Religion and Beliefs in Ancient China Flashcards
What were the ancient Chinese belief system like before the Philosophies?
They believed in ancient, spiritual rituals honoring their ancestors, earth spirit, and heaven spirit. These spirits could grant the Chinese positivity or negativity.
Why was Confucius known as “ The First Teacher?”
Because he had the biggest impact on Chinese culture culture, compared to the other wise rulers
How did the lessons or teachings of Confucius passed on after his death?
This happened by his students/disciples, making a book of his teachings that is used today
Where did Confucius’s opinions come from?
Confucius formulated his ideas based off the problems that he saw as being poor and having a low life government. He witnessed firsthand corruption, bribery, and unfair treatment and judgement
What is the ironic understanding of the Dao?
The ironic understanding of the Dao is that it is impossible to defined it, yet it should still be the life goal for humans and the dao is different for everyone
What is the key to Harmony in the entire universe?
The yin and yang
What caused the disorder and instability in government and society?
The Chinese people turned away from the traditional roles and values that were established by the early Zhou
How can a Chinese restore order and stability? (According to Confucius)
they can be achieved by returning to traditional values and rolls sit by the early Zelle through five specific relationships
Why were ancestors the most important spirits to Chinese culture?
This is because the Chinese believed that family members lived on after death in the spirit world. These ancestors lived on and considered, part of the family. The family was responsible for taking care of them. Ancestors would grant the family protection and guidance if they are cared for.
What were some rituals to honor the ancestors?
Some materials to honor the ancestors is by making offerings for example food, burning, fake money, which is also called spirit, money, and making shrines for them
