A distinctive feature of Chinese civilization is its syncretism. It is as fully manifested in the concept of "three teachings" 三教 San Jiao is equal to ideological and doctrinal values of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. As they say, "externally, the Chinese – Confucian, inside – Taoist, at the point of death – Buddhist." Together they are called 儒释道, joshida the first characters in the words "Confucianism" 儒教, Guzzo, "Buddhism", 释教 sissao and "Taoism" 道教, daisyo.
Confucius conveys the Buddha, Lao Tzu, the picture of Qing epoch (1644-1911)
The whole history of Chinese thought is essentially the history of its synthesis. Thus, in Confucianism of Xun zi 荀子 (CA. 313. 238 BCE) shows the influence of legalism, Taoism and moism. The teachings of Dong Zhongshu 董仲舒 (190/179 – 120/104 BC), the most influential philosopher of the Han, Confucius Second, as it was called, includes elements of Taoism and natural philosophy.
♦ Topic: Tradition and modernity in China
One of the founders of neoconism ("the doctrine of the Holy", 玄学, Xuan Xue), 何晏 Ho Yan (190-249), was offered "based on Lao-Tzu, penetrate Confucianism", and among the most commented books were Taoist, and Confucian works: "Zhou Yi", "the Analects", "Tao te Ching", "Chuang-Tzu" (the first two of them are part of the Confucian Trinadcatiletnie 十三经 Shi San Jing).
Buddhism appeared in China in the beginning of our era, also claimed to be the exclusive domination of the truth. In all countries of its distribution it included in its Pantheon the local cults and adapted to the existing realities.
In the period of Six dynasties (III-VI centuries) appear idea of the unity of Buddhism and Chinese tradition. Often one and the same person could be an adherent of all three doctrines. Having received a classical Confucian education and making a career civil servant, he was regarded by contemporaries as a "noble man". At the same time he could deal with the Taoist practices of inner cultivation, and alchemy, and as a Buddhist layman, to translate and comment on Buddhist essays and participate in debates.
Chinese tradition itself pushed for it. In case of disagreement with the existing order and protest against injustice was considered proper to leave his post. And in some extraordinary cases, for example, coup d'état and the establishment of a new pseudo-dynasty, voluntary resignation of the official was considered mandatory. In this they relied on the words of Confucius: "the Wise take from the society; standing below them leave the place where there is no order. Standing still below, avoid people with ugly manners and standing still below avoid coarse expressions" (the Analects, 14.37). So the seclusion was quite natural.
Most notably, this synthesis is manifested in the life and works of "good men", followers of the flow of "wind and stream" 风流 Feng Liu. Coming to the service in strict bureaucratic garb, then, in the circle of friends, he could be dressed deliberately casually, demonstrating Taoist emancipation: casually shifted sideways bureaucratic hat, uncool zone.
Many thinkers, attributed by tradition to any particular current, nevertheless, often succeed in another field. For example, GE Hong 葛洪, known Baopu zi 抱朴子 (284-263 or 283-343), who is revered in Taoism as one of the "Immortals", a brilliant polymath, a Taoist scholar and philosopher, received a classical Confucian education, he entered the military service and the suppression of the peasant uprising in the Shi Bina Stannane received a knighthood, then served as the Governor of Guangzhou.
One of the first equality of the "three teachings" theoretically justified statesman, writer and Buddhist philosopher sun Cho 孙绰 (314-371.). He said that "Confucius is the Buddha, Buddha was Confucius", "Confucius taught that closely and clearly, and the Buddha – far and clearly."
A supporter of the "three teachings" was Zhang Boduan 张伯端 (984-1082.), who was also called "Mr. Seeing the truth." He was a scholar, a Taoist, a physician, jurist, astronomer, and geographer, a scholar of strategy combined classes of internal alchemy with the study of Buddhist and Confucian writings, had the highest degree, the Jinshi. He dedicated the temples in southern China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
In the twelfth century Taoist Wang Chung Yeung 王重阳 (1113 – 1170), was founded the Doctrine of the perfect truth" 全真教 chuanjen Jiao, which, being a Taoist, however, defended the equality of the three religions: "the three religions dwell together in unity". In the Pantheon of Chuanjen followed by schools was part of the Taoist Immortals, Buddha and bodhisattva. In the XIV century, a Taoist "School of the three religions" (三教归一 San Jiao, Huai), the greatest influence which had at the end of XVI – the beginning XVII centuries.
Neoconfucians formed in the song (960 – 1279). despite the proclaimed to them the idea of returning to basics (the doctrine of Confucius and Mencius) and the criticism of Buddhism and Taoism, however, has not remained aloof from the syncretic tendencies.
A great contribution to the development of the concept of "three teachings" made Lin Joan 林兆恩 (1517-1598), which put forward the doctrine of "unity of three teachings" 三教合一 San Jiao Ho I. He believed that just as there are three origins of the universe (三才, 三材 San Cai) – the Sky, Earth and Man, there are three basics (三宗 San Zong) – Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. The goal of all three doctrines – the attainment of the unified Tao. Confucianism "lays the Foundation" (立本 whether Ben), Taoism "is included in the gate" (入门 Ju men), and Buddhism – "reaches the highest standard" (集结 Chi TSE). In the era of the Qing (1644-1911) works Lin Joana was forbidden, but the temples of religion of the three teachings" (三教正宗 San Jiao Zheng Zong) remained in a number of countries in South-East Asia.
Ultimately, in China in the II Millennium BC. e. finalize the concept of the "three teachings." Confucianism, with its practical and this-worldly orientation, regulated by the ethical sphere, family relationships and society. Taoism was associated with magic, mysticism, ideas of achieving longevity and immortality by various techniques, ranging from the health exercises of qigong type to external and internal alchemy and sexual practices. Because neither the doctrine did not give a clear concepts of the afterlife and General world-arrangement, this function is assumed Buddhism. And if at the elite level, there remained a commitment to one or another of the three teachings, folksy level they became to be thought of as a single complex.