Notes on Chinese Civilization Lecture

Introduction to Chinese Civilization

• Last great civilization to develop independently in the old world, over a thousand years after Iraq.
• Unique vision of life: A moral order sustained by virtue, ritual, and reverence for ancestors.

Historical Context

• Chinese history has been shaped by deep cultural forces through time, including:
  • Communist Revolution and Tiananmen Square (1989) incidents.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Philosophy

• Beijing Zhongling Tang Pharmacy (founded in 1663) represents traditional Chinese medicine.
• Central idea: Search for harmony on Earth (Yin and Yang, balance of opposites).

Discovery of Oracle Bones

• In 1899, scholar Wang Yizhong discovered dragon bones with archaic writing while suffering from malaria.
• These bones were from Anyang, the site of the last city of the Shang dynasty (1100 BC).
• Oracle bones: Used to communicate with ancestral spirits, origins of the I Ching (Book of Wisdom).

The Role of Writing and Ancestry in Civilization

• Wen (writing) became synonymous with civilization.
• Possession of writing and ritual practices was the basis of political power in ancient China.
• The Mandate of Heaven: Rulers' legitimacy based on their virtue and care for the people.

Confucius and Moral Society

• Confucius: Transformed Bronze Age magic into a state based on moral order.
• Central message: Goodness is essential to maintain a just society.
• Rulers must be taught goodness to avoid losing the people's respect and trust.
• Emphasized mutual respect and the role of scholars in governance.

Revival of Confucian Traditions

• Modern Chinese rulers are reviving Confucian rituals, especially for foreign tourists.
• Ancient beliefs about harmony between earth, nature, and cosmos remain influential.

Taoism as a Complementary Philosophy

• Taoism: Focuses on natural mysticism and the search for the Dao (the path).
• The sacred mountain Taishan symbolizes the search for balance and harmony.

Interaction with Buddhism

• Buddhism: Entered China from India, appealing due to its atheistic and democratic message.
• Combined with Confucianism and Taoism to form a holistic view of civilization.
• Xuanzang (7th century): Brought back texts from India, emphasizing cultural exchange.

The Tang Dynasty: A Cultural Golden Age

• Tang Dynasty (8th century): A cosmopolitan era with diverse cultures and ideas.
• Li Bai (poet): Represents the cultural richness and artistic expression of the time.

The Song Dynasty Achievements

• Song Dynasty (11th century): Peak of Chinese civilization with advancements in technology, industry, and the arts.
• Emphasis on printing and the spread of Confucian ideals across East Asia.

The Opium War and Its Consequences

• The Opium War (19th century): Resulted from British opium trade in China, leading to colonial exploitation.
• Revealed the vulnerability of the Qing Dynasty and initiated societal upheaval.

The Impact of Communism and Modern Resurgence

• 1949: Mao's communists took power but faced backlash against previous ideologies leading to famine and violence.
• Current times reflect a resurgence of traditional values and the potential for economic growth.

Conclusion: Future of Chinese Civilization

• Tiananmen Square (1989) showed the ongoing struggle between authority and democratic aspirations.
• The I Ching speaks to the necessity of a revolution grounded in truth and morality.
• The future of Chinese civilization may hinge on balancing past traditions with modern aspirations.