Chinese belief systems Flashcards
what beliefs systems shaped china?
Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism
What do Daoists believe?
All things - earth, heaven, people should follow the Dao. Dao means the way. Many Daoists left society to live in nature. Daoism had priests, temples and monasteries
What is Buddhism
based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Believe Buddha is the Enlightened One. Taught that life involves suffering - way to ease suffering is to give up worldly desires and seek enlightenment
When did Buddhism reach China?
during the Han dynasty and gained strength during the troubled times between the Han and Tang dynasties. Millions of followers during Tang dynasty and Buddhist temples were rich from donations
What do Buddhists believe
When they reach enlightenment they enter nervano, a state of complete peace. They escape the endless cycle of suffering, death, and rebirth
Why did Buddhism not become an official religion in China
Some Chinese thinkers said it was a foreign religion. Others opposed Buddhist’s withdrawal from the world. They believed people should be involved in society family life. Others criticized the wealth and power of the monasteries
What happened to Buddhism during the reign of Tang Emperor Wuzong, a Daoist
Wuzong ordered the destruction of 4600 Buddhist monasteries and 40000 temples. 250000 Buddhist monks and nuns forced to give up the religious life.
Did China’s rulers support Buddhism?
No, but they followed Buddhism. Many temples and monasteries still stand in China today
Where did Buddhism originate?
India
What is Confucianism
A system of moral behaviour based on the teachings of Confucius
Who was Confucius important to
scholar-officials
From where did most of the opposition to Buddhism come from
Followers of Confucianism
What did Confucius teach?
Confucius lived during a time of warfare and disorder in China. His teachings stressed the importance of virtue. He said a wise ruler governed through moral example, not force. People gained virtue through education
neo Confucianism
A new way of using the Confucians ideas to answer questions about the meaning and purpose of life.
what did Doism, buddhism and confucianism have in common?
focused on the quest to live a more moral life.
