History of World Religions. The Axial Age: East Asia. History 145. Jason Suárez History Department El Camino College

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1 History of World Religions The Axial Age: East Asia History 145 Jason Suárez History Department El Camino College

An age of chaos Under the Zhou dynasty (1122 221 B.C.E.

2 An age of chaos Under the Zhou dynasty ( B.C.E.), China had reached its economic, political and cultural apex However, this apex would go into decline during the Spring and Autumn Period ( B.C.E) and the Warring States Period (date) During these periods China was in the process of breaking up into fiefdoms that were vying with each other for territory and power. It was this period of chaos that that gave rise to the Age of Hundred School, a period when sages were attempting to both define the causes of Zhou decline and solutions to the discord this decline caused society

The importance of ritual and poetry in Zhou China What distinguished Zhou China was the ritual (li) patterns of Chinese social life The term li denoted a far broader range of conduct than included

3 The importance of ritual and poetry in Zhou China What distinguished Zhou China was the ritual (li) patterns of Chinese social life The term li denoted a far broader range of conduct than included religious and political ceremonies as well as the norms of courtly warfare and diplomacy It underlay the rise of Confucian ideology The Book of Poetry was believed to be an invaluable source of wisdom that all the elite needed to study If you do not study the Poetry, said Confucius, how will you have words to speak? Bell (Zhong) Period: Eastern Zhou dynasty, Spring and Autumn period ( B.C.) Date: early 5th century B.C. Culture: China Medium: Bronze

Religion Religion was practiced on many levels and with significant differences, but some basic universal features of religious attitudes can be outlined People

cult of ancestor worship Zhou culture envisioned a certain range of spiritual entities of great generality For example, Tian (heaven) and spirits of the major

4 Religion Religion was practiced on many levels and with significant differences, but some basic universal features of religious attitudes can be outlined People generally believed in the existence of a world of spirits Many, if not all, spirits had initially been human beings Thus the focus of religious practice was the cult of ancestor worship Zhou culture envisioned a certain range of spiritual entities of great generality For example, Tian (heaven) and spirits of the major mountains and rivers Dancer and Musicians Period: Han dynasty (206 B.C. A.D. 220) Date: 1st century B.C. 1st century A.D. Culture: China Medium: Earthenware with pigment

On Hundred Schools Textual records of systematic thought first emerge in China during the era of the Warring States (475 221 BCE) The variety of philosophies developed during this period was such

5 On Hundred Schools Textual records of systematic thought first emerge in China during the era of the Warring States ( BCE) The variety of philosophies developed during this period was such that they are often referred to as the Hundred Schools Chinese thought begins with a social problem connected with Warring States political chaos - how did China fall into this state of chaos, how can it get out of it?

6 Confucianism Confucius (c. 551 BCE-479 B.C.E.) lived during this time The principal source for the thought of Confucius is a text known as The Analects of Confucius (brief sayings) which composed of about five hundred independent passages, is divided into twenty books Confucianism probably has the least in common with what most contemporary Westerners associate with religion He did not assert the existence of a creator god nor does he articulate a vision of after life or path to salvation He does mention an impersonal force called Heaven (tian) that watches over human affairs The focus of Confucius was squarely on human beings and their social relations with others Confucian Classics The Classic of Changes: compiled over an extended period of time, this is a divination text. Classic of Documents or Classic of History: this text includes announcements, counsels and speeches made by rulers and important officials all the way through the early Zhou period. Classic of Odes or Classic of Poetry: this work includes an anthology of 300 poems that date back to the early Zhou period. Rites: a collection of texts that cover philosophical pronouncements as well as rules for conduct of everyday life. Spring and Autumn Annals: a chronicle of the events impacting the state of Lu from 722 to 481 B.C.E..

7 Filial piety Confucianism is rooted in the belief that familial relationships are the foundation for society. The basis of the relationship between children and their parents is the concept of filial piety. This means that children will demonstrate devotion and dedication to their parents in both thought and actions beginning in childhood and lasting throughout adulthood. In addition, interactions within a family based on proper conventions and rituals (li) serves more than just the purpose of creating harmony within the family Confucius believed that the righteousness of leaders is the key to social stability and told rulers that it is important to practice scrupulously the social rituals that help a society function harmoniously.

