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Religion is the belief in a superhuman power that is worship as philosophy is the way one lives ones life. This article will explain some philosophies and some religions of China. We will begin with philosophy.
Confucianism was founded by Confucius which derives from "Kong Fuzi" or Master Kong. Master Kong was a teacher in China who lived from 551 to 479 BC His goal in this unrestful time of China was to breed peace. His philosophy is based on how people relate to one another. He believed that the power of education could overcome ignorance.
Education was also directly connected to harmony. He believed people are good. He also recognized the network of social and political relationships in his country. Master Kong also set forth standards that they ideal ruler should have. They are education and morals in a person who guides by example.
Master Kong identified the five relationships that were necessary for a harmonious society. These are ruler to subject, father to son, husband to wife, older brother to younger brother, and friend to friend. Only the friend to friend is considered an equal relationship with no dominance factor. Master Kong thought that his ideas were there to preserve the old society but in fact he brought about a change of thinking and a new way to look at things. The new and different idea that virtue (which is obtained by education) should determine the right to rule - not hereditary was one of his fundamental principles. This was very different from "old school" ideas.
The next philosophy we will learn about it Daoism. People of this philosophy believe in the "dao" or way is the principle by which all things happen - the natural life force. The believe that where you exist in the world means very little. A Daoist is against any organization such as formal education. Their idea is that one must be in harmony with the world which is only establish by following the "dao" They believe in nonaction as the dao with determine it all. Ambition is not to be desired as people’s desire only lead to unrest. Simplicity, humility, plainess, and peace are what they live for. Water symbolized the dao as it too follows the easiest path but is strong enough to break apart stones. Daoism rejects government altogether. It is all about harmony with nature where Confucius was about harmony with people.
Buddhism is also a system of philosophy. It is the only philosophy that emphasizes individual behavior rather than government. All aspects of daily life are important to Buddhist. A Buddhist does not eat meat, does not kill, believes in rebirth, and believes how a person lives one life determines their situation for their next life. In Buddhism there is a universal spirit from which everything else stems. A human will experience re-birth until the soul has reached the state of enlightenment. At the state of enlightenment the soul know that worldly desires and attachments are illusions. Each person controls their own fate. They can improve their fate thought good moral conduct, discipline, and meditations. The ultimate reward is nirvana - or non-existence.
Legalism is the final philosophy of China we will discuss. Legalism tells us that fear and greed motivate people. Legalists believe strongly in punishment and rewards to control behavior. The death penalty is necessary as a severe punishment. If a person did not report another they knew to be in the wrong then they themselves would also have to take the punishment for the crime. Good behavior was also reported. Laws were more important that morality.
Legalists reject tradition and the supernatural. They believe in the here and now only. A good ruler expands the borders of the state. This philosophy was professed by the First Emperor of Chine, Qin Shi Huangdi.
Moving on to the religions of China we will learn about Folk Daoism and Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.
Both Daoism and Buddhism have become religions that borrow ideas from one another. Buddhism, as it spread, began to lose the philosophy it was based on. Nirvana changed from a state of non-existence to the state of heaven. Salvation was possible through faith and prayer rather than continuing re-births. Daoism borrowed the idea of reincarnation. Daoists also developed a pantheon which mirrored the imperial bureaucracy in heaven and hell. Jade Emperor was the head and demons and ghosts bullied the damned.
Islam is an important religion among China. It is prevalent amount the Hui minority in Xinjiang. It was introduced to China during the Tang Dynasty. The religion was most popular during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. The Qing Dynasty brought persecution of the religion are reduced the popularity. Today the Islamic culture is found mostly in the Northwest.
Christianity was also introduce during the Tang Dynasty. The Imperial Court was impressed with the scientific knowledge of the Jesuit missionaries. One such missionary, Matteo Ricci had the idea to convert China’s educated class. He was undermined by fighting among the Christian orders. This caused Christianity to decline but recently China has accepted more Christian missionary efforts.
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