contain strong influences from Chinese folkРreligion, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. ChineseРfolk religion, the oldest of the four, pays homage toРancestors who watch from afar and guide the lives of thoseРstill living on earth. In the fifth century B.C., the philosopherРConfucius introduced his ideas, which stressed fulfillingРobligations and maintaining proper conduct. AlthoughРConfucianism is not a religion, its influence is deeplyРingrained in Chinese ideas about behavior and government.Р Between 600–300 B.C. Taoism emerged. At first, it was aРphilosophy that encouraged people to seek harmony withРthe Tao, or the Way, a nature force. Later, it evolved into aРreligious system involving many gods, goddesses, spirits,Рghosts, demons, magical powers, and the quest forРimmortality.Р 7
全文预览
