1. 2013 Chinese Philosophies and Religions

2. What is philosophy? Literally: a love for wisdom Typically asks Questions like: – What is the purpose of life? – What is a good person like? – What is success? – What is truth? What is knowledge? – How should I act in a situation? Often philosophy and religion overlap

3. Why did these philosophies develop? War and social changes were disrupting everyday life Government lacked control These philosophies helped guide people and the government to a better life

4. The religious history of China is complex, and has evolved over the centuries. Deeply interwoven into their beliefs is the worship of their ancestors. The Chinese believed that the spirits of their ancestors were watching over them, and that they could be called upon during difficult times. Religion In China

5. Chinese Folk Religion Belief in spirits Reverence for ancestors Priests perform blessing rituals: – purifying space – Exorcising evil spirits (“hungry ghosts”) Astrology Divination

6. Chinese metaphysics is about… Energy Change Balance Harmony Inter-relationships

7. Chinese Metaphysics Movement of cosmic energies: Rising Falling Expanding Contracting Rotating Represented by and expressed in the “five elements” of nature…

8. The “Five Elements” Wood Water Metal Earth The productive cycle: Fire

9. Chinese Metaphysics Concepts Chi – life force, life energy (“ultimate”) Yin-Yang – harmony of opposites – Yin = passive state of energy – Yang = active state of energy   Tao – the “way” of the cosmos, of nature  Heaven (t’ien) and Earth  “Mandate of Heaven”  Practical applications: I-Ching and Feng Shui

10. Ying and Yang

11. The I-Ching “Book of Changes” Ancient divination technique (at least 3000 years old) Intended to guide humans in decision making Based on combinations of lines representing the ever changing relationship between passive ( yin ) and active ( yang ) energy flow of heaven, human, and earth = yang = yin

12. The Tri-grams: (Eight combinations of three lines each) wind / wood Fire lake earth mountain water thunder heaven

13. Using the I-Ching Tool Symbolism of the lines: – Upper line = energy state of heaven – Middle line = energy state of human – Lower line = energy state of earth Two sets of trigrams are divined to create a hexagram Use coins or sticks to divine one of 64 hexagrams Use I-Ching text to discern meaning of the hexagram and any additional meaning for “changing lines” (energies on the verge of changing) A skilled interpreter is needed to apply the generic meaning of the hexagram #31

14. Feng Shui The Chinese art of placement (geomancy) Means “wind water”– symbolically, the constant flow of wind and water that creates constant change in the world also affects us Uses the five elements and the eight directions of the I-Ching as the Bagua toolBagua tool Seeks to maintain constant and balanced flow of energies (chi) in a space for improved flow of energy in the people who use the space

15. History of Chinese Philosophies

16. The History of Chinese Philosophy The Classical Age (6th century BC-2d century AD) – Confucianism (Confucius, 551-479 BC) – Daoism (Lao Tzu, 6th century BC) – Mohism (Mo Tzu, 468-376 BC) – The Yin-Yang School (founder unknown) – The School of Names (Logic) (Hui Shih, c. 380-305 BC) – Legalism (Han Fei Tzu, d. 23 BC) The Medieval Age (2d-10th centuries BC): relations & conflicts between Confucianism, Daoism, & Buddhism The Modern Age (11th century AD-Present) – Neo-Confucianism (incorporation of Daoist & Buddhist elements in an overall Confucian perspective) (Chu Hsi, 1130-1200 AD & many others) – 20th century impact of Western philosophies such as Pragmatism & Marxism

18. How is a man to live in a world dominated by chaos, suffering, and absurdity?? Confucianism --> Moral order in society. Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order. Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and less govt. to avoid uniformity and conformity.

19. Origins of the Mandate During the Shang dynasty (2000-1027 B.C.E.) the concept of “Tian” was created Meaning: sky, heavens, god, the cosmos – idea of heaven – governed all creation – guided moral order 天

20. Origins of the Mandate Zhou dynasty (1120-221 B.C.E.) concept of “tian ming” Mandate of Heaven – explains conquest and submission of falling dynasties – Divinely inspired process – Anyone could assume the right to rule – Tian, or Heaven, chose who would rule the people 天

21. The Mandate of Heaven is based on four principles: 1.The right to rule is granted by Heaven –Which gives the ruler prestige and religious importance. 2. There is only one Heaven –Therefore there can be only one ruler. 3. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler –Which serves as a check on the ruler's power. 4. The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty –Which justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful.

