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Change and Continuity Over Time Essay
Topic: Analyze the changes and continuities in the role of religion in Chinese society from 600- 1450
Beginning: Late Sui, Tang Dynasty
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Buddhism grew in influence and
Taoism experienced resurgence.
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Buddhist and Taoist temples were
built and emphasis on spirituality
increased, whereas Confucianism
was considered merely a philosophy.
Middle: Late Tang – Song Dynasty – Yuan Dynasty
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Use of civil service exam, which was
based on Confucian principles
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Buddhism received support from
rulers, namely Empress Wu;
privileges were given to Buddhists.
Tang emperor Wuzong began the
Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution in
the hopes of cleansing China of
foreign influence.
The Mongols took over and favored
foreign officials over Confucian
scholars.
Other new religions were
continuously introduced to China
under the rule of Kublai Khan, but
never gained much influence.
Neo-Confucianism emerged as a
new religion based on Confucian
principles but incorporated Buddhist
ideas.
End: Early Ming
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Ming took over after Mongol
collapse and began to bring back
Confucian ideals in government.
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Renewal of the civil service exam,
which was still based on the
principles of Confucius.
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Interactions with foreigners
increased, but the Chinese stuck
with Neo-Confucianism.
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Social structures still based on the
Five Relationships, government is in
the form of a meritocracy.
Changes: With Buddhism and Taoism thriving, significant cultural marks were left on Chinese society. The two religions were more spiritual
in nature than Confucianism was. They both focused more on individual meditation than they did on strict social structure. Confucianism was
less important than it was before, and conflicts between Confucianism and the two religions contributed to the decline of the Tang Empire.
Continuities: Confucianism continued to have a great impact on government—it reinforced a meritocracy, and the use of the civil service
exam lasted throughout this time period. Ideas about social structure were still heavily based on Confucius’ Five Relationships: ruler to subject,
friend to friend, husband to wife, older sibling to younger sibling, and father to son.
THESIS: Between 600 and 1450, while Buddhism flourished, Taoism was revived, and other new religions came in contact with China,
Confucianism maintained its dominance, controlling social and government structure.