If you rely on the extant sources, the religion of ancient China began to emerge as early as the 3rd century BC.e.The earliest religious concepts manifested in the form of ancestor worship and divination rituals.In contrast to the beliefs of other countries, East - based on the worship of real-life personalities, most emperors.
ancient inhabitants under heaven believed sky - this is the only supreme deity, and the rulers of the country - it is the sons of Heaven.Deeply religious people were afraid to get out of favor "superior intelligence", and therefore showed a deep reverence and unquestioning obedience to the emperor.Just respect they belonged to the ruler of relatives, seeking thereby to somehow get closer to heaven.
ancient Chinese philosophy (Confucianism, Taoism) and it is also a religion.For several centuries, these religious have been officially recognized by the state.This is quite unique, due to the development of philosophy in the first place, insulated China from other countries, that is, the absence of outside influence.
development philosophy can be divided into two phases: the period of origin, which began in the 8th century BC.e., and the height of that falls on 4 and 3rd century BCSimultaneously with the development of highly spiritual thoughts occurred and development of civilization.The confrontation of different ideas in some way displayed the struggle between progressive forces and reactions of society, associated with the desire to preserve the traditions of the past.As a result of the struggle antagonistskih views formed two main directions of the spiritual sphere - idealistic and materialistic.
Confucianism
This philosophy and religion of ancient China was based on the teachings of Confucius - the sage who lived in the 6-5 century BCThe main aspects of life thinker thought of duty and humanity, meaning these concepts modesty, moderation, justice, love for others, selflessness, determination and moral obligations inherent in each "perfect man."The embodiment of that "perfect man," the teacher seen in the famous emperors - Shun, Yao and Yue.
From the 2nd century BC.e.Confucianism - is the official religion of ancient China.And over the next few centuries, the philosophy was the basis of public interest celestial empire.Future officials receive mandatory education built upon the teachings of the ancient sage.
status main religious Confucianism survived to the present day.The demand and influence of this philosophy is confirmed by the fact that even the leaders of the communist Chinese state have repeatedly appealed to the social and moral standards, established many centuries ago.
Taoism
This is another religion of ancient China, the importance of not conceding Confucianism.Its founder was a philosopher Lao Tzu - a contemporary of Confucius.
philosophy of Taoism is also very deep and interesting.The basis of the ancient scholars believe the concept of "Tao" - the path that is followed by all the world, including the world itself.This is the meaning and the spiritual foundation of all, beyond the reach of the senses and of human thought.Reflecting the Tao Te is - a clear phenomenon, which represents the moral law, which states the rules and norms of human relationships.The complex includes the religion of ancient China, and the third thing - Qi - is the life energy that fills a person, giving him the strength to follow the Tao Te observing all the rules.
doctrine of achieving blissful state by following the moral law of nature has found acceptance in the ranks of the state aristocracy.Due to this the impact of Taoism preserved throughout the Medieval period, harmoniously getting on with Confucianism.Today, the real religion of ancient China is very popular not only in the celestial empire, but also abroad.
