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Celebrating 5,000 years of historical and cultural richness that makes China
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CHINESE history and culture span 5,000 years, rich in arts and sciences, with elaborate paintings, printing techniques and delicate pottery and sculpture. And Chinese architectural tradition is much respected all over the world.
Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism left a collective and lasting impression on Chinese culture and traditions. Confucianism is predicated on ren (Love) and li (rituals), signifying respect for society and social hierarchy. Taoism propagates the philosophy of inaction. Buddhism emphasizes the need to attain self-emancipation through good deeds.
China is composed of 56 ethnic groups, with Han Chinese accounting for the majority. The ethnic groups share China’s vast lands but at the same time live in their individual communities. Relationships between different ethnic groups have been formed over many years.
Buddhism, the most important religion in China, is generally believed to have spread to China from India in AD 67 during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). During its development in China, it has had a profound influence on traditional Chinese culture and thoughts.
Over its long history, Buddhism has left an indelible impact on Chinese civilization. Numerous words and phrases are rooted in Buddhist origins. For example, a colloquial phrase: “To hold the foot of Buddha at the moment” means “to make a last-minute effort.”
This reveals in a sense the true attitude of the Chinese toward the utilitarian aspects of belief. Many people kowtow to whatever gods they encounter and will burn incense in any temple.
In literature, discernible traces of Buddhism and Zen are apparent. Renowned poets in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), such as Bai Juyi, were lay Buddhists, but this did not prevent them from imbibing a little alcohol from time to time.
In contemporary China, Buddhist temples, caves/grottoes and holy mountains, particularly those listed in the national/provincial historical and cultural heritage, have become hot spots for tourism.
Confucianism
Confucius (551-478 BC) was China’s most famous philosopher. He lived during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). Confucius was a government official, and during his lifetime he saw growing disorder and chaos.
Perhaps due to the turmoil and injustices he saw, he set himself to developing a new moral code based on respect, honesty, education, kindness and strong family bonds. His teachings later became the basis for religious and moral life throughout China.
Confucius believed that a good government was the basis for a peaceful and happy society. Moreover, the basis for a good government was good officials. In order to become a “good official” a person had to master the following five virtues:
• Li (礼) stands for ritual etiquette, manners, gravity — “Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.”
• Ren (仁) stands for kindness to the fellow man — “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.”
• Xin (信) stands for truthfulness, faithfulness and sincerity — “The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions”
• Yi (义) stands for righteousness or honesty, generosity of soul — “When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves”
• Xiao (孝) stands for filial piety, strong family values — “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home”
Taoism
The Chinese word dao means “way,” indicating a way of thought or life. There have been several such ways in China’s long history, including Confucianism and Buddhism. In the 6th century BC, Taoism — under the influence credited to Lao-tzu, a renowned Chinese philosopher — became “the way.” Much like Confucianism, it has influenced every aspect of Chinese culture.
Taoism began as a complex classification of philosophical thought — practiced by a relatively few individuals. In later centuries it emerged, perhaps under the influence of Buddhism, as a communal religion. It later evolved as a popular folk religion.
Dao is considered unnamed and unknowable, the essential unifying element of all that is. Everything is basically one despite the appearance of differences.
Because all is one, matters of good and evil and of true or false, as well as differing opinions, can only arise when people lose sight of the oneness and subscribe to the attitude - their private beliefs are absolutely true.
This can be likened to a person looking out a small window and thinking he sees the whole world, when all he sees is one small portion of it. Because all is one, life and death merge into each other as do the seasons of the year. They are not in opposition to one another but are only two aspects of a single reality. The life of the individual comes from the one and goes back into it.
The goal of life for a Taoist is to cultivate a mystical relationship to the dao. Adherents therefore avoid dispersing their energies through the pursuit of wealth, power, or knowledge. By shunning earthly distractions, the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the adherent’s life, the more saintly the person is presumed to have become. Eventually the hope is to become immortal.
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