Within Three Great Philosophies Religion in China Finding Harmony Within Three Great Philosophies Confucianism Taoism Buddhism

Ancient China Geography Last of the early civilizations Began around 3700 years ago Isolated by dessert, mountains, and jungle Causing Chinese culture to develop in almost complete isolation

Today most people still live in the east Ancient China Geography Today most people still live in the east

Moral order on Earth through: Find the Harmony in life Ancient China Ancient Ideas Moral order on Earth through: Virtue Moral Excellence Always doing what is good Ritual -Practices and Traditions -Done generation after generation Ancestry Worship Respect for family Connection to one’s past Find the Harmony in life Belief that there is a balance to all life. The Yin and Yang Man & Woman Fire & Water Day & Night Life & Death Balance between the Individual, Family and the State

Gave rulers political power over the people Ancient China Mandate of Heaven Based on four ideas The right to rule is granted by Heaven There is only one Heaven, so there is only one ruler The right to rule is based on virtue of the ruler The right to rule may be passed down from father to son, but may change dynasties Gave rulers political power over the people ‘Divine Right’

Ancient China Political Structure

Ancient China Social Structure Feudal System Ruler Nobility was based on birth right not merit Most people were peasants who would do all the hard work then be mistreated, over taxed and receive very little in return Ruler Divides up his land to be managed by nobles Taxes were paid to the nobles and Ruler Nobles Hired warriors to protect the king and his land Warriors Maintained law and order while forcing peasants to work the land to feed the classes above them Peasants

Confucianism Morals Problems in Confucius’s world Crime and corruption War over land and power & Abuse of power and authority Social Class inequality Confucian philosophies *Goodness is essential quality needed for society People need to be taught and shown how to be good and moral even the rulers Fix first what is within yourself Rulers must lead by example and show people how to be good and moral Education removes social classes People should be promoted based on the deeds they have done not their birth

Confucianism Morals Confucius applies his ideas Confucian philosophies Wonders China teaching Virtue and morality to common people and kings Creates social welfare programs like: Taking care of children and elderly Free education for all children Hired officials based on merit Confucian philosophies *Goodness is essential quality needed for society People need to be taught and shown how to be good and moral even the rulers Fix first what is within yourself Rulers must lead by example and show people how to be good and moral Education removes social classes People should be promoted based on the deeds they do not their birth

Taoism Beliefs Tao = all powerful force Ways to experience the Tao Everything in the universe comes from the Tao Peace and Happiness comes from experiencing the Tao Ways to experience the Tao Living in Harmony with Nature Being content with one’s life Not acting in anger

Buddhism Practices

Buddhism Practices Meditation Compassion Inward Reflection Focusing and controlling the body and mind Compassion Caring for and showing kindness to all life Inward Reflection Looking within yourself to find the answers to life’s problem Self Control Self discipline, being control pain, emotions and desires