CONFUCIANISM

• Confucianism is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture.

• A complete ideological system created by Confucius, based on the traditional
culture of the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties.
• Confucianism has dominated 2000 years old feudal society
• Thus, its influence over the history, social structure and the people of China.
LIFE OF CONFUCIUS
• Confucius, the greatest influence over the Chinese character.
• He was an intellect with morality, great educationist & unsuccessful politician
• He pursued truth, kindness and perfection throughout his life
• Confucius' career as a teacher and philosopher was brilliant and full of
achievements.
• He promoted the ideas "to educate all despite their social status" and "to
teach according to the students' characteristics".
• The first of these broke with tradition as only the aristocracy had the privilege
of education.
• Confucius also proposed a complete set of principles concerning study. He
said, "Studying without thinking leads to confusion; thinking without
studying leads to laziness."
• Imparting knowledge was only part of his teaching; he was a living example
of the concepts he promoted and this had a deep and lasting influence upon
his disciples
• He died of illness at the age of 73.
• His students treated him as father and wore the willow for three years.
• Zigong, one of the famous disciples, set up a cabinet near his tomb and
stayed there for six years to mourn his beloved teacher.
• Confucius could never have dreamed that his lonely tomb would develop into
the large Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin) and that his ideological system
would become the norm for Chinese society.
• . Confucius' private life was a model of his doctrines. The Analects of
Confucius’ words were collected and recorded for posterity by his disciples.
• as "The Analects", one of the most important of all the Chinese classics.
•  Background of Confucianism
• Confucius' proposal was to discipline oneself and to revive the ethics of
Zhou Dynasty. Therefore, he brought forward a series of norms, which step
by step developed into Confucianism.
• Confucianism was further developed by Mencius (372B.C.-289B.C.)& Xun Zi.
• It was in the reign of Emperor Wu during the Han Dynasty that Confucianism
was promoted to being the state ideology.
• Since then, Confucianism became the orthodox doctrine of Chinese society
& Confucius was glorified as a Saint instead of an ordinary man.
• In the coming Wei and Jin Dynasties, Confucianism coexisted with Buddhism
and Taoism.
• Up to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the struggle for dominance between the
three became heated.
• The Song Dynasty witnessed a vital period of the development of
Confucianism.
• Featuring Confucian school of idealist philosophy of the Song and Ming
dynasties, Confucianism restored its orthodox role for the following 700
years.
• In recent years people can look at Confucianism with a more rational state of
mind, some even suggest returning to Confucianism for wisdom while
opponents hold that Confucianism should be held responsible for the
backwardness of China's development and for that reason its dominance
should not be revived.
• Many scholars devote themselves to the study of Confucianism and its
application to modern society.
• Such study is important as the Chinese language has experienced
considerable changes over the centuries and the lack of any punctuation in
the ancient classics has made it difficult for us to fully comprehend
Confucius' ideology.
• Confucianism is succinct as well as intensive.
• It is not a religion but more a doctrine than belief.
• Confucianism is part of world cultural heritage and an integral part of
Chinese life.
 TAOISM
• Taoism originated in prehistoric China & has exerted a powerful influence
over Chinese culture throughout the ages.
• Taoism evolved in response to changing times, its doctrine and associated
practices revised and refined
• Taoism alternately enjoyed periods of favor and rejection by the ruling class .
• Recently, Taoism has emerged from suppression & is undergoing a revival in
China.
• CHRONOLOGY OF TAOISM
• Taoism's origins may be traced to prehistoric Chinese religions in China.
• Early Taoism is corelated with ancient picture writing, which they associate
with mysticism and ancestor worship.
• In the early Han Dynasty, the Taoist teachings were interpreted in light of the
quest for immortality.
• During the Three Kingdoms Period, (220–265), the main focus was on
reconciling Confucian thought with Taoist thought.
• The compatibility with Confucian & Buddhist ideas that later entered China,
ensured that Taoism would remain an important aspect of Chinese culture,
and made the merging of the three religions easier in later periods, such as
the Tang dynasty.
• During the period of Six Dynasties (316–589), major scriptures were produced
including "Supreme Clarity" (365–370) and "Sacred Treasure" scriptures
(397–402).
• Taoism gained official status in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907).
• However, it was forced to compete with Confucianism and Buddhism, its
major rivals, for patronage and rank.
• Emperor Xuanzong (685–762), who ruled at the height of the Tang, wrote
commentaries on texts from all three of these traditions, which exemplifies
the fact that in many people's lives they were not mutually exclusive.
• This marks the beginning of a long-lived tendency within imperial China, in
which the government supported (and simultaneously regulated) all three
movements.
• Several Song emperors (960–1279), most notably Huizong, were active in
promoting Taoism, by collecting and publishing Taoist texts
• The Quanzhen school of Taoism was founded during this period,
• The Song Dynasty saw an increasingly complex interaction between the elite
traditions of organised Taoism as practised by ordained Taoist ministers
(daoshi) and the local traditions of folk religion as practised by spirit
mediums (wu) and a new class of non-ordained ritual experts known as fashi.
• This interaction manifested itself in the integration of 'converted' local deities
into the bureaucratically organised Taoist pantheon and the emergence of
new exorcistic rituals, including the Celestial Heart Rites and the Thunder
Rites.
• Aspects of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were consciously
synthesised in the Neo-Confucian school, which eventually became Imperial
orthodoxy for state bureaucratic purposes.
• In 1406, Ming emperor (1368–1644) Zhu Di commanded that all Taoist texts be
collected and combined into a new version of the Daozang. The text was
finally finished in 1447, and took nearly forty years to complete.
• The fall of the Ming Dynasty and the subsequent establishment of the Qing
Dynasty (1644–1912) resulted in a movement called Hanxue, or 'National
Studies.'
• This movement returned the Confucian classics to favor and completely
rejected Taoism.
• By the beginning of the twentieth century, Taoism had fallen so much from
favor that only one complete copy of the Daozang still remained, at the White
Cloud Monastery in Beijing.
• Guomindang (Chinese Nationalist Party) (1912–1949) leaders embraced
science, modernity, and Western culture, including (to some extent)
Christianity.
• Viewing the popular religion as reactionary and parasitic, they confiscated
some temples for public buildings, and otherwise attempted to control
traditional religious activity.
• The Communist Party of China, officially atheistic, initially suppressed
Taoism along with other religions.
• During the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, many Taoist temples and
sites were damaged and Monks and priests were sent to labor camps.
• Persecution of Taoists stopped in 1979, and many Taoists began reviving
their traditions.
• Subsequently, many of the more scenic temples and monasteries have been
repaired and reopened.
• Taoism is one of five religions recognised by the PRC, which regulates its
activities through the China Taoist Association.
• Sensitive areas include the relationship of the Zhengyi Taoists with their
sect's lineage-holder, who lives in Taiwan, and various traditional temple
activities such as astrology and shamanism, which have been criticised as
"superstitious“.
TAOISM IN THE WEST
• In the 1927-1944 the chief proponent of Taoism in the West was Professor
Henri Maspero in Paris. Michael Saso was the first westerner to be initiated
as a Taoist priest; he subsequently served also as co-editor of Taoist
Resources, the only English-language academic journal to be devoted
entirely to Taoism.
• Today, many Taoist organizations have been established in the West.
• Taoism is a traditional Chinese native religion. Laozi is the founder of this
religion. The Doctrine of Morality is regarded as their holy Bible.
Taoism was formally established in the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).
Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589) saw it become the legitimacy
religion like Buddhism in China, because it was supported by some emperors
for political reasons. Taoism welcomed its silver age from Tang Dynasty (618-
907) to Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Many sects were formed during
this period. Taoist temples were scattered all over the country and Taoist
masters came forth in great number. After Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Taoism
 CHINESE CIVILIZATION
(3rd CENTURY BC TO PRESENT DAY)
THE XIA, SHANG & ZHOU DYNASTIES OF EARLY CHINA

