Holden Hewes
Ms. Trahan
English II Period 5
2 November 2016
Post Classical and Classical Chinese Religions China is a very influential world power and has been for many years. The Classical and Post-Classical years in China were a time of achievement and advancement, especially in the religious movement. Post-Classical and Classical China were very important historical periods, and their religions, and the effect of them on the world around them highlighted that importance. Classical China was a breeding ground for new ideas, inventions, and most importantly, religions. Although Classical China was littered with different religions and beliefs, Confucianism was the most prominent. Confucianism is based on the teachings of a philosophical
…show more content…
He had revolutionary ideas about new relationships and government, different from many things that the Chinese people had ever seen. Another major belief system in Classical China was Legalism, which was technically a branch of Confucianism, and was surprisingly extremely popular (Carr). Legalism was very strict and built a code of law. The laws were generally harsh and discriminatory to women. Confucianism was the more popular and long lasting of the two. Daoism was also a notable belief system in the Classical Chinese time period. A possibly fictional philosopher and thinker named Lao Tzu created it. Daoism is partially a philosophy, but partially a religious faith just like most belief systems in this time. Daoists were much like present-day hippies due to their firm belief in the spirit world. Much like Confucianism and Legalism, this new idea was absolutely revolutionary and the Chinese loved it. They believed that respectfulness to the forces in everyday life and respectfulness to ancestors was the secret to being happy and free. While Confucianism argued that order was the only way for true peace, Daoist thought that ancestral veneration was the way for peace (Carr). These religious …show more content…
This exception is the religion of Buddhism, which transformed the Post-Classical era and the history of China. Islam spread like wildfire, which was surprising due to the popularity of other Chinese religions at this time, such as Confucianism and Daoism. Trade routes began and facilitated the spread of it and were influential in spreading things other than just goods (Strayer). The diffusion of Buddhism into China is extremely important to Chinese people and Chinese history. Buddhist monasteries sprang up in cities and trade routes, and many people were converted just by immersion in the religion and by just following the crowd. Buddhism was very big for merchants and they had a big role in the spread of Buddhism to less populous villages and towns. While China was leading a massive Buddhist revival, an effort to revive Confucian values was also spreading. This effort was called Neo-Confucianism, which means new Confucianism. This new religious belief system combined Confucian values with Buddhist and Daoist influences. This new way of thinking was popular, and even slowed the Buddhist movement, but Buddhism eventually won, amassing hundreds of thousands of
As one of the four great ancient civilizations, China has a very long history and a gorgeous culture. We can not ignore the fact that not only religions and cultures are inseparable, but also can influence each other profoundly, Just like Buddhism and Chinese culture. “The Chinese traditional culture includes three systems of thought: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. The first two are Chinese culture, and Buddhism is a foreign religion from India. For over 2,000 years, Buddhism has interacted with all levels of Chinese culture such as literature, philosophy, morality, arts, architecture and religions. As a result, Buddhism has successfully integrated into the traditional Chinese culture and has become one of the three pillars.” (Xing, 308) 2010 Religious report survey data show that there are
The philosophy that is the most significant in shaping China is Confucianism. Confucianism is an important keystone
Confucianism is a system of social and ethical philosophy rather than a typical religion. It teaches China about how important correct relationships are between couples such as husband and wife and father and son. This in forces how ancient china was a respectful and humble nation while the countries around it were at war. This shows that China was way ahead of its time and was a civilised nation, this all proves that ancient China was a very successful ancient society. China did not just flourish on successful religions it also created some of the world's most common and used inventions of all time, some of which are still considered modern today such as
China was ahead of time when it came to religion in the middle ages. Most people leading countries had one religion that was used and some even went to war because the division of religion. China saw three major religions that made up their society. These three major religions were lead by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism leaded them in the middle ages.
It appealed to many people as it provided a way to live one's life and to respond to other classes (the oppressed and the ruler’s relationship). Daoism was also wildly popular. It’s main focus was on balance and nature. Daoism offered people the spirituality and answers to life’s questions which they felt Confucianism didn’t answer. This balance was very clear for many centuries which is why these two beliefs were so well preserved among the chinese.
The most important thing about China is the belief systems. People of China believed in Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. These ideas dictated how a person should behave and act. Daoism is one of the belief system that deals with the harmony of nature and feelings. Daoism was slowly changing China and influenced it along with other belief systems. Confucianism is based off the ideas of Confucius. Confucius believed
Daoism grew quickly from 200-700 AD, when more rituals emerged. Daoism believes life is usually happy, but should be lived with balance and virtue. The religion did not become official until 618-906 AD. This religion varies from twenty to four hundred million people. They believe things “The Way” of no action and no selfishness. Which means plain and modest.
Ancient China: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism were three major religions in ancient China. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and of a well-ordered society. With
China has a long history of imperial rule. In 618-755 b.c the Tang dynasty comes to power and during that time Taoism flourished. Taoism is a religion that affirms the belief of non-corrosive action and Ch’i. From 755-907 b.c Confucianism begins to rise and Buddhist persecution is first seen. Confucianism is a state religion that affirms ch’i but also has a lot of practices concerning the well-being of one’s family. Ch’i defined as the universal energy that is in the cosmo and inhabits people’s bodies. What ch’i looks like in the earthly plane has been labeled as Yin and Yang. Yin and yang complementary energies that are seen in the world.Yin can be described as dark, feminine,receptive,
Buddhism traveled from India through the Silk Road and Central Asia to northern China in the first century C.E. At that time the Chinese believed in Confucian values also known as the Chinese values. The conflict between these values continued through many ruling Chinese dynasties. There were inherent differences between the Buddhist beliefs and practices and traditional Confucius beliefs practiced by the Chinese. These differences are captured in the three sources which are collection of many biographies.
China has many religions. Some, if not all create a much more peaceful idea than our own religions. These three Chinese religions are called Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Confucianism was the first of these religions, based on the teachings of a philosopher named Confucius. He lived from 551 to 479 B.C.
BUDDHISM IN CHINA How has Buddhism impacted china's culture throughout history and today? “Once upon a time in India, a white elephant offered a woman a lotus flower and then entered her side. This elephant became Siddhartha, the Buddha.” Buddhism is a religion or a tradition that focuses on “personal spiritual development” .
Buddhism was first introduced in China during the Han dynasty. The Silk Road allowed the religion to be introduced to China through different travelers. The Silk Road was a network of different trading paths that traveled from India to some of the northern states. During the period of Disunity, some of Buddhism’s habits, its promise of hope, past the troubles of the earth, and the structure of Buddhist thought that attracted literati, helped Buddhism take root in China.
Different religions have motivated individuals to seek education, allies, and trade. In Xuanzang’s time, “Buddhism stood as a spiritual and intellectual challenge to the recurrent Chinese attitude of self-sufficiency and self-importance. Buddhism connected China to the outside world” (Gordon 19-20). Many monks traveled through Buddhism’s influence to hear
China, known today as the most populous country in the world, a country with beautiful scenery and delicious food, has one of the oldest cultures still existent today, going back to around 8000 BC. Religion was a major part of shaping the civilisation of Ancient China. Buddhism, today with over 350 million followers, was one of 3 major religions of Ancient China, spreading from Ancient China. Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha, who was born in Nepal in 563 BC. Buddhism and Buddhists believe in ‘rebirth’ and purity of self, which became core to many dynasties during the Ancient period.