China, Buddhism And Taoism

Ancient China has three philosophies: Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. These three philosophies explain how people should behave and how the government should rule the people. The philosophies were guidelines to the people. Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism have different values, beliefs, and ideas of what is important and expected, but the main goal is to work towards peace and harmony. These cultures are the same way in being rewarded due to their actions, but different in government regulation because of the people in command.

China was affected tremendously by the spread of Buddhism from 300 to 900 C.E. Buddhism itself was spread to China around 100 C.E by Indian missionaries, and after taking hold during the Era of Division (300s-500s), it became a household religion (particularly the Mahayana and Chan variations . Buddhism’s popularity rose consistently from the late Han dynasty through it’s peak during Empress Wu’s rule in the late 600s and early 700s. But, the religion’s popularity fell sharply during Emperor Wuzong’s reign as the persecution of Buddhism grew common (CONTEXT). The spread of Buddhism affected all classes and people of China in different ways; Chinese peasants were able to worship this religion regardless of education or social position (though

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.

Buddhism and Taoism both originated and influenced most the Asian area. They are not just religions but a way of living life with philosophic principles. They are both seeking equality and moral existence. Buddhism have several branches just like the Hinayana, Mahayana, Esoteric, Pure Land, and the Zen Buddhism. Taoism can also be divided into a few. The main ones are the Southern and Northern Taoism. Taoism got many principles borrowed from the Buddhist one they influenced each other through their history. Taoism in the beginning was rather a mixture of mythology, folk, and philosophy teachings. With the arrival of Buddhism, it was forced to renew and reorganize itself. Both of the religion does their practices in monasteries, temples and shrines and also both of them use statues and pictures expressing their beliefs.

Buddhism has been the main religion of china for several thousands of years. In fact, Buddhism is an indispensable element of Chinese philosophy and literature. As we all know, Buddhism originated in India and first spread to China around 100BC. Nevertheless, (Mahayana) Buddhism in China separated itself from the mainstream Buddhism and created a new form of Bodhisattva precept instead of following the Indian Vinaya precept. The distinct Chinese history and culture played significant roles in the development and formation of Mahayana Buddhism . The change of Chinese society also had a great impact on the doctrine and status of Mahayana Buddhism. In this paper, I will illustrate the reason why Buddhism was widely accepted by China as an alien religion , analyze how the indigenous philosophy such as Taoism and Confucianism affected the Mahayana concept and find the relationship between Mahayana Buddhism and Chinese Imperialism.

Life can resemble and explain chinese philosophical symbol, the yin and the yang. The yin and yang is basically a symbol created back in the 1000 B.C by a Taoist philosopher, to explain the natural world. The meaning behind this ancient symbol can mean that sometimes in life there will be 2 complete different forces ,but in natural ways the 2 forces are interconnected. Life is embedded with both positive and negative forces, but in the end you’ll realize that what seem 2 complete opposite forces are actually linked. The 2 forces yin and yang may appear to be opposing one another, but the 2 forces are actually complementary and interdependent in their own natural way. Yin and Yang are forces that rely on one another and they

First, Comparing Buddhism in ancient China and Japan. Buddhism in ancient Japan was similar to Buddhism in China because, it was the Chinese who introduced Buddhism to Japan in the first place and when the Chinese introduced this idea it “…became immensely popular, at least with the upper classes.” Another way that Buddhism in Japan was the same in China is because in Japan, when Buddhism was introduced it taught people to achieve Buddhahood through the eightfold path, and in China when it was introduced between 1 and 100 AD it taught the teachings of Buddha which is basically the same fundamentals with different names. Some examples of the teachings are the search for the truth of things such as what is your motivation to do things and

Philosophies dictate the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of individuals or groups, even entire civilizations. Since the beginning of time there has been great debate among men over which philosophies to live life by. The list of philosophies that exist in the world today is nearly endless, making it difficult to decide which one is the most suitable to live by. Ancient China was arguably among one of the most philosophical cultures that has ever existed to date. They had multiple schools of thought including Chinese Naturalism, Mohism, Logicians, Confucianism, Taoism (Daoism), and Legalism. Many of these philosophies fell into obscurity but three of them had a very large impact on ancient China and still have influence around the globe today. Legalism, Taoism, and Confucianism each had its own ways of seeing the nature of human beings, society, and the universe. Although they were all different they all shared a similar purpose, to make society a better place. Because they are so different, however, different people are going to prefer different philosophies. Confucianism and Taoism have and will continue to be the topic of debate for time to come and although Legalism has not been practiced for some time now, it still played a significant role in ancient Chinese history. (Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism)