22. Origins of the Mandate A dynasty maintained rule as long as they: –ruled with benevolence and justice –duties of the ruler were carried out correctly Failure meant the Tian could choose a new ruling family –could not be selfish, cruel, or oppressive

23. Dynastic Cycle Represents a dynasty’s rise and fall Cycle starts with winning the Mandate (approval) of heaven Period of prosperity, marked by motivated and capable emperors Apex (peak) marked by political, economic, and cultural flowering.

24. Dynastic Cycle Then the decline began, usually slow (sometimes quite rapid): marked by administrative corruption, repressive laws, and incapable and lazy emperors. Dynasty would face rebellion and disunity, the loss of peoples’ support, and loss of Mandate

25. The Dynastic Cycle: Winner of the Rebellion Wins The Mandate of Heaven Rebellion and Disunity Peak of Dynasty

26. In Summary The dynastic cycle appears as follows: 1.A new ruler unites China, founds a new dynasty, and gains the Mandate of Heaven 2.China, under the new dynasty, achieves prosperity. 3.The population increases 4.Corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter decline and instability. 5.A natural disaster wipes out farm land. The disaster normally would not have been a problem; however, together with the corruption and overpopulation it causes famine. 6.The famine causes the population to rebel and starts a civil war. 7.The ruler loses the Mandate of Heaven. 8.The population decreases because of the violence. 9.China goes through a warring states period. 10.One state emerges victorious. 11.The state starts a new empire. 12.The empire gains the Mandate of Heaven. –(The cycle repeats itself.) Kennedy, Bruce. "Chinese Dynastic Cycle." Killer Roos. 17 February 2008

27. Key Chinese Dynasties Xia Shang 2070-1600 BCE 1600-1046 BCE 470 years 554 years ZhouWest 1046-771 BCE East 770-256 275 years 514 years Tang618-907 AD289 years SongNorth 960-1127 AD South 1127-1279 AD 167 years 152 years Ming1368-1644 AD276 years Qing1644-1911 AD268 years A terra cotta officer from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) Emperor Taizong - Tang Dynasty

28. Legalism

29. PhilosophyGoalHow Achieved Influence Legalism Founder: Hanfeizi Legalism Peace and order in society Rulers should establish strict laws with rewards for good behavior and harsh punishment for bad behavior. The Qin dynasty used legalist ideas to build a strong central government and well-organized society.

30. Belief Systems (not religion) Legalism –Human nature is wicked and selfish, people behave only if they are ruled by laws and punishments – becomes basis of many states –Individual freedom should be sacrificed for the state –Highest emphasis on ‘practical professions’ such as farming or military –The Qin dynasty adopted Legalism’s strict laws and controls Helped to unify territory quickly and with large construction projects (Great Wall) Caused great resentment amongst populous Drove people to Confucianism and Daoism

31. Co-Founders Han Feizi –Was taught in Confucian tradition –Wrote the Han Feizi, the main book of Legalism –Died as a result of political duel in 233 B.C. Shangzi (Gungsun Yang) –Traced China’s problems to overpopulation –Believed Warring States period stemmed from lack of resources and strife –Strong government based on law would solve problems

32. Rise of Chinese Philosophies Legalism Founders: –Li Si, Hanfeizi Ideas About Social Order: –Efficient & powerful gov’t is key to social order Ideas About Government –Gov’t should control ideas & use law & harsh punishment to restore harmony –Rewards for people who carry out their duties well

33. Legalism Hanfiezi c. 250 bce Major Teachings –People are naturally selfish and corrupt so they need to be controlled –Intellectualism and literacy are discouraged –Law is the supreme authority and replaces morality –The ruler must rule with a strong, punishing hand. –War is the means of strengthening a ruler’s power. Implications for Government –Many rules –Harsh punishments –Strong military Important during Q’in & Sui dynasties

34. 280? - 233 B.C.E. Lived during the late Warring States period. Legalism became the political philosophy of the Qin [Ch’in] Dynasty.

