Legalism

What is Legalism?
It was a philosophy of administration that would become one of the 3 schools of thought in ancient China. It developed in China during the Warring States Period (300-200 BCE) due to hostilities between small kingdoms.

What is it about?
The three elements of proper government according to Legalist theory were: Shih: Power and position Shu: Administrative techniques and methods Fa: A Comprehensive system of laws. Many legalists were practicing Statesmen that were looking to fix immediate and real problems and were not interested in theory of government. There was a strong anti-scholar/philosopher aspect to Legalism.

What does Legalism say?

Legalism relies heavily on rewards and punishments. Punishments should know no degree or grade, but from ministers of state and generals down to great officers and ordinary folk, whoever does not obey the kings commands, violates the interdicts of the state, or rebels against the statutes fixed by the ruler should be guilty of death and should not be pardoned.

Chinas most famous Legalist

Han Feizi- 280-233 BCE Rejected Confucius belief that humans acted out of morality. He believed people only acted out of self-interest and needed a firm set of rules and punishments.

In the state of an intelligent ruler there are no books, instead the laws serve as lessons.

The Legalist view of Humanity

If we had to depend on an arrow being absolutely straight by nature, there would be no arrow in a hundred generations. If we had to depend on a piece of wood being perfectly round by nature, there would not be any wheel in a thousand generations. There is not one naturally straight arrow or naturally round piece of wood in a hundred generations, and yet in every generation people ride carriages and shoot birds. Why? Because of the application of the methods of straightening and bending. Although there is a naturally straight arrow or a naturally round piece of wood [once in a hundred generations] which does not depend on any straightening or bending, the skilled workman does not value it. Why? Because it is not just one person who wishes to ride and not just one shot that the archer wishes to shoot. Similarly, the enlightened ruler does not value people who are naturally good and who do not depend on reward and punishment. Why? Because the laws of the state must not be neglected and government is not for only one man. Therefore the ruler who has the technique does not follow the good that happens by chance but practices the way of necessity... [A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy, 253-4]

The burning of books (and some other bad stuff)

Due to Legalist suggestions, Emperor Qin Shihuang ordered the burning of many books to avoid divergent thought. Due to this many scholars became upset and the Emperor had over 460 Confucian scholars buried alive.

So, is Legalism still used in China today?

Buddhism in China

Buddhism (Origins)
Buddhism began with Siddhartha Gautama in India. Developed the 4 Noble Truths:
Life is suffering Suffering is caused by desire To end suffering you must end desire Follow the Eightfold Path

Buddhism in China
Buddhism entered China about 2,000 years ago from India during the Han Dynasty. Buddhism found a way into China through Daoism. In China, a new branch of Buddhism known as Zen Buddhism developed. It focused on meditation and not using words (like Daoism). While Buddhism spread throughout the rest of Asia, it grew in China and many monasteries were created. Many Chinese rulers throughout history persecuted Buddhists but then it would eventually be accepted by future rulers.

So who is the Laughing Buddha?!?!

He is known as Budhai (or Hoti in Japanese) which means cloth sack. He is believed to be an incarnation of the future Buddha (Maitreya). He was supposedly a happy, laughing Chan monk from around 900 AD who would pass out candy to children and spread laughter through the world.