Education Confucius s teachings center on the importance of education in the formation of a person s character Junzi (gentleman, superior man or noble man), a man whose nobility is derived from

8 Education Confucius s teachings center on the importance of education in the formation of a person s character Junzi (gentleman, superior man or noble man), a man whose nobility is derived from personal commitment and a developed moral power epitomized this For Confucius, the decline of the Zhou was caused by a decline in the moral values of society and the forms of social, religious, and court behavior Confucius became committed to restoring ethical and political order through restoration of ritual order and self-cultivation and personal morality Education would help accomplish this Scholars-Officials c. 12th century C.E.

The superior and subordinate The teachings of Confucius advocated behavior that showed obedience and respect for superiors, be they elder family members, ancestors, or leaders Confucius believed that

9 The superior and subordinate The teachings of Confucius advocated behavior that showed obedience and respect for superiors, be they elder family members, ancestors, or leaders Confucius believed that humans are inherently social beings. Adherence to conventions or rituals (li) would ensure harmony Correct behavior within the framework of a set of relationships was necessary to advance harmonious interactions. Superior Ruler Husband Parent Elder brother Friend Five Stage of Relationships Subordinate Ruled Wife Child Younger brother Friend righteousness, justice, loyalty separate gendered roles affection, filial piety/respect order, propriety faithfulness, fidelity The subordinate person was always to defer and learn from the superior person in the relationship At the same time, the superior person had a responsibility to act as a custodian for the subordinate person This expectation extended from relationships among family members to leaders and their subjects

10 The four elements of a Confucian education Martial Arts Texts Students were trained in arts such as archery and charioteering. Teaching these aristocratic skills of the warrior Zhou culture was consistent with the Finishing School side of Confucianism. There were at least two traditional texts that Confucius himself regarded as the products of the former sages and authoritative sources of wisdom: The Book of Poetry and The Book of History. Confucianism Rituals Artistry Confucian masters were drilled intensively in Zhou ritual codes. These included the ceremonies of major events, such as state sacrifices, court rituals, marriage, funeral rites, and the everyday codes that governed private life. Zhou rituals represented the highest development of the human arts of the Classical era. Confucian disciples studied these arts intensively. Ritual performance included musical elements.

Daoism Recall that Confucian concern was with the interactions of people in a social context It outlines the norms and values that ensure social harmony It emphasized rituals and duties that enable

11 Daoism Recall that Confucian concern was with the interactions of people in a social context It outlines the norms and values that ensure social harmony It emphasized rituals and duties that enable people to act appropriately In contrast, Daoism focused on the connections between human beings and their natural environment How natural processes and forces affect human existence How to predict the movements of these forces and manipulate them for the benefit of individuals and society Referred as escapist movement during the early Warring States period Song Dynasty (c. 12 Century)

12 The Dao The Way Laozi (5th-6th cent. B.C.E.?) is believed to be the founder of Daoism and author of the core text Daodejing (The Way and its Power). The teaching of Daoism is based on a great underlying principle, the Way (Dao) The Dao is described as a universal force, subtle and omnipresent, that gives rise to all things and provides their sustenance. It is the vital energy that makes all life possible, and it pervades the entire universe, providing a pattern for the growth and development of living things. The Dao is comprised of two opposite but complementary polarities, yin and yang. Yin is described as yielding, wet, passive, dark, and feminine, and yang is aggressive, dry, active, light, and masculine. These distinctions reflect distinctive tendencies within natural systems, but they are not diametrically opposed. Rather, each contains elements of the other, and their interaction provides the creative and dynamic force behind the changes that occur in the natural world. Daoist Immortal, probably Laozi ( 老子 ) Period: Five Dynasties period (907 60) Date: 10th century Culture: China Medium: High-leaded bronze.

Conduct of Government and Way of Life Dao works toward harmony and balance A backlash to this balance is produced whenever any part of a natural system develops extreme qualities This also applies to

13 Conduct of Government and Way of Life Dao works toward harmony and balance A backlash to this balance is produced whenever any part of a natural system develops extreme qualities This also applies to individuals The corresponding consequences, or backlash, return the balance of the natural system In essence, the teachings of Daoism provided a philosophy for the conduct of government and a way of life The basis for a stable and enduring social order was living a spiritual life based on the Dao and not on the power of the state or institutions constructed by humans Daoist Sages

Ch. 3 China: Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism

Ch. 3 China: Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism China before Confucius The Yellow Emperor Xia and Shang Dynasties 2070 B.C. - 1046 B.C. Zhou Dynasty 1046 B.C. - 256 B.C. Spring and Autumn period 770 B.C.