensive, rich, and complex philosophy. These
civilizations deserve our recognition for they were, are and will always be the
beginning of philosophical thought.
Resources:
1. Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2003
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
2. http://www.questia.com
3. http://www.google.com
4. “Chinese Philosophy”, AP World History Book Chapter 2, pgs 49-56.
5. “Religion in India”, AP World History Book Chapter 2, pgs 57- 66.
