Ancient Chinese Religion and Philosophy Overview

Understanding Ancient Chinese Concepts of Deity and Philosophy

Shang and Zhou Dynasties Overview

• 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.

Shan and Zhu Deity Concepts

• 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.

Cosmology and Afterlife 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.

Shamanism and Religion Evolution

• 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).

The Axial Age and Confucianism

• 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.

Key Figures and Texts

• 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.

Expansion of Confucian Thought

• 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.

Legacy and Challenges

• 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.

Study Tips

• 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.