The Evolution of Chinese Religion: From Monotheism to Polytheism
There are few well known religions in China such as Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. The belief in Oneness of God was there before the existence of religion in Chinese society. Chinese community believe the existence of one God which is Shang Di before the arise of Confucianism and Taoism philosophy. The Chinese historian, Sima Qian wrote in his book entitled Shi Ji state:“Shang Di is another name for Tian. The spirits do not have two Lords”[1]
Shang Di (上帝) or Tian (天) is the name of a God in Chinese community believed since a long time ago. It does not have any image, picture or statue in a form of idols. Furthermore, it is an entity that is not the same as human beings.
Chinese community understand it through characters of letters such as hanzi 上帝 and 天. Tian (天) symbolised the concept monotheism, due to the Chinese word character of hanzi for Tian (天) is a combination of two Hanzi characters which are Da (大) dan Yi ( 一). Da means the All-Mighty while Yi means Oneness. Two letters is formed for Tian which means the Sky and Heaven. It indicates the God is at the sky.
That is the reason why the ancient Chinese community worship one God and around the year 2000 BC - 800 BC, the doctrine of Shamanism and fortune teller was developed in China. Then the believes was influenced by the Taoism religion which came later on such as the usage of talisman and mantra to fight against the supernatural and binding spells in order to cure the one affected. But the earliest Taoism belief do not teach these particularly rituals.[2]
Existence of Confucianism and Taoism Philosophy
There were a lot of war and coup between small states during the classic era around 700 BC – 220 BC hence created the need towards political and strategy advice. However, they also focused on social development and the era which new leaders appeared such as Lao Zhi ( 604 BC – 531 BC) and Kongfu Zi (551 BC – 479 BC).[3]
Both of them brought their own philosophy for the purpose of social development. Both philosophy brought the believe that was well influenced even the concept of God was influenced by the concept of god in ancient Chinese community.
God term used between Lao zi and Kongfu Zi have a few differences mainly inside the form of characters letter of Hanzi and the definition of the letter. According to Lao Zi in his book entitled Dao De Ching used the term Dao (道) which indicates God.[4] Besides, according to Kongfu zi, he used the term Tian (天) inside the book to indicate God too. Both of them used the term which was used by the ancient Chinese community to described God. Even both terms for God was not made into image or idols. They believed that God is one and only.
Outside influence towards the concept of God
Buddhism came from India then entered into China and expanded around the year in 240 BC which is the era under the ruling of King Asoka in India. Buddhism remain in China in first 10 AD.[5] There are various types of Buddhism over there such as Theravada, Yogacara, Vajrayana and Mahayana.
The teachings of Lao zi and Kongzi also developed and expanded in China. Even though there was innovation in the teachings. The teaching that was brought by Lao zi or known as Taoism gave a huge impact to the shamanism doctrine which was by the ancient Chinese community while the teaching of Kongfu zi did not impacted the Shamanism influence.
Syncretism or mixing of and believed occurred in the teaching of Taoism. The evolution of Taoism from philosophy to religion in the year between 20 BC – 600 AD.
A well known Taoist figure called Zhang Daoling. He became first person who embed and strengthened the system into Taoism whereas the founder, Lao Tze did not introduced the religion system according to Zhang Daoling. Taoism made history when it became a religion through the formation of religious leader, set of rituals, scriptures and a lot of followers.
Taoism firstly became well known in the era of dynasty Han (25 AD-219 AD) when shamanism influenced was less practiced in the castle. In year 150 AD, the kings built a temple of kings specifically to performed the official ceremony as an honour towards the purification of Lao zi. Aligning with the belief on purification thus followed by the need to increase the rank of Laozi to the highest level of God.
During the era of dynasty Tang (618 AD - 907 AD), the royal family indicted the ancestry of Laozi for having the same family name, Li 李. Therefore, Taoism have achieved an official status under his ruling. Moreover, Gaozong King make Dai De Jing scriptures as one of the compulsory subject for the people who set for the public services examination.
If it is measure in terms of historical Taoism practices, the figure that is worthy to be given credit as the founder of Taoism is Zhang Daoling.[7] Zhang Ling is his real name and He was born in South of China in a place which strong shamanism was at that time.[8]
According to the legend, he succeed in finishing the whole classic text of Dao de Jing.[9]. During his adulthood, he went on exploring the Sichuan territory to undergo the ascetic life and to seek knowledge on religion. In the year 142 AD, he professed of an event that occurred which changes his life. A god appeared from the sky then came face to face with him in an awake state (yaqazhah), then gifted him with the power to do miracles and elevate his title to Tianshi (Heaven Master). The god is said to be the resemblance of Laozi and is known as the elder of the highest greatness (太上老君).
