Religion

New Confucianism

• West Han, the New Confucianism of Dong Zhongshu was in a position that was incontestable.

  The Belief of New Confucianism

  • the heaven and human are closely linked
  • The emperor must follow providence
  • All other religions must be banned
  • Only law can unite

• East Han, Wang Chao objected to the religion that centered on Heaven and the belief that ghosts existed. This new belief is a materialistic thinking.
  • Everything is made of pneuma. Pneuma is an impersonal matter.
  • Spirits are dependent of its body.

The Spread of Buddhism

• At the end of West Han, Buddhism spread to China. Two hierarchs came to China to lecture and help spread Buddhism.
• Empeor Ming of East Han built for these two hierarchs at the site where they used to live the temple of White Horse.

Taoism

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