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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 - Buddhism grew in influence and Taoism experienced resurgence. - 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 - - - Use of civil service exam, which was based on Confucian principles - - 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 - Ming took over after Mongol collapse and began to bring back Confucian ideals in government. - Renewal of the civil service exam, which was still based on the principles of Confucius. - Interactions with foreigners increased, but the Chinese stuck with Neo-Confucianism. - 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.