Contrasting Cannabis Use in Daoism and Confucianism
School
University Of Arizona**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
HUMS 150B1
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by ProfessorPowerSparrow36
Luis ReyesHUMS 150B110-30-24Written Response #4: Shamanism, Taoism, and ConfucianismPrompt: For this response, write 250+ words describing and contrasting the ways in which both Daoismand Confucianism used Cannabis.Cannabis “has been found in China since Neolithic times” (Li 1973, p.437), and was an essentialaspect of both Daoism and Confucianism. Cannabis was important for “early Shamanic rituals inChina… [that were] eventually incorporated into Confucian and Buddhist ritual traditions still extanttoday” (Clarke 2013, p.1). Tomb remains have provided physical evidence of the importance of Cannabisin ancient China, signifying its relevance forshamanic, psychoactive, and medicinal purposes.Taoism originated in ancient China, and has been found to have connections with ChineseShamanism. Shamanic uses of Cannabis were numerous, and archaeological sites have been founddepicting the importance of Cannabis to religious culture. It is believed that hallucinogenic smoke wasproduced through incense burners during Taoist rituals, and was likely used for psychological alchemy.As Daoism focuses on the individual, Cannabis was likely used as a tool for finding your inner self andpurifying your soul.On the other hand, Confucianism focuses on the collective community. It teaches a system ofsocial and ethical philosophy, and is aimed towards restoring stability and social order. Evidence ofCannabis use in Confucianism can be found in the Yanghai Tombs. However, Cannabis use inConfucianism was a bit different than Cannabis use in Daoism. While Taoist rituals seemed to focusmore on the psychedelic aspect of this plant, Confucianism practices utilized hemp fiber and hemp seedfor human consumption and industrial needs. It is likely that the psychedelic functions of Cannabis werestill important, but there is indication of a shift of function from medicine to material.BibliographyClarke, R. C., & Merlin, M. (2013). Cannabis evolution and ethnobotany. University of California Press.Li, H.-L. (1973). An archaeological and historical account of cannabis in China. Economic Botany,28(4),437–448. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02862859Word Count: 258