The motions that individuals do and participate are parallel to what is happening in the spirit world and can influence the spirit would. Humans excuse influence because the spirit world or ‘heaven’ is ran the same way as the earthly plane. The Jade emperor who is the spirit world’s emperor is the counterpart to the arthly emperor. Both humans and spirits (Gods) have obligations to each other. Humans are expected to worship them and give offerings, in return the local deity (God) is expected to protect the village from negative spirits, provide them opportunities to incur wealth and prosperity. In Taoism spirits are in a hierarchical structure, instead of the ultimate creator of Christianity notion of God sitting at top, the Jade emperor sits there and everyone else follows.Another important aspect of Taoism is the focus on non-corrosive action. Non-corrosive action simply put is letting things happen naturally. Suggestion and asking is okay but using force is not appropriate. Practicing Taoists do not apply force in their friendships, their life’s, romantic partnerships, and even in child rearing. Lastly, another practice individuals can do harmonize the Yin and Yang energy in their bodies is by practicing Chi-Kung. Chi-Kung is an energy training that includes meditative practices, certain diets, and yoga displences to reach an alchemical balance within the

Confucianism and Daoism are two influential schools of thoughts that have existed in ancient China around the 6th century BCE. The former, led by the politician and philosopher Confucius, proposed that humans live in society according to a set of predefined rules and that they transform society through political action. Whereas the latter, led by the philosopher Lao-Tzu, promoted the idea of inaction; people should go with the flow instead of taking action to control their lives and dominate their surroundings. Although, at first glance Daoism and Confucianism seem to be two opposing philosophies, a more in depth analysis of two of their key ideas –filial piety and education—reveals that they do share some similarities.

In Chinese history, there were three main philosophies: Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism. These beliefs helped shape Chinese culture as well as Chinese history. Not only did people believe in these ideas, but the three helped to govern the mighty Chinese dynasties. These dynasties all provided an impact to each doctrine; the philosophy that had the greatest impact was legalism because it ended the Warring States Period, provided structure, and strengthened agriculture, and the military of China. Although Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism had a few things in common and at times tried to resolve the same problem, they were very different from each other in their beliefs, character, and ways of life.

The most predominant religion in China is Buddhism. Buddhism started in China just after the first century. It was widely spread and became the biggest religion in China. Now there are more than 13 thousand Budda temples that are open to the public. There are almost 1 billion people who are Buddhist in the world. Buddhism is China’s oldest religion. 80% of Chinese people are Buddhist. Buddhism has changed and adapted to most cultures, it encountered after it began in the north of India. Mayhona Buddhism is a type of Buddhism in China. Many Buddhists are vegetarian, but the Budda did not prohibit eating meat. Buddhists believers enjoy going meditation. When they meditate you become relaxed.

Unlike the Confucians, who actively tried to change the political system, Taoists pursue wuwei (nonaction) in living. According to the Tao Te Ching, by not acting one is not doing any harm which is the result of surrendering to the Tao. By doing such, one no longer has a corrupt nature and is moral and perfect human. If a person is in harmony with the Tao they are also in harmony with all

When examining Taoism and Confucianism they might appear to be different, or conflicting one another. When realizing Chuang Tzu and Confucius are very much in connection with concepts the two philosophers are represented differently with their ideas. Tao described as “The way” two both philosophers have a different meaning and even a different view point. Throughout this essay the reader should gain and understanding of both philosophers idea of the way and the elements that are involved in with the way, by seeing contrast of similarities and differences between them.

When first deciding to write my term paper on Taoism I thought it would be just another religion. In my research I found so many different translations that my head started spinning. There are really no known facts about the founder of Taoism, Lao Tsu, except that he was possibly a contemporary of Confucius. He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. (Religious Tolerance, 2007) Since there are many aspects to Taoism in this paper I will do my best to explain what Taoism is and also explain some of its main concepts.