1. Religion and Thought in China’s Golden Age
Chapter 10 Section 2
Ms. Holbrook Quesada
Period 1

2. Daoism Ancient Chinese philosophy Means way of nature
Daoism had priests, temples, and monasteries, as well as its own ideas about heaven
Started as a philosophy, but then became a religion for its followers

3. Buddhism Buddhism in China
Based on the religion teachings of Siddartha Gautama(sihd DAHR tuh GOW tuh mih).
Also known as the Buddha.
Those who achieve enlightenment enter nirvana(nir VAH nuh).
Those who enter nirvana also escape an endless cycle of suffering, death, and rebirth.

4. Buddhism Buddhism in China (continued)
Buddhism gained strength in the troubled times between the Han and Tang dynasties.
It adapted to Chinese culture and absorbed elements of Daoism.
The two most important schools of Buddhist thought in China were the Pure Land and Chan schools.

5. Buddhism Opposition to Buddhism
Buddhist temples and monasteries grew rich and the Tang rulers generally accepted Buddhism.
Many Chinese criticized Buddhism as an alien religion with no roots in Chinese culture.
They also were opposed to the withdrawal from the world.
At times, criticism led to violent persecution.
The worst attacks came during the reign of emperor Wuzong (woo dzuhng).

6. Confucianism Confucian Thought
Much of the opposition to Buddhism came from the followers of Confucianism.
It was the main belief in China before the arrival of Buddhism.
The philosophy was to restore peace and stability in China.
It was based on respect for family and social order.

7. Confucianism Neo-Confucianism
A revived form of Confucian thought influenced by Buddhism and Daoism.
The ideas of Neo-Confucianists had a great influence on China from the Song period onward.
A scholar official named Zhu Xi (juh shee) was the most famous Neo-Confucian thinker.

8. Vocab Nirvana- a state of complete peace
Wuzong- devoted Daoist who hated the sight of Buddhist monks
Zhu Xi- most famous Neo-Confuican thinker

9. Questions
1. Confucianism is a system of __________ based on the teachings of a great Chinese teacher and philosopher.
worship
beliefs
morals and ethics
Meditation
2. Buddhism teaches that the way to ease suffering is to
share one's wealth with those who are less fortunate.
give up worldly desires and seek enlightenment.
gain virtue through education.
devote oneself to charitable causes.
3. The most famous Neo-Confucian thinker was
Amitabha.
Bodhidharma.
Huineng.
Zhu Xi.

10. Questions (Continued)
4. Confucian principles had all of the following effects on Chinese society EXCEPT they
created a peaceful and stable society.
encouraged obedience to people of a higher rank.
produced rulers who justified their actions in terms of people's well being.
encouraged people to withdraw from the world.
5. By the Tang period, __________ had changed from an ancient Chinese philosophy into a religion.
Daoism
Buddhism
Confucianism
Neo-Confucianism

11. Answers:
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. D
5. A