Download Chinese Mythology Notes

Chinese Mythology
I. Origin
A. Derived from three great
religions
i. Taoism
ii. Confucianism
iii. Buddhism
II. Three religions
A. Taoism
i. Based upon the teachings of
Leo-Tse, who lived in the 6th
century B.C.
ii. Tao = Way. Way can be
found by experiencing the
oneness in all things; living
life as one with nature and
inner self.
iii. Teachings devoted to man’s
function and his role in society
by means of virtue. Values:
courage, generosity,
leadership.
B. Confucianism
i. Based on teachings of
Confucious (Chinese
philosopher).
ii. Deals more with ethical
matters than mythology.
iii. Teachings deal with three
main things:
1. loving others
2. honoring one’s parents
3. doing what is right
instead of what is of
advantage
iv. Rule by moral example instead
of violence.
C. Buddhism
i. Present life is just one in a
long succession of previous
lives.
ii. Everyone reborn according to
actions. KARMA – good in
life, new life happy; bad in
life, new life miserable
iii. Nirvana – state of perfect bliss
III. Chinese Myth
A. Purpose
i. Explain not only the origin of
the universe but also particular
aspects of Chinese
civilization/culture.
ii. Deal with actions of gods and
other supernatural beings as
those actions relate to the
everyday lives of men and
women.
iii. Gods to cover every aspect of
civilization and nature
1. Ex: Gods to protect the
home and the city as well
as gods in charge of
lightning, thunder, etc.
B. Other fact – Most of what we
know about Chinese myth are
from the 5th century B.C. and
afterward.
C. Yin and Yang
i. Creation seen as reducing
chaos to order.
ii. Yin and Yang represent the
Great Unity
1. From the Great
Unity came two forces.
Interaction of two forces =
visible universe (10,000
things).
2. Without opposing
forces = no perception
3. Yin and Yang =
opposing forces
a. Yin = female (dark,
quiet, unifying)
b. Yang = male
(bright, active power)
c. Yin symbolized by
earth, moon, water.
d. Yang symbolized by
sun, fire, sky.
e. Neither one is evil;
evil only occurs when
there is a lack of
harmony between the
opposing forces.
D. Significance of dragons
i. Held in high esteem
ii. Bestow blessings upon
humankind
iii. Gives rain
iv. Rain is vital to life but
sometimes destructive; dragon
is also this way