Chinese Religion, Chinese Philosophies

Objective:

To understand the Age of Buddhism in China and how Confucianism influenced China’s government.

Age of Buddhism

400-845 C.E. or A.D.

From IndiaPeople began to develop as major religion

during troubled times-eased their worriesInfluenced art & architectureSpread to Japan & KoreaCame to end when Tang emperor burnt

town temples & turned temples into schools

Confucianism and Gov’t

Dominant philosophy in China based on teachings of Confucius

Focused on ethics or proper behavior

Confucius

Confucius

Born in 551 B.C.died in 479 B.C.

Confucianism

People should conduct themselves based on two principles: li & ren

Believe when people followed li & ren society would function

Confucianism

li Appropriate behavior

Ren Concern for others

Li

Rites, ceremonies, proper behavior, and good manners

Ren

Relationship between "two persons”clearly defined dutiesExample- young people should listen

and respect their teachers…Now wouldn’t our day be nicer if this happened??

Five relationships

father-childruler-subjecthusband-wifeelder brother-younger brotherfriend-friend

Confucianism

Persecuted in Qin Dynasty 221 B.C. - 206 B.C.

promoted by later rulers

Confucianism

During Period of Disunion Buddhism more popular. Buddhism was more spiritual or belief in afterlife…

Song dynasty began to focus on Confucianism order to improve Chinese gov’t and society

Neo-Confucianism

Song dynastyBlended older ideas of proper

behavior but emphasized spiritual matters and Buddhist ideas of the meaning of life

Became official gov’t teachingsTeachings were used as test for

scholar-officials

Confucianism

reinforced by the civil examination system “keju”: civil examination from 605 to 1905

Scholar-officials

Scholar-officials

Scholar-officials

In order to get a good job in the government, men had to take a civil service examination based on Confucian teachings

Civil service: working for the governmentBureaucracy: body of unelected officialsScholar-official: educated member of the

gov’t

Why would you want to work for the government/benefits?You became an elite member of

societyAdmired for knowledge and ethicsGot away with thingsBecame wealthyEven commoners could become

important!

Why would China want to have Civil Service exams?

Ensured that talented, intelligent people, including commoners could become civil servants

Quote

“Beginning with childhood, all of man’s study is centered on one aim alone: to emerge successfully from the three days’ examinations, and all he has in mind is what success can bring to him in terms of power, influence, and prestige.”

-Ye Shih, Chinese scholar

Do Now:

Get slip of paper from Ms. SheehanThis is your assigned Vocab wordFollow the directions on the “Neo-

Confucianism” direction sheetAsk your neighbor first, THEN me, if

you have a question!

Summary

-Confucius was a scholar from China born in _________-Based on two principles: _______ & __________.-favored during the __________ dynasty.

Buddhism Confucianism

- Neo-Confucianism blended the two ideas-Both emphasized in Chinese government during certain times

- Originated from India _____ B.C.-People turned to Buddhism during _________ times-Period of Disunion. Focused of _____________ and escape from suffering-Temples built, religion spread to Japan & Korea

Your turn:

Sign up under the terms bureaucracy, civil service, incentive, and scholar-official

With your team, define your term and create an illustration that represents the meaning of the term

Tomorrow you will present your term/illustration with your team

Review the rubric and choose your team jobs