• Early Chinese civilization developed along the same lines as that of ancient
Egypt and Mesopotamia .
• Between 7000 and 5000 B.C.E. agricultural villages appeared and grew along
the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers .
• Ancient Chinese history is marked by three successive dynasties that would
become the roots of Chinese culture and civilization.
• Little is known about the Xia Dynasty(2200-1766 B.C.E.), the first of these
dynasties. 
• The Shang Dynasty(1766-1122 B.C.E.) built on the base established by its
predecessor, with the help of various technological advances, including
bronze metallurgy and horse-drawn chariots.
• The Zhou Dynasty(1122-256 B.C.E.) expanded upon Shang
accomplishments. 
• One of the Zhou Dynasty’s best known achievements was articulation of the
concept of the Mandate of Heaven as a justification for the overthrow of an
unpopular and/or unsuccessful dynasty.  
• These three dynasties established many of the threads of Chinese
civilization.
 CHINESE CIVILIZATION
(3rd CENTURY BC TO PRESENT DAY)
CHRONOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT
• Early Chinese civilization developed along the same lines as that of ancient
Egypt and Mesopotamia .
• Between 7000 and 5000 B.C.E. agricultural villages appeared and grew along
the Hwang Ho (Yellow) and Yangtze Rivers .
• Ancient Chinese history is marked by successive dynasties that became the
roots of Chinese culture and civilization.
• The series of dynasties
1. Shang Dynasty
2. Chou Dynasty
3. Chin Dynasty
4. Han Dynasty
5. Jin Dynasty
6. Tang Dynasty
7. Sung Dynasty
8. Yuan Dynasty
9. Ming Dynasty
10. Ching Dynasty

