REL2300 July 8th Religions of China Religions of China Origins Syncretism following more than one religion at a time o Confucian customs and traditions o Buddhist worship and rituals o Taoist outlook literature philosophy art music Confucianism and Taoism are indigenous to China o Chongwo center of universe Buddhism brought to China by Indian Buddhist monks around 100 A D Traditional Chinese Beliefs Before Confucianism and Daoism became full fledged religions Chinese held beliefs which helped to form their two religious traditions Confucianism Kiu Taoism Yang and Yin 1 Spirits early system was polytheistic spirits active in nature 2 Shang Ti or Tian high power ruling the universe a personal God 3 Ancestor Worship ancestors die become spirits watching over us 4 Yang and Yin male female strong weak light dark opposite but Beliefs complimentary o Yin dark o Yang light in harmony 5 Divination The Book of Changes I Ching methods of knowing future 6 Harsh life natural catastrophes forced to understand patterns of nature to live The goal of Chinese life The goal is to Achieve harmony o Confucianism seeks harmony in social and political life o Daoism seeks harmony with nature Achieve harmony by following the right path Dao or right method Harmony consists of right relationships among members of the society can be Confucianism taught Life of Confucius Named K ung Ch iu Given title Kung Fu Tzu Great Teacher Born in noble family Father died when he was a child Was a tax collector Then became a teacher Later part of life became minister in government Main Concepts in Confucianism 1 Ren Jen love for humanity literally the man 2 Li propriety being appropriate having right etiquettes 3 Xiao Filial Piety Respect for Elders Five Relationships 1 Father Son 2 Elder brother Younger brother 3 Husband Wife 4 Friend Friend 5 Ruler Citizen 4 Wen appreciation for aesthetic values such as art literature music o Junzi The Ideal Human Being Not selfish or egoist Man of knowledge well rounded Not narrow minded willing to listen to opinion of others Five Classics and Analects The Five Classics Probably written after Confucius subsequently edited by Confucian scholars Became core curriculum of Chinese classical educational systems Lost Book The Book of Music 1 The Book of History account of Chinese rulers various dynasties Confucius was first historian of Chinese history 2 Book of Poetry classical poems with moral intent 3 Book of Changes I Ching divination basic patterns of the universe 4 Book of Rites and Ceremonies 5 The Spring and Autumn Annals historical record of Confucius home state Lou o Analects is the book of Confucius sayings Confucianism Is it more of a religious system or a political and social system You figure it out Both Religious system Shang Ti or Tian customs and rituals Political and social system focus on right relationships among members of the society Lao Tzu Laozi 600 B C Taoism Daoism Means Old Master or Old Teacher Nickname for gentle and sweet nature Teachings found in his book Tao Te Ching Tao and It s Power A reaction against Confucianism It emphasizes 1 Individual rather than society 2 Spontaneity rather than obedience 3 Goes beyond mundane political and social rigidity looks for higher values Main characteristics of Tao 1 Cannot be told nameless and formless transcends 2 Origin of everything 3 Find its way like water flowing 4 Wu Wei without asserting force 5 Simplicity grandeur in thought but simple in everyday life 6 Everything is relative Yang Yin 7 Return to Tao Which Chinese beliefs are more prominent in Confucianism Li propriety Ancestor worship Tang Shi high power which controls nature Ren or Jen social and political aspects Picture Li love R n others Which Chinese beliefs are more prominent in Daoism Yang and Yin Nature living with and adjusting with nature Spontaneity