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Ancient China

Ancient China. 1. Geography. Two major rivers Chang Jiang aka Yangzi Huang He aka Yellow River Civilizations in China started in the river valleys of these two rivers Crops South The environment was suitable for rice North Suitable for wheat and millet. c. Isolated

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Ancient China

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  1. Ancient China

  2. 1. Geography • Two major rivers • Chang Jiang aka Yangzi • Huang He aka Yellow River • Civilizations in China started in the river valleys of these two rivers • Crops • South • The environment was suitable for rice • North • Suitable for wheat and millet

  3. c. Isolated • Much of China is covered with mountains, hills and desert • Helped protect China from invasion

  4. 2. Major Philosophies • Concept of the Mandate from Heaven • Political philosophy • Used to explain the fall of one dynasty and the rise of another • Stated that the gods would support a just ruler, but they would not allow anyone corrupt to hold power

  5. b. Confucianism • Based on the teachings of a man named Kongfuzi or Confucius • Confucius • Believed that people should treat one another humanely • Believed tat love and respect had disappeared and this was what was responsible for violence in a society • Believed that if respect for tradition was restored, society would again be stable and orderly

  6. iii. The Analects • A book written by Confucius • States that rulers should treat their subjects fairly • Subjects should in return reward their ruler with respect and loyalty • People need to respect the members of the family • It is the duty of all educated people to devote themselves to public service

  7. c. Daoism • Encourages people to retreat from the laws of society and yield to the laws of nature • Concept of the Dao or the way • Dao is the limitless force that is part of all creation

  8. iii. Embraces the concept of yin and yang • Represents the balancing aspect of nature • Neither can exist without the other • When in balance represents perfect harmony

  9. 3. Buddhism • Origins • Originated in India • Founder, is a man by the name of Siddhartha Gautama

  10. b. Teachings • Four Noble Truths • Suffering is a part of human life • No one can escape from suffering while alive • Suffering comes from people’s desires for pleasure and material goods • Overcoming these desires during life eventually brings suffering to an end • Desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path

  11. ii. The Eightfold Path • Right View • Accepting the reality of the Four Noble Truths • Right Attitude • Striving for moderation in all things • Right Speech • Avoiding lies, boasts and hurtful words • Right Action • Treating others fairly

  12. 5. Right livelihood • Avoiding jobs that could bring harm to others 6. Right effort • Constantly trying to improve oneself 7. Right mindfulness • Remaining aware of the world around you 8. Right Concentration • Ignoring temptation and discomfort while meditating

  13. ii. Nirvana • A state of perfect peace in which the soul would be free from suffering • Can be attained by following the Eightfold Path • If nirvana is not achieved you will be reborn and go through the cycles of suffering again

  14. iv. Middle Way • Another way of expressing The Eightfold Path • “Live in moderation, avoid extremes of either comfort or discomfort in the search for nirvana”

  15. c. 3 Divisions • Theravada (The Way of the Elders) • Oldest of the Buddhist traditions • Based on the Pali Canon • Oldest of the Buddhist Writings • Best way to attain nirvana is to become a monk or nun and spend all of one’s time in meditation

  16. ii. Mahayana • Taught that people can help each other find enlightenment • Incorporated text written after the Buddha’s lifetime • Bodhisattvas • People who have found enlightenment but have not passed yet • Help others find enlightenment

  17. iii. Tibetan Buddhism • Incorporates some of the many teachings with Mahayana • Believe you can use special techniques to harness spiritual energy and achieve nirvana in a single lifetime

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