• During Shang Dynasty, science & astronomy developed with invention of

lunar calander
• Shang method of planning towns in square is still in use
• Shang traded in bronze tools & introduced money in the form of cowrie
shells
• During the Chou period, Bronze age came to an end, Iron came into use
• Confucius’ thoughts inaugurated the twilight of old feudalism
• Liu Pang took over the Chinese tyrany & established Han dynasty which
made rapid progress in food, science & technology
• An imperial university was established for the study of Confucian classics
• Education was greatly assisted by the invention of paper, ink & brushes.
• The deteriorating state of peasants resulted in revolution, end of Han dynasty
• The country was united for a short period in Jin dynasty, but the last ruler
was assassinated in 618 AD resulting into the establishment of Tang dynasty.
PHYSICAL CONTEXT
• The country is mountainous, vast fertile valleys in S- E, great plains in North.
• Central plain between two rivers Hwang Ho & Yangtze, hence a thick deposit
of soil called loess found abundantly, helpful for agriculture to a great extent
• Many natural harbours, which promoted trade & commerce, art & culture
• Coal is abundant, red sand stone & limestone is available
• Timber used for roof & columns, roofs usually covered with coloured clay
tiles
• Climate varies, summer, winters & rains. Climatic conditions have partially
affected the architecture.
• Houses & temples have characteristic Ting roof & Irimoya gable which
slightly bends upwards.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Architecture influenced by Buddhist architecture, temples, tomb buildings
followed the same plan as in India
• Temple approached by gateway, then courtyard and portico with timber roofs
• Openings are square headed.
• Pai Lous the ceremonial gateways are the characteristic feature of this style.
• Windows are rectangular in shape lined with oyster shell to prevent sun glare
• The roofs are steep and carved eaves are enriched with crestal
ornamentation such as fantastic dragon.
• The roofs ar placed one over the other which made the lower storeys cool
• Roofs are concave in shape, covered with enamelled pantiles of S shape set
in mortar
• Method of constructing columns quite reverse of commonly used system
• They put columns under the roof instead of putting roof on columns
• Columns were without capital, simple moldings are provided in brackets
supporting the roofs.
• Due to heavy rainfall, ‘Irimoya’ style of gabled roofs: bent slightly upward &
covered with coloured tiles
• Ridges and eaves of roofs are enriched with coloured dragons, fishes, etc.
• Chinese excel in the art of porcelain ware, ivory and wood carvings
• The surfaces are painted with scenes, flowers and birds
• Since 1949, there has been a vast development in China. It clearly indicates
the total departure from the old Chinese tradition & adaptation of Western
style in modern materials like steel, concrete etc.
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
• The Great Wall of China is a collection of short walls
that follow the crest of hills on the southern edge of
the Mongolian plain.
• Extends about 8,850 km(5,500 miles).
• A first set of walls, designed to keep Mongol
nomads out of China, were built of earth and stones
in wood frames during the Qin Dynasty (221-206
BCE).
• Some additions and modifications were made to
these simple walls over the next millennium but the
major construction of the "modern" walls began in
the Ming Dynasty (1388-1644 CE).
• The Ming fortifications were established in new
areas from the Qin walls. They were up to 25 feet
(7.6 meters) high, 15 to 30 feet (4.6 to 9.1 meters)
wide at the base, and from 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7
meters) wide at the top (wide enough for marching
troops or wagons). At regular intervals, guard
stations and watch towers were established.
• Since the Great Wall was discontinuous, Mongol
invaders had no trouble breaching the wall by going
around it, so the wall proved unsuccessful and was
eventually abandoned.
• Additionally, a policy of mollification during the
subsequent Ching Dynasty that sought to pacify the
Mongol leaders through religious conversion also
helped to limit the need for the wall.
• Through Western contact with China from the 17th
through 20th centuries, the legend of the Great Wall of
China grew along with tourism to the wall.
• Restoration and rebuilding took place in the 20th
century and in 1987 the Great Wall of China was made
a World Heritage Site.
• Today, a portion of the Great Wall of China about 50
miles (80 km) from Beijing receives thousands of
tourists each day.
CITY PLANNING PRINCIPLES
• Structure of individual buildings built up from a
few simple and standardized elements and
conceptions,
• Similarly Chinese city planning is based upon a
few simple principles and practices.
• They appeared early in the tradition and were
applied very widely, whether to the plan of a little
homestead, the layout of a temple, a palace or a
city ensemble.
• These were:
(a) walled enclosure (b) axiality (c) north-south
orientation (d) the courtyard.
• The word for 'city' and 'wall'--ch'eng--was the
same. But not merely was a city walled; the
principal internal parts of a city were walled, as in
Peking, where the 'Imperial City' was a walled
enclosure within the 'Inner City' and the 'Palace'
was a walled enclosure within that again.
• Every important ensemble of buildings and spaces
was a walled enclosure in itself and if large
enough would be composed of separate walled
enclosures.
• The Palace was a labyrinth of walled enclosures. Not only a temple, a library, a
tomb, would be walled enclosures; a 'house' was a walled enclosure
• Within the walls, or sometimes forming part of the walls, buildings,
usually rectangular on plan and more usually of one storey than of two
or more, were planned around a courtyard or series of courtyards, with
every important building having its long side facing south, with subsidiary,
often lower, buildings on the east and west sides and any series of important
buildings standing behind one another in a north-south

