Chinese Belief System Topic 5 Lesson 3 The

Chinese Belief System Topic 5 Lesson 3

The Emergence of a Unique Belief Confucianism and Daoism developed during the Zhou period. • Philosophies that influence all aspects of life and society, both private and social. • Today both religions are widely spread and practiced throughout the country. • Before Confucianism and Daoism, ancient Chinese followed spiritual traditions.

Spiritual Tradition Ø Ancient Chinese viewed the earth as a flat square. • Heaven stretched above the earth and both were populated by spirits. • Heaven was the home of the sun, moon, stars and storm spirits. • On the earth real spirits lives in the hills, rivers, rocks and seas. • Spirits ruled the daily lives of people. • Good spirits made crops grow and brought happiness. • Harmful spirits might harm travelers or bring bad luck. • During festivals people used loud sounds to scare away bad spirits.

Venerating the Ancestors The most important spirits to ancient Chinese were those of their dead ancestors. • Family members lived after death as spirits in the spirit world and remained part of the family. • If family members took care of the dead then their spirits would guide and protect the living. • Spirits that were not honored would cause trouble (courses/bad luck). • Shrines were built and tablets were inscribed with the ancestor’s name. • Food was laid out for the spirits to welcome them home • Even income was provided for the afterlife.

Confucius, Life and Teachings Considered one of the most important philosophers in Chinese culture. • Confucius lived before the Warring Kingdoms period and looked for solutions to China’s problems. • Known as The First Teacher Life: • Born into a poor family in 551 BCE • Aware of the corruption within the Zhou bureaucracy. • Believed that disorder was caused by the deterioration of traditional roles and values. • Championed strong family loyalty, ancestor veneration, and respect of elders. • Started his own school and his students collected his teachings and wisdom in the Analects. Portrait by Wu Daozi, 685758

The Five Confucian Relationships The core of Confucianism is comprised of a stable, orderly society based in five relationships. 1. Ruler and Subject 2. Father (Care and Teach) and Son (Respect, Devotion and Obedience) 3. Husband Wife 4. Older and Younger Brother 5. Two Friends Ø The relationship between father and son is the model for the other four relationships • Confucius refers to this as “the source of all virtues”