When you take China Tours, have you noticed that there are plenty of temples? Most of them are ancient building sites. Meanwhile, when you finish a day’s travel and go back to the rooms of China Hotels, have you wondered the beliefs of Chinese?
The religion situation of China is rather complicated. Before the Communist Revolution, a number of religious and philosophical systems were practiced in China. Traditionally Taoism and Confucianism provided ethical guides to the proper behavior of individuals and officials. Taoism
sought to promote the inner peace of individuals and harmony with their surroundings. Confucianism, based on the teachings and writings of the philosopher Confucius, is an ethical system that sought to teach the proper way for all people to behave in society. It is admitted that these two philosophical system setting up the foundation of Chinese society’s moral principles.
Chinese Buddha Temple
It is true that Confucianism has a great influence on Chinese society. Confucianism comes from Confucis, who was a great philosopher. Confucius taught that most of the ills of society happened because people forgot their stations in life and rulers lost virtue. He advocated a return to the golden antiquity of the emperors Yao and Shun, when rulers were virtuous and people knew their places. Therefore, Confucius’ primary concern lay in social relations, proper conduct, and social harmony. Confucius defined five cardinal relationships: between ruler and ruled, between husband and wife, between parents and children, between older and younger brothers, and between friends. His key point is to remain harmony with these relationships.
Confucis
In addition, Buddhism is another important religion in Chinese society. Although Buddhism first entered China from India during
the Later Han, in the time of Han Ming Ti (AD 58-76), it did not become popular until the end of the 3rd century. In China, it became into three categories: Han Buddhism, Southern Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. It is admitted that Buddhism has a great influence on China-you can judge from the amounts of Buddha temples.
For the “local” religion, the Taoism is actually born in China. In the Chinese language the word tao means “way,” indicating a way of thought or life. Taoism began as a complex system of philosophical thought that could be indulged in by only a few individuals. In later centuries it emerged, perhaps under the influence of Buddhism, as a communal religion. It later evolved as a popular folk religion.
Temple of Tao
Generally speaking, Chinese people do not have a strong religious inclination but despite this the three main faiths have had a considerable following. At the same time, a lot of people will say they believe in gods, destiny, fate, luck and an afterlife. There is also a famous saying: The core belief for western society is religion; however, for Chinese, the core belief is philosophy. Maybe that is the reason for Chinese do not have a major religion. If you think it is quite interesting, you can book Air China to come and explore “What is the faith of Chinese” by your own.
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