Jumping-off point from the event, Zhang Daoling have established the movement of Tianshi Dao (School of Heaven Master) in Sichuan territory. It also known as Wudoumi Dao 五斗米道 (Way of The Five Pecks of Rice) because the criteria of acceptance of a member is by giving tax five dou (1 dou =10kg) rice or items which have the same quantity.
Besides, Tianshi Dao has an well organized organization structure such as hierarchy of religious leader, record system of supernatural, talisman, moral principal, studying the classic text of Dao de Jing and etc. Furthermore, in the earliest era, it consist of twenty four states ruled under the Sichuan territory.
Under the leadership of his grandchild, Zhang Lu the movement later became militancy thus launching a rebel in the year 189 AD but they surrendered peacefully to Cao Cao (曹操). Cao Cao (曹操) was a warlord in the year (155AD – 220AD). Therefore, the movement indirectly exist until now.
Taoism brought by Zhang Daoling was easily accepted due to the fact that the people at that time are strong followers of shamanism and animism. The movement lead by Zhang Daoling have influence the Taoism we know today. As an example, the religious rituals whereby Zhang Daoling popularized the usage of talisman which is still practice until today. Usually the necklace is in the form of a yellow paper and written using Chinese characters, the meaning are kept as secret.[10]
Even the belief of worshipping gods and goddess was embedded into Taoism to a point where they included many idols, gods and goddess in their worship. Whereas the reality of earliest leader did not introduce the such practices and beliefs.
Mixing of Beliefs Occurred
Lastly, the Chinese community incorporated all four beliefs into their practices. There are times where they practice Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and also Chinese traditional beliefs. Besides that, they also practice Feng Shui and etc.
This mixing of beliefs is called as syncretism among the religions. According to them, all the four religion is compensate with each other. If they want the understanding of philosophy and moral, they will refer to Confucianism and if they want spiritual and balance between two worlds, they will refer to Taoism. These are the way they practiced the religions until now.
Conclusion
It is recorded in history that the ancient Chinese community worship one God that does not have an image nor given birth to but later on the practiced of worshipping Gods and Goddesses were added on into Taoism. Even though, the founder himself did not introduce this way of worship. It was created by the people later on.
Lastly, Chinese community consider that all religion that exist till the classic era is important and is practiced synchronously.
Key Note
[1] Refer to Sima Qian (-). Shi Ji, volume 28, book 6, pg 624
[2] Refer to Eva Wong, (2011). Taoism An Essential Guide, Shambhala Publications, London, pg 11-19
[3] Ibid, pg 20-30/ refer to Cao Dawei & Sun Yanjing, (2010). China’s History, China Intercontinental Press, Beijing, pg 44-45
[4] Refer to the scriptures of Dao Te Ching chapter 4: Xiang Di Zhi Xian, chapter 25: Dao De Zhen Mian Mu, chapter 39: Dao De Gen Ben. And refer to scriptures of Kongfu zi dalam The Anaclets 3: 13, 9: 5, 16: 8, 14: 35
[5] Refer to Milon Nandy, (1996). The Profund Teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism & Shintoism, Eurasia-Pasific Books, Ampang, pg 34
[6] Refer to Eva Wong, (2011). Taoism An Essential Guide, Shambhala Publications, London, pg 34
[7] Refer to Herman, J. (2013). Taoism For Dummies. Mississauga, Canada: John Wiley & Sons Canada pg 75/ refer to Palmer, M. (2000). T’ung Shu. Kuala Lumpur: Vinpress, pg 82.
[8] Refer to Eva Wong, (2011). Taoism An Essential Guide, Shambhala Publications, London, pg 34
[9] Refer to Palmer, M. (2000). T’ung Shu. Kuala Lumpur: Vinpress, pg 82
[10] Refer to Milon Nandy, (1996). The Profund Teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism & Shintoism, Eurasia-Pasific Books, Ampang, pg 59
MRM's R&D Team
同時也有10000部Youtube影片,追蹤數超過2,910的網紅コバにゃんチャンネル,也在其Youtube影片中提到,...
lead member meaning 在 玳瑚師父 Master Dai Hu Facebook 的精選貼文
【玳瑚師父佛學論】 《相聚與分離皆是緣》
Gatherings & Farewells Are Just Affinity At Play (English)
有首歌的歌詞,相當有意思,特恭錄之以勉勵大家,早日看清這「緣」字,打開心門讓陽光照進來,雨過天晴,清清朗朗。歌中唱到:別管以後將如何結束,至少我們曾經相聚過。吾認為這兩句歌詞,實足以撫平親朋戚友的「離去」,以及夫妻與情侶,緣盡分離的內心創傷。利益眾生的方法,就是佛法。這首歌的作詞人,在不知不覺中,也就行了「菩提」。大家不妨仿效之,創作一首解壓的歌曲,比如,當我們同在一起,真快樂無比.......
