Ask Saint Latest Questions

  1. Following the general concept of "Chinese religion", we may say that it includes a bundle of differing beliefs and practices concerning the spirit world that has developed within Chinese culture over many centuries. Chinese religion is not a single, mixed system like some Western religions, but rathRead more

    Following the general concept of “Chinese religion”, we may say that it includes a bundle of differing beliefs and practices concerning the spirit world that has developed within Chinese culture over many centuries. Chinese religion is not a single, mixed system like some Western religions, but rather surrounds a range of traditions, including:

    1. Taoism (Daoism): Taoism or Daoism is one of the major traditional religion in China. It insists that followers agree with the Tao. It includes practices such as sitting on a pillow in a lotus position, making potions, and performing ritual worship.

    2. Confucianism: It is more of a philosophy than a religion. Confucianism has had strong religious features that it enunciated through value systems, ethics, and morality.

    3. Buddhism: As the Chinese received Buddhism from India sometime in the 1st century CE, it meant a great deal in their religious thoughts. Not only Chinese Buddhism is combined with other Buddhist traditions but it also has some traces of Chinese elements.

    4. Folk Religion: It involves a traditional culture of different local and regional groups whereby ancestors, gods, and spirits are worshipped. Chinese use certain objects for good well and to ensure protection.

    5. Syncretic Practice: The Chinese generally follow traditional religious practices that are syncretic, meaning that they are a blend of ideas from several traditions such as Taoism, Confucianism, Buddha, and folk belief.

    People mostly find themselves in the situation of practicing the respective traditions and ceremonies that coexist. Also, people may often become to take participate in this multiple religious practice. Both of these components play an important role in Chinese religious life.

    See less