Han and Yuan Dynasty: how it changed the religion The Han and Yuan dynasties were very different. The role of the chinese religion affected these dynasties in many ways. The Yuan dynasty was the biggest empire in China. This empire included Monglos. Monglos empire believed in making a dynasty.
The religion of Buddhism first appeared in India during the sixth century B.C.E and its teachings migrated to China by the first century C.E., gradually winning over the Chinese people following the collapse of the Han dynasty in 220 C.E. Buddhist influence continued its expansion in China for several centuries. Throughout Chinese history, China reacted to the spread of Buddhism within its empire in several ways: some valued its policies for their implications in Chinese culture, others condemned Buddhist ideals for not being original to the empire, while many remained indifferent towards Buddhism and its spread. Support for the spread of Buddhism became most evident among Chinese scholars. An anonymous scholar believed that the old Confucian philosophies of China were nothing in comparison to the greatness of Buddhism, even going as far as to compare the sages to the Buddha as swallows to a phoenix (document 3). Additionally, he admires the dedication that the Buddhist monks showed; the monks enjoyed the act of living and inaction, freeing themselves from worldly pleasure.
Because the Chinese during the Tang dynasty liked to create statues, they created a statue of Buddha, which represents the blend of cultures with the religion because of the Chinese’s devotion to the religion. Zong Mi, a leading Buddhist scholar, described that “Confucius, Laozi and the Buddha were perfect sages.” and states that their teachings were similar and that “...they must be observed with respect.” (Doc 6). Confucianism, founded by Confucius, and Daoism (Taoism) founded by Laozi are philosophies that were all founded in China and was very popular to Chinese people. With the spread of Buddhism in China, Zong Mi wanted to compare the three philosophies together to where they blend with one another, so that Buddhism would be a religion that can be accepted into the Chinese
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, in his work Living Buddha, Living Christ bridges the teachings of two of the worlds most popular and peaceful religions. With the Buddha and Christ as his spiritual guides, Hanh illustrates how Christians and Buddhists can learn from their founders that will improve and inspiring human lives the world over. In this powerful work, Hahn brings the reader to the realization that not only do these faiths share the same goal, at the core of human existence, we all do. As Hahn makes clear, at some base level, all of existence shares in the same “body of God,” also referred to as “the body of ultimate reality,”.
The introduction of Buddhism to China started off well, most openly accepted the foreign religion and it continued to thrive for centuries. Until the lack of an empire and laws plagued individuals minds. Other religions with a strong imperial structure, such as Confucianism, rose to support the growing number of negative minds. Buddhism was spread by Buddhist missionaries from India into China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). It was, at first, confined to only the higher status individuals, like aristocrats and Chinese royalty.
Classical China Influences: Confucianism and Daoism The Confucius Analects and Daodejing contain underlying beliefs of how to live an effective lifestyle. The sayings of Confucius focus on achieving a strong ethical code from upholding classical traditions. He views an appropriate lifestyle as the attainment of benevolence, sense of propriety, and filial piety through the following concepts: Ren, li, and Xiao. Rather, The Daodejing conveys a vision of Dao, “the way”, as the source of all thing.
Buddhism comes from India. Although these religions are very different they do share one important similarity: teaching a person to be good. Daoist and Buddhist believe that one should be enlightened; while Confucianism educates its followers to have good conduct.
Belief in a Supreme High God, who created the world and then withdrew from active participation in it, is common in polytheistic religions around the world. Beyond all minor gods, goddesses, spirits and ancestors, there exists one High God, who created and in some sense still governs the universe. Most believe that this God is too distant and has limited contact with daily operation of human life. Native Americans and Africans have similar concepts of the high god. African and Native American religions recognize the presence of one supreme deity as well as the existence of God in multiple aspects.
Greek gods and goddesses have been around for about a millennia, and much information can still be found about them today. Greek gods are immortal beings that control a certain power that most would think as a normal occurrence. The religion that these gods are worshipped in is called Hellenism, and those who worship are called Hellenic polytheists. There are many gods in this religion. This includes gods of the underworld, nature, and the Olympians.
Egyptians used to believe in immortality and that eternal happiness was only possible for those whose lives had been worthy and pure. Unlike the other religions, The Hebrew religion was monotheist,
As a result of this strong connection to the beliefs evident in Tibetan Buddhism the ritual remains significant despite the adversities it has faced. The rising need for a strong economic status and ethical debates over the ritual has decreased the significance to the adherents; despite this the adherent is still connecting to the beliefs and teachings of the Buddha. This ritual provides the deceased with positive karmic merit as the burial rite is an ultimate act of compassion which assists them in becoming closer to being released from Samsara and reaching Nirvana. This is significant to the observer as it provides assurance and closure knowing that their loved one has ended their life with positive karma and will begin their next with that accumulation, being reborn closer to
Introduction In 1950 the newly formed People Republic of China invaded and took control of the Buddhist country Tibet. Then after 9 years of Chinese rule, in the year 1959, Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama) escaped Tibet so that he could establish the Central Tibetan Administration or the Tibetan Government in exile. This Government in exile was set up in the northern Indian city of Dharamshala in the province of McLeod Ganj with the full support of the Indian government. This event cause outrage in the wider Buddhist community and the Dalai Lamas exile has had a major impact on the Tibetan Buddhists.
They believe they can worship who they want how they want. Unlike monotheistic people, polytheists believe they have no accountability on this Earth. They don't believe they were put here for a specific purpose. They also do not believe in any possibility of having eternal
Taoism Taoism is an indigenous chinese religion and a philosophy which has roots from ancient shamanism. It has lived through centuries in China as a religion aside Confucianism and Buddhism and as a philosophy aside Confucianism. As a philosophy it is mainly the opposite of Confucianism, because Confucianism praised laws and order but Taoism is more about people having minimal restrictions in order to live happily. The Taoist religion was created from the Taoist philosophy and as a philosophy and religion it has had a huge influence in China and in eastern Asia. Although, as a religion it would outline all the seven dimensions it is debatable if it is more of a philosophy.
Ancient people being unaware about the outside world created for themselves the hierarchy of Gods to ask for protection and support. Example: Paganism had a tendency to be polytheistic. People worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses, spirits representing national and local heroes, as well as natural phenomena. Pagans also honored their ancestry and ancestors.
