ANCIENT CHINA

RELIGION
There were three major religions or philosophies that shaped the
history and ideas of ancient China. These include Taoism, Confucianism,
and Buddhism.
TAOISM
Lao-Tzu founded Taoism (or Daoism) during the
Zhou Dynasty in the 6th century in ancient China. He
recorded his beliefs in a book, Tao Te Ching. Taoism
is now said to be a philosophy, or way of thinking.
Tao, pronounced dow, means “way.” Taoism says
people should be one with nature. It believes all living
things have a universal force that flows through
them. Taoists do not support a lot of rules or
government. They have a list of good deeds that will
guide the way they live. They are encouraged to obey their elders, love
their parents, be tolerant, stay in excellent physical and mental shape,
practice self control of the mid and body, and act selflessly.
The idea of Yin and Yang is derived from Taoism. This is the
belief that all things in nature have two balancing forces- Yin
and Yang. These can be seen as light and dark, cold and hot,
male and female. These opposing forces are always equal and balanced.
Taoism is practiced by around five million people today in China, Japan,
Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Taoism is often combined
with Confucianism and Buddhism. T’ai Chi, invented by a Taoist, is a set
of controlled, slow-moving exercises to discipline the mind and body. It
is a form of physical exercise and meditation. Millions of people today,
especially Chinese, practice T’ai Chi.

CONFUCIANISM
A man named Kongzhi was born in 551 BC to a poor family in China after
Lao-Tzu founded Taoism. He is known as Confucius in the Western
world. Confucius was a philosopher who came up with guidelines for the
way people behaved and lived. He did not formally write the rules down,
©Teaching to the Middle
 but his followers did. Confucianism is a complex
system of moral, political, social, and religious
thought. It had a major impact on Chinese civilization.
There remains controversy whether Confucianism
should be considered a religion.

Confucius focused on treating others with respect,

fairness, and politeness. He felt honor and morality
were important qualities. Family and honoring one’s relatives was valued
by Confucius. Contrary to Taoists, his followers supported a strong,
organized government. Confucius became the first private teacher in
ancient China. Confucianism was created to halt the fall of Chinese
society. When the Zhou Dynasty fell, people cared only for themselves
and were not respectful of others. Confucius provided a social order
for the Chinese. They began supporting his thinking, bringing love,
harmony, and respect among the Chinese. Confucianism has spread
around the world, but is still more popular in China. Confucius is now
famous for his many sayings. A few of them include:
-Do not do unto others, what you would not want others to do to you.
-If you make a mistake and do not correct it, that is called a mistake.
-Do not plan the policies of an office you do not hold.

BUDDHISM
Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha, was born in Nepal,
just south of China, in 563 BC. His teachings, known
as Buddhism, spread throughout India and China.
Buddhists believe in a “rebirth” of one’s self and
that this cycle of rebirth is complete once a
person lives a proper life. Their soul will then then
enter “nirvana,” the most enlightened state
without suffering. Buddhists also believe in Karma, a concept that says
all actions have consequences. Buddha’s teaching focused on the Four
Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to lead Buddhists toward
Enlightenment. There are over 350 million Buddhists worldwide today.
They worship at home or at temples. Buddhist worship is known as
puja, where people chant to show their love for Buddha. Offerings are
made to Buddha. Buddhism is the main religion in many Asian countries.

©Teaching to the Middle