35. Legalism Han Feizi – Realised times had changed – Could no longer rely on l ǐ ( 礼, ‘conventions’) to guide the nobles xìng ( 刑, ‘punishments’) to rule the commoners – Required a new form of order – Found it in f ǎ ( 法 ) :Law, standards, norms

36. Han Feizi Text 55 chapters Some Taoist in theme Inform ruler what pitfalls to avoid System of rewards and punishments

37. Han Feizi Text (cont’d)...rewards should be rich and certain so that the people will be attracted by them; punishments should be severe and definite so that the people will fear them; and laws should be uniform and steadfast so that the people will be familiar with them. Consequently, the sovereign should show no wavering in bestowing rewards and grant no pardon in administering punishments, and he should add honor to rewards and disgrace to punishments-- when this is done, then both the worthy and the unworthy will want to exert themselves...

38. Legalism A third school of thought that shaped China’s early history is Legalism. The most famous Legalist writer was Han Feizi. It is unknown when he was born, but he died in 233 B.C. In his book, of the same name, Han Feizi, rejected Confucian ideas about proper behavior. Han Feizi believed that people acted out of self- interest and would only respond to rewards and punishments, not good examples.

39. Xunzi – Early Legalist

40. Legalism Li Si, Qin Shi Huangdi, Shang Yang Qin dynasty (221-207 BCE) 1 st philosophy to be adopted by a Chinese state Qin were coming out of warring states period and desired to establish stability and control over a unified empire. They saw unquestioned conformity to the LAW as the means to achieve this. Qin created a TOTALITARIAN STATE

41. Legalism Human Nature characterized –naturally self-interested –Has ‘two handles’ – reward & punishment In ruling the world one must act in accord with human nature. In human nature there are the feelings of liking and disliking, and hence rewards and punishments are effective. HFz 48

42. Legalism The Ruler requires –shì ( 勢 ):authority the power to make his commands be obeyed –shù ( 術 ):methods the ability to handle his subordinates –fǎ ( 法 ):law to guarantee impartiality and justice

43. Shi (Legitimacy of Rule) Legalism puts emphasis on power of the ruler not the person ruling. Had a negative view of humanity. Since there were few good people to rule, a system needed to ensure that average men could maintain order. Position held power not the person.

44. Shu (Arts of the Ruler) Morality and human nature are irrelevant. Benevolence is replaced by firm, strict rule. Disregard for the past unlike Taoism and Confucianism--needed a system that would work in the present.

45. Fa (The Law) Legalist Criticisms Rulers made laws when they came to power. Purpose was to allow rulers to be “benevolent” Really this meant laws could be enacted arbitrarily and lead to corruption. Solution Legalism sought to make a public, written legal code. This system would run the state, not the ruler. Laws were enforced by strict rewards/ punishments.

46. Legalism Because of self-interest, Legalists believed that only harsh laws imposed by a strong ruler would ensure order. Han Feizi noted: “The ruler alone possesses power, wielding it like lightening or like thunder.”  In 221 B.C., the Qin emperor Shi Huangdi used Legalist ideas to unite China.

47. 1. Human nature is naturally selfish. 2. Intellectualism and literacy is discouraged. 3. Law is the supreme authority and replaces morality. 4. The ruler must rule with a strong, punishing hand. 5. War is the means of strengthening a ruler’s power.

48. One who favors the principle that individuals should obey a powerful authority rather than exercise individual freedom. The ruler, therefore, “cracks his whip” on the backs of his subjects!

49. Legalism Principles of Shāng Yāng ( 商鞅, d. 338) –yī mín ( 一民 ; ‘one people’) Provides for legal equality for all –dìng fǎ ( 定法 ; ‘fixing the standards’ ) Provides for objectivity of interpretation Since the officials well know that the people have knowledge of fa and orders … they dare not treat the people contrary to the fa …

50. Legalism Motivating the Laws –‘the enrichment of the state and the strengthening of its military capacity.’ –Diversity of opinion was damaging – ban it. –Lack of standards in culture was damaging – create such standards

51. Legalism Offices are created hierarchically –There are objective criteria for the performance of each office –Each level applies reward/punishment to the lower level for success/failure to perform

52. Humans are self-serving and prone to evil; they are NOT naturally good Therefore, no one can really be trusted A ruler should never reveal his true intentions There are no absolute truths or standards Laws should reflect the conditions of a given time, and can change as needed But, a law should not be questioned once implemented Fear instills conformity; even the smallest of infractions requires severe punishment Society’s basic needs are met by FARMERS and SOLDIERS; these are valued occupations. All others are lesser jobs (Why?) Rival ideas should not be expressed (Qin carried out the 1 st known book-burning; Confucianist scholars were killed under them)

53. Legalism Legalism stresses the strength of the leader No value in debate or opinion No laws should limit the rulers’ actions –Han Feizi imprisoned and forced to drink poison in 233 B.C.

