unit 1 Developments in East Asia: The Song Dynasty (1200-1450)

Confucianism

A philosophy that taught human society is hierarchical by nature, society was composed of unequal relationships. (ex: father > sons, husbands > wife's, rulers > subjects)

Filial piety

Practice of honoring one's ancestors and parents.

Neo-Confucianism

Influence of Buddhist and Daoist philosophical ideas.

Imperial bureaucracy

The Song Dynasty relied on a large bureaucracy to ensure obedience to the emperor's rule, with positions awarded based on merit through civil service exams.

Foot binding

Women had trouble walking, made foot smaller than it started (more seen in elite societies).

Tributary relationship

Korea maintained a tributary relationship with China, adopting aspects of Chinese culture (elite members), including Confucian principles and a similar civil service exam system.

Cultural adoption in Japan

Japan voluntarily adopted cultural traits from China, such as the imperial bureaucracy and Buddhism.

Tributary relationship in Vietnam

Vietnam also maintained a tributary relationship with China, adopting Confucianism, Buddhism, and the civil service examination system, while women had a higher status compared to China.

Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhist teachings were available to all, emphasized compassion, made the Buddha into an object of devotion.

Theravada Buddhism

Original form, restricted to monks only for a select few.

Tibetan Buddhism

Emphasized more mystical practices (lying prostrate, elaborate imaginings of deities).

Four Noble Truths

1) life is suffering, 2) we suffer because we crave, 3) we cease suffering when we cease craving, 4) the eightfold path leads to the cessation of suffering and craving.

Eightfold path

Principles and practices that a Buddhist must follow (moral lifestyle + practice of meditation).

Widespread commercialization

China produced excess goods and sold them on the world market, utilizing paper money and credit practices.

Iron and steel production

Both large-scale manufacturers and home-based artisans contributed to the production of iron and steel, used for warfare, trading, taxation, and agriculture.

Agricultural innovations

Introduction of Champa rice, a drought-resistant and high-yield crop, led to a population BOOM and increased agricultural output.

Transportation innovations

Expansion of the Grand Canal (travel cheaper), improvements in navigation with the magnetic compass, and advancements in shipbuilding techniques (Junk ships with rudders).

true

the revival of Confucianism is a historical continuity between ancient China and the Song, also demonstrates innovation