GREAT GOOSE PAGODA, CHINA

• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, is a Buddhist pagoda
located in southern Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China.
• Built in 652 BC during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories,
although the structure was rebuilt in 704 BC during the reign of Empress Wu
Zetian
• Its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty.
• One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the
Buddha,brought to China from India byBuddhist translator and traveler
Xuanzang.
SURROUNDINGS & HISTORY
• The original pagoda was built during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang
(r. 649-683), then standing at a height of 54 m (177 ft).
• However, this construction of rammed earth with a stone exterior facade
eventually collapsed five decades later.
• However, a massive earthquake in 1556 heavily
damaged the pagoda and reduced it by three
stories, to its current height of seven stories.
• The entire structure leans very perceptibly
(several degrees) to the west.
• Its related structure, the 8th century Small Wild
Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, only suffered minor
damage in the 1556 earthquake (still unrepaired to
this day).
• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was extensively
repaired during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and
renovated again in 1964. The pagoda currently
stands at a height of 64 m (210 ft) tall and from the
top it offers views over the current city of Xi'an.
• During the Tang Dynasty the pagoda was located
within the grounds of a monastery, within a walled
ward of the larger southeastern sector of the city,
then known as Chang'an.
• The monastic grounds around the pagoda during
the Tang Dynasty had ten courtyards and a total
of 1,897 bays. In those days graduate students of
the Advanced Scholars examination in Chang'an
inscribed their names at this monastery.
SMALL GOOSE PAGODA
•Small Wild Goose Pagoda is one of two significant pagodas in
the city of Xi'an, the site of the old Han and Tang capital
Chang'an.
•Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built between 707–709, during
the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Zhongzong (r 705–710).
•The pagoda stood 45 m (147 ft) until the 1556 Shaanxi
earthquake.
•The earthquake shook the pagoda and damaged it so that it now
stands at a height of 43 m (141 ft) with fifteen levels of tiers.
•Pagoda has brick frame built around hollow interior, its square
base & shape reflect building style of other pagodas from the
era.
•During Tang Dynasty, Small Wild Goose Pagoda stood across a
street from its mother temple, the Dajianfu Temple.
•Pilgrims brought sacred Buddhist writings to the temple and
pagoda from India, for translating Buddhist texts.
•The temple was older than the pagoda, since it was founded in
684, exactly 100 days afterdeath of Emperor Gaozong (r. 649–
683).
•Emperor Zhongzong had donated his residence to the building
of a new temple here, maintaining the temple for 200 monks in
honor of his deceased father Gaozong.
• The temple was originally called the Daxianfusi or Great
Monastery of Offered Blessings by Zhongzong, until it was