Overview
This lecture examines the origins, beliefs, practices, and social roles of Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religions, highlighting their interconnections and place in modern Chinese society.
Confucianism
- Founded by Confucius (551 B.C.E.), focusing on moral philosophy and social harmony.
- Key beliefs include filial piety (xiao), loyalty (zhong), and benevolence (ren).
- Considers an invisible divine power, tian ("heaven"), influencing fate and destiny.
- Rituals such as ancestor worship (jizu) express filial piety and belief in ancestral spirits.
- Became state ideology during the Han dynasty and shaped moral norms in Chinese society.
Taoism
- Religious Taoism (Daojiao) established in 2nd century C.E. by Zhang Daoling.
- Emphasizes harmony with the Tao (universal order), nonaction, meditation, and internal alchemy.
- Practices include rituals, dietary and sexual discipline, and seeking harmony with cosmic forces.
- Recognized by the state, with temples classified under different traditions (Orthodox Unity and Perfect Realization).
Chinese Folk Religions
- Originated in shamanism during the Shang dynasty; predates Confucianism and Taoism.
- Encompasses ancestor and deity worship, fortune telling, and supernatural beliefs.
- Folk deities include goddess Mazu (sea), Caishen (wealth), and Guanyin (mercy).
- Practices often blend elements from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and folk beliefs.
Overlapping Beliefs and Practices
- Traditions are deeply intertwined; many Chinese simultaneously engage in multiple beliefs and rituals.
- Festivals like the Ullambana and Zhongyuan combine ancestor veneration with Buddhist and Taoist rituals.
- Most Chinese do not identify formally with a religion but participate in related practices.
Key Rituals and Practices
- Filial piety and ancestor worship are foundational; involves grave visits, offerings, and rituals.
- Burning incense is common in veneration of deities and ancestors.
- Choosing auspicious days, fengshui, and carrying lucky charms are widespread customs.
- Deity worship includes gods, immortals, and spirits; gods may be human heroes deified over time.
Social and Governmental Context
- Traditional beliefs are often classified as custom or superstition (mixin), especially by authorities.
- Confucianism guides moral values; about two-thirds of Chinese see it as vital for moral restoration.
- Government recognizes Taoism and Buddhism as official religions but marginalizes folk religions.
Religious Sites and Demographics
- Official data lists 34,000 Buddhist and 9,000 Taoist temples; Confucian temples are fewer and mainly symbolic.
- Folk religious sites are numerous but undercounted due to lack of official recognition.
- Women and older adults are more engaged in folk practices, while men more often perform gravesite rites.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Confucianism — Chinese ethical and philosophical system based on Confucius's teachings.
- Taoism (Daojiao) — Religious tradition centered on living in harmony with the Tao, or universal order.
- Folk Religion (Minjian Xinyang) — Indigenous Chinese spiritual practices, blending shamanism, ancestor worship, and deity veneration.
- Filial Piety (Xiao) — Respect and duty toward one's parents and ancestors.
- Tian — The concept of "heaven" as a divine power guiding fate and destiny.
- Fengshui — Practice of arranging environment harmoniously with supernatural forces.
- Mixing (Ling/Lingyan) — The efficacy of rituals or deities in fulfilling worshippers’ requests.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the key differences and overlaps between Confucianism, Taoism, folk religions, and Buddhism.
- Read Chapter 3 for more on Buddhism in China.