54. Education Scholars and books that disagreed with Legalists beliefs were destroyed. Legalists wanted people to think the same way and not gain too much knowledge. The legalist government would burn books that were not in favor of the way they wanted their government to run.

55. Country There were always ten things in a country; – Odes and History – Rites and Music – Virtue and Cultivation – Benevolence and Integrity – Sophistry and Intelligence Overall the Legalist run towns were very united with everything that they needed.

56. Laws The Legalist people survived in laws that forced them to work on government projects and punished those with strict punishment. The people are there to serve the government. The government comes before everything in a Legalist society. Duties were never ignored, and everything got done.

57. Household Family came second to obeying the laws. One's duty was to turn his or her family members into the government if one of their family members broke a law. Families were overall controlled and organized

58. Legalism Was not forgiven for its atrocities

59. Legacy of Legalism Many feudal rulers of China like Shi Huangdi, chose Legalism as the most effective way to keep order. Shi’s laws were so cruel that later generations despised Legalism. Yet, Legalist ideas survived in laws that forced people to work on government projects and punished those who slacked from their duties.

60. Unified China under the Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty First major philosophy of this time to do so Qin Dynasty only lasted 14 years Legalism was brutally applied--forced labor, harsh taxes, ruthless penalties-- and Chinese always looked on it with distaste from a historical perspective Han Dynasty adopted Confucianism as a reaction to Legalism Ideas of equality under the law, meritocracy did take root later Legacy of Legalism

61. Confucianism --> Moral order in society. Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order. Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and less govt. to avoid uniformity and conformity. Summary of the 3 Chinese Philosophies

62. Government For Taoists … Best government governs least! Government is unnatural For Confucianists … Best government rules through educated officials and benevolent emperor For Legalists … Best government is through powerful ruler who uses fear and authority

63. Chinese Buddhism

64. The Silk Road In the second century bce, caravans began traveling a 4,000 mile route linking Southeast Asia with the West. Silk carried along this route made its way to Rome In both directions, various political, social, religious, and artistic ideas flowed.

65. Princes from Central Asian states in Lamentation, Dunhuang Cave 158. This painting not only depicts their devotions to Buddha, but also accurately presents the appearances, garments and customs of different nations along the Silk Road and the history of cultural exchange between them.

66. The Spread of Buddhism

67. Buddhism was founded by an Indian prince, who called himself the Buddha. The Buddha or “Enlightened One” taught his people about Four Noble Truths, and an Eightfold Path. He also taught the people to use meditation. Buddhism Arrives in China

68. Suffering is part of human life. Suffering is caused by people’s desires for pleasure and material things. (This results in an endless cycle of rebirths or reincarnation.) Overcoming desires during lifetime eventually brings end to this cycle and suffering. Desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths

69. In order to eliminate their desires for worldly things, and thus end the cycle of rebirths, the Buddha taught his people to follow eight principals: –Know the truth –Resist evil –Say nothing hurtful –Respect life –Free the mind from evil –Work in service to others –Resist evil –Practice meditation The Eightfold Path

70. Nirvana By following the eightfold path, and avoiding evil extremes, the Buddha taught that an individual could achieve nirvana. He taught that nirvana, which in their language meant to blow out a candle, was a state of non-existence.

71. Nirvana was not a place, like heaven, but rather an actual state of non- existence. When someone reached nirvana, their soul was in harmony with the universe, and they would cease to exist. In Harmony with Universe

72. Buddhism came to China along the Silk Roads from India where it was started in the 5 th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama. It brought with it several symbols shown in many Buddhist images. The most familiar is the lotus flower, a symbol of purity, renunciation and divinity. Buddha is often shown sitting on a lotus. Lotus Flower

73. Another important symbol is the Golden Wheel. The wheel represents motion, continuity and change, forever moving onwards like the wheel of heaven. The eight spokes point in the eight directions and symbolize Buddha’s Eightfold Path: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Golden Wheel

74. Chinese Buddhism Two missionaries wrote "The Sutra of forty-two sections spoken by the Buddha" to provide guidance on the ideas of Buddhism and the conduct of monks. It is the first Buddhist text in the Chinese language. Their arrival in 67 CE marks Buddhism's official introduction in China. The first documented translation of Buddhist scriptures into Chinese occurs in 148 CE Mahayana Buddhism was first propagated into China by Kushan Lokaksema (active ca. 164-186 C.E.), the first translator of Mahayana sutras into Chinese.

