Nat Geo Grade 7 Chapter 8 Section 1.2

The Chinese embraced both Buddhism as a popular religion and Confucianism as a moral philosophy. Lesson 1.2 compares these two belief systems and their influence on early China.

Buddhism, originating in India, became more popular in China after the fall of the Han dynasty but did not displace Confucianism completely. At this time in history, Wendi used Confucianism to strengthen his government and to unify China. However, he also promoted Buddhism for his people, who found it a comfort against suffering and gave them hope. Both beliefs emphasize good moral conduct, and people in East Asia have no problem blending the two.

Chinese Buddhism The branch of Buddhism mainly practiced in East Asia is Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that ordinary people can be released from suffering without having to become monks or nuns. Buddhists in East Asia created many large sculptures of the Buddha and other wise beings called bodhisattvas (bah-dee-SAHT-vahs). Buddhist temples are similar to Confucian and Daoist temples, and many contain deities from both Buddhist and Daoist traditions. Many Chinese Buddhist temples feature pagodas.