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Chinese Belief Structures More selection than the Dragon Buffet King Ancient Philosophies About 500BCE Buddha, Confucius, Greek Philosophers and Chinese - Lao Tze Called a flowering period India more concerned with cosmos and soul China more concerned with ethical life on earth Ancestors In ancient China, the family was important in the everyday spiritual life for many Chinese. Every family tried to set up shrines to their ancestors. The ancestors were referred to for advise and guidance. Actions were always balanced against the effect it may have on the family. Dishonour was a grave offence and could lead to your expulsion from the family. Part of this system was the complex system of belief and practice of “face” Public Roles The concept of “face” existed as a way for all levels of society of function. While the nobles held power, the way they exploited it was limited. If a nobleman wanted to he could kill just about anyone he wanted. The repercussions though were often enough to keep him in check Social superiority meant an implied moral superiority. A noble can kill, but such and act against a commoner is an open display of power and that is considered rude. This system was confusing for Europeans initially as they regarded societal roles differently. Being a merchant was now acceptable and legitimate n Europe, but in China, merchants were just above slaves and peasants. Nu Wa Creation of Man The earth was a beautiful place with blossoming trees and flowers, and full of animals, birds, fish and all living creatures. But as she wandered about it Nv Wa felt very lonely. She bent down and took up a handful of earth, mixed it with water and molded a figure in her likeness. As she kneaded it the figure came alive - the first human being. Nv Wa was so pleased with her creation that she went on making more figures both men and women. They danced around her cheerily and loneliness was dispelled. Since this process was too tedious and time-consuming, she dipped a rope into the mud and then swung it about her. Soon the earth around her was covered the lumps of mud. The handmade figurines became the wealthy and the noble; those that arose from the splashes of mud were the poor and the common. Age Tied to the belief in their ancestors was the veneration of elders. The elderly were afforded a lot of power and honour due to their age. In a time where most peasants might live to their 30s, someone 70 + was rare Age was equated to wisdom, and so by living and experiencing life, the elderly were always listened to. Legalism Legalism is the belief structure of a “family” as it exists within the government of Ancient China. The nation was regarded as a family, with the emperor as the head of the family. He had a moral responsibility to look after his children and see to their needs. If he failed, he was subject to removal. In Ancient times this was unprecedented. It was the only real check in the ultimate power of the emperor If he out stepped the bounds too much, he would loose support. The Vinegar Tasters This picture is an allegorical representation of the three major belief systems in Ancient China. Confucianism Buddhism Taoism Each is tasting vinegar (life) and are reacting to it.