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| September 2008 |
| Billie Silvey |
| A Christian Looks at Religion in China |
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| Buddhism |
| Confucianism |
| Taoism |
| Buddhism spread to China from India along the silk road during the Han dynasty. Referred to as the golden man (a reference to the golden statues of Buddha), it was adapted to the Chinese culture of respect for family and emperor. Emphasizing the greater good rather than the individual, its leaders were wise government ministers instead of monks or holy men. It is said that Chinese wear a Confucian hat, Taoist robes and Buddhist sandals. |
| Taoism, or the Way, is a philosophy, religion and basis of activity and medicine aimed at increasing the flow of power. Representing 5,000 years of accumulated wisdom, it doesn't glorify the individual as a separate being but as an element in the universe, interrelated with all others. Tao means behavior or understanding. In a continually changing universe, it represents the stability that results from a harmony between Yin and Yang, the opposing but linked natural forces. Elements of Taoism include being alone with nature, seeking harmony, and practicing tai chi and acupuncture to invite the chi in and remove internal blocks to its flow. It produces humility, effortless action and peace. |
| Confucianism, the basis of the social order in China since 200 B.C., is an ethical and philosophical system focused on morality and good deeds. Confucius used internal, not external force to motivate proper behavior, feeling the threat of losing face is more effective than force. His system promoted welfare, fostered education and promoted right relationships. Confucian texts were used to train scholars for government office and became the basis of the civil service exam. |