75. History Buddhism had arisen in India roughly at about the same time as Confucius Long period of development before coming to China, so theories already well-established –Arrives in China c. 1 st cent. CE –Mahayana form influential Flourishes during chaotic time in China (3 rd cent. CE) Alien to Chinese thought: –Monasteries –Begging –Celibacy

76. Buddhism During the first century A.D., Buddhism reached China from India. Buddhism was one of the few foreign influences that had a deep impact on Chinese life. It spread along caravan trade routes that linked India to China. Later, Buddhism-and the culture of China-was taken to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

77. The Appeal of Buddhism The Chinese found a great deal of comfort in Buddhism. The three Chinese schools of thought-Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism-dealt with life on Earth. Buddhism was a religion that offered an escape from the suffering of earthly life. Buddhism promised salvation for the good, those who lived moral lives, and punishment for the wicked. It stressed mercy and compassion.

78. Buddhist monks and nuns built hospitals and helped the poor.

79. First impression of Buddhism When Buddhism first reached China, many Chinese saw it as a foreign religion. They could not understand the vague concept of nirvana. Also, they criticized people who abandoned their families to become monks and nuns.

80. In time, Buddhism blended with Chinese beliefs and values. Nirvana became the western Heaven, reflecting Chinese ideas about the afterlife. Chinese Buddhists emphasized Confucian ideas of proper behavior and respect for family and ancestors. They also absorbed Daoist views of nature because the Chinese could accept diverse ideas. As a result, many Chinese followed Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian beliefs at the same time. Confucianism and Daoism were concerned with ethics and living in harmony with nature, including the gods and spirits that were believed to be everywhere. Although temples and ceremonies developed around both schools of thought, neither Confucianism nor Daoism were a true religion like Buddhism was.

81. CHINESE BUDDHISM Most similar to Taoism Occasionally persecuted by Chinese authorities– considered it “foreign,” anti-government, anti-society, anti- family, revolutionary—worried that its ideas undermined Confucian system based on hierarchy of respect Claimed Buddhist monks were parasites as they did not produce for society On other hand, some Buddhists played important roles in governing; its meditative ways and abstract thought appealed to many educated elites

82. Chinese Buddhism The Way of Chinese Buddhism is a middle way: a path (8-fold) away from “suffering” (dukkha) and toward abiding joy (nirvana). Brought to China from India, the middle way, as a general practice, sought to avoid the pitfalls of living according to false views (false dichotomies)...

83. One False Dichotomy that Gave Rise to the Need for a Middle Way Essentialism Brahman: “God” Atman: “The Soul” The Divine is the only true or Ultimate Reality: Unchanging Eternal (no beginning or end); Permanent With, and without Qualities Materialism There is no God There is no Soul Literally, there is nothing but material realities: Ever-changing unto death Finite (with beginning and end); Impermanent Always with (material) qualities only

84. The Middle Way: Philosophically Conceived “Reality” is Neither “Essential” Nor “Material” (as Traditionally Conceived) There is no God: But there is Divinity (the Promise of Abiding Joy) There is no Soul: But there is Spirituality (Dependent Origination) “Spiritual” and “Material Realities” are: Neither only Ever-changing, nor only Finite, ending in Death All Qualities simply cannot be captured by the Traditional Essentialist/Materialist -- Dichotomy

85. Guanyin Guanyin is the Chinese name for the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. She is the Bodhisattva of Compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists. Guanyin and the 1000 arms: One Buddhist legend presents Guan Yin as vowing to never rest until she had freed all sentient beings from samsara, reincarnation. Despite strenuous effort, she realized that still many unhappy beings were yet to be saved. After struggling to comprehend the needs of so many, she attempted to reach out to all those who needed aid, but found that her two arms shattered into pieces. Amitabha came to her aid and appointed her a thousand arms with which to aid the many.