生離死別,是世間的眾苦之一。吾,玳瑚師父,早已「領教」過這一苦。那是不是從今以後,吾再也不會經歷這種苦呢?答案是,不是的。我們祇要一天還有世緣,依然還是會碰到這種苦。就拿吾來說吧!時至今日,吾也還不是得飽受徒弟與學生的叛離。這其實也是一種「生離死別」啊!走過某間咖啡屋,走過某間餐館,走過某個地方,似乎有隻形影不離的榔頭,欲悄悄地敲痛吾的心,痛苦一般可見。但還好,吾是一位實修的行者,除去七情六欲,是吾一生的功課。傷過、痛過、哭過,更能引領廣大眾生,邁進康莊大道。
妳你與三兩好友,正想合資做生意,什麼時候開業,什麼時候結業,在妳你們的八字裡,已有「伏藏」的密碼。當中當然不祇這些八字裡的「伏藏」,亦含蓋身體的健康指數,富貴與貧賤,丁貴與否,夫妻有否百夜恩,等等。那為何一個人的八字能夠「顯示」這麼多的資訊呢?有句成語說得極是,那就是:若要人不知,除非己莫為。我們所做的一切,就是一因子,因緣俱足下,就成了果。
在真正學佛人的眼裡,來討債的也好,來報恩的也好,善緣也好,逆緣也罷!隨她他來,隨她他去,這樣心才能普空寂,一切的因因果果,亦才能停止。心即是明鏡台,此時就如《金剛經》裡的無我相、無人相、無眾生相、無壽者相,一切明明白白,正如大日照破無明。但,現今的妳你,必需要有相聚與分離皆是緣的基礎心念。
-----------------
There is a verse in a song which I find particularly meaningful, and I would like to share it with everyone as a form of encouragement. I hope you will finally see clearly the true meaning of affinity and open up your heart to let in the rays of the sun, forming a clarity as clear and bright as the after-rain. In the song, one verse reads, "It does not matter how it might end in the future, at least we were together once." In my opinion, this verse is fully capable of soothing any grief and hurt from the departure of a family member or friend, as well as the emotional pain and sorrow from the breakup of a marriage or relationship. The Dharma is present in all things beneficial for the sentient beings. The lyricist of this song has inadvertently performed a deed of compassion. Everyone can learn from him, and compose similar songs that relieve sufferings. For example, "When we get together, how merry we all are..."
Separation between loved ones in life or death is one of the sufferings for all sentient beings. Master Dai Hu has long experienced this suffering. Does it mean that from now on, I am not going to live through this suffering again? The answer is NO. As long as we are still connected by affinity to this world, we are bound to encounter this suffering. Take myself for example, I had to live through the agony of the betrayal of disciples and students. This is also a kind of separation suffering! Walking past a certain coffee house, a certain restaurant, a certain place, there seemed to be an invisible hammer hitting my heart silently and painfully. Fortunately, I am a true practitioner, with a lifetime mission to rid myself of the seven emotions and six desires. After the hurt, pain and tears, I am more equipped to lead all sentient beings and forge ahead, onto the glorious Path.
When you and a couple of friends strike upon a new business idea, the key to the crucial questions of when to start the business, when to exit, etc, are already hidden in the birth charts of your partners and yourself. Of course, there are more hidden information in a birth chart: indicators concerning your health, wealth, descendants, marriage, etc. Why is it possible that a birth chart can reveal so much about oneself? I would like to share a well-said Chinese saying, "The best way to hide a misdeed is not to commit it." Our every action is like a planting a seed which, under adequate conditions, shall ripen into the fruit.
In the eyes of a true Buddhist practitioner, it makes no difference if a karmic debtor or a karmic benefactor appears, be it a kindred affinity or a difficult one, let it all rest! They can come and go as they like. Only in this state of mind can the mind be unbound and unattached. Only this enlightened state can put an end to the unrelenting causes and effects. When enlightened, your heart is like a mirror, as put forth in the Diamond Sutra, that do not abide in the notion of self, person, sentient being and life span. Everything becomes crystal clear, like the rays of the Sun that have fully penetrated the darkness of ignorance. But at this moment in time, you must have this basic foundation to realise that all gatherings and farewells are just but affinity.
In the eyes of a true Buddhist practitioner, it makes no difference if a karmic debtor or a karmic benefactor appears. Be it a kindred affinity or a difficult one, let it all rest! They shall come and go as they like. Only in this state of mind can the mind be unbound and unattached. Only this enlightened state can put an end to the unrelenting causes and effects. When enlightened, your heart is like a mirror, as put forth in the Diamond Sutra, that does not abide in the notion of self, person, sentient being and life span. Everything becomes crystal clear, like the rays of the Sun that have fully penetrated the darkness of ignorance. But at this moment in time, you must have this basic understanding that all gatherings and farewells are just affinity at play.
www.masterdaihu.com/gatherings-farewells-are-just-affinity-at-play/