Ancient Chinese Religion and Philosophy Overview

Understanding Ancient Chinese Concepts of Deity and Philosophy

Dynastic Transition: The Shang dynasty's concept of deities evolved into the Zhou dynasty's beliefs.
- Shang Dynasty: Used terms like "lord" (meaning "thee") and "lord on high" (Shangdi) to refer to the supreme deity.
- Beliefs: Shang believed in anthropomorphic deities, ghosts, and spirits impacting the human world.
- In contrast, the Zhou Dynasty viewed the divine in a more impersonal, natural context.

Shangdi: Supreme deity of the Shang, perceived as overseeing anthropomorphic deities and spirits.
- Nature of Authority: Shangdi was seen as distant, ruling over a hierarchy of spirits and elevated ancestors.
- Moral Oversight: This deity was associated with morality and the validation of virtuous kingships in Zhou society.
Translations: "Heaven" is more accurately translated as "heavenly order" in the context of Zhou beliefs.

Three Realms Concept:
- Earthly realm: For the living.
- Underworld: For the deceased.
- Transcendent realm: Neither physical nor dead, involved the connection between the divine and the living.
Soul Duality: The soul was bifurcated into spirit and material self, with unique fates post-death (spirit ascends, material self descends).
Mother Goddess Worship: Evidence of ancient figurines suggests a long-standing tradition predating documented practices, resembling patterns found in the Indus Valley civilization.

Shamanistic Practices: Shamans (woo) served as intermediaries between the cosmos and humanity, performing healing and divination through trance states.
State Priesthood: Evolved into a formal state religion with priests engaging in public rituals, including sacrifices of animals (cattle, goats, pigs, young bulls) and offerings (jade, silk).

Period of Reflection (6th-5th Century BC): Philosophers across civilizations, including Confucius and Lao Tzu, rose to address similar existential and societal questions.
Confucianism: Established as a foundational school of thought focusing on social order and morality rather than metaphysical pursuits.
- Key Themes: Respect for rituals, harmony in society, and the importance of virtue over noble birth.
- Emphasis on education and the moral development of individuals.

Confucius: Advocated for virtuous leadership and moral education; stressed the importance of rituals, propriety, and respect for traditions.
- The Analects: A collection of teachings and dialogues preserved posthumously that define Confucian ethics and philosophy.
Confucian Classics: A set of texts regarded as core to Confucian thought, including:
- Book of Poetry: Political allegories and hymns.
- Book of History: Accounts of historical achievements.
- I Ching: A divination text still in use today.

Menzius and Xunzi: Key figures who expanded upon Confucian doctrines, emphasizing human nature, ethics, and the importance of education in societal structures.
Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD): Confucianism became the state ideology under Emperor Wu. Focused on promoting education and a moral society based on economic welfare and duties of rulers to their subjects.

Cultural Revolution (1966-76): During the rise of communist governance in China, Confucian ideals faced significant suppression as part of Mao Zedong's push against differing cultural values.
Resurgence of Interest: In modern China, Confucian principles remain influential despite historical challenges, shaping social structures and values.

Focus on comparing the Shang and Zhou concepts of divinity.
Understand the implications of the three realms in Chinese cosmology.
Familiarize yourself with key figures and texts in Confucian tradition and their contributions to philosophy and ethics.
Remember the socio-political context of the Han dynasty's adoption of Confucian ideals as official state doctrine and its implications for society.