Confucianism
A philosophy that taught human society is hierarchical by nature, composed of unequal relationships.
Filial piety
The practice of honoring one’s ancestors and parents.
Neo-Confucianism
A revival of Confucian thought influenced by Buddhist and Daoist philosophical ideas.
Imperial bureaucracy
A large bureaucracy in the Song Dynasty that ensured obedience to the emperor, with positions awarded based on merit through civil service exams.
Foot binding
A practice that restricted women's mobility by making the feet smaller, particularly common among elite women.
Tributary relationship
A political relationship in which one state maintains a subordinate alliance to another, often adopting cultural traits.
Mahayana Buddhism
A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and teaches that Buddha's teachings are available to all.
Theravada Buddhism
The original form of Buddhism, often restricted to monks and a select few practitioners.
Four Noble Truths
The core principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to cessation of suffering.
Eightfold path
A set of principles and practices in Buddhism that guide ethical and mindful living.
Champa rice
A drought-resistant and high-yield crop introduced during the Song Dynasty, leading to a population boom.
Grand Canal
A major transportation infrastructure that expanded during the Song Dynasty to lower travel costs and improve trade.