Taoism, Daoism and Confucianism | Taiwan's Architecture

1) Taoism/Daoism Influence

Taoism:
- Unclear date: Arose in Han dynasty and gained popularity in the Spring & Autumn Period (about 500BCE) [4]
- “The Way”à Moral consciousness/Duty [2]
- Reality, concrete life rather than abstract, leave other worldly concerns, one’s natural state of being, as one is, let life be as is (Don’t tamper) [1]
Gardens:
- Retreat for peopleà Leaving concerns
- Majority is folk shrines contain Taoist deities
- Feng Shuià Taoism influence
  - Certain objects in certain places influence those who come in contact (Positively/Negatively)
  - Positiveà Bamboo: Attracts good Qi energy and energizes the space, Balances 5 elements ; Cranes: Longevity, brings peace/nobility
- Harmony with nature
  - Man-made elements and nature : Ex) Bridges within plants
- Example:
  - Lin Family Mansion and Garden in New Taipei
    - Large Pond
    - Multiple sections: Ex) Banquet area
    - Bridges built around trees for harmony
    - Decorations of symbols for good fortune: Ex) Crane

2) Confucian Influence

Confucianism:
- Confucius lived in Zhou dynasty [3]
- Philosophy based in ritualized life, ancestor worship, people belonging and being together, reflection of oneself in daily life, simplicity, self-improvement, changing/creating one’s life (Tampering) [1]
Temples:
- Simplistic
- Purposeà Rituals/Education (Scholars teach Confucianism)
- Teaching roomsà To teach Confucianism & make human relationships (In Confucian thought)
- Different names/purposes of separate compartments “Path of Righteousness/Gate of Rites” à Tainan Temple
- Gates: Ceremonial, honor, chastity
- Sometimes pondsà Water: Creates balance, Establishes mood w/ reflection, Purification
Example: [5]
- Tainan Confucius Temple:
  - First Confucian temple in Taiwan, that underwent renovationsà Most recent from Japanese occupation in 1917
  - Ceremonial gates
  - Simple
  - Gatherings to honor Confucian teaching held
  - Pondà From the Book of Odes

3) Buddhism Influence

Buddhism:
- Arose in Han dynasty [3]
- Spiritual development, enlightenment, compassion to everything, morality, wisdom, karma, Dharma, release desireà Ends suffering
Monasteries:
- Place of learning: Buddhist beliefsà mainly Dharma
- Sutra inscriptions of the Buddha
- Pagodas:
- Central Axis Line
- Temples:
  - Stupas: Square/round tomb or shrine ; Kept relics
  - Pagodas:
  - Majority is folk shrines contain Buddhist deities
- Example: Nung Chan Monastery
  - “Water-Moon” Dharma Center
  - Very minimal
  - Pool for reflection
  - Reflects light and shadow
  - Diamond Sutra
  - Gray concrete Minimalist

Citations

1) http://www.iep.utm.edu/daoism/#H8