- 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.
- During East Han, Shuchang Yong and Zaji Yong were lively and exquisite. They are the jewels of Chinese sculpture.
- Shuchang Yong and Zaji Yong were all little figures. Shuchang Yong usually depict laughing and singing figures. Zaji yongs usually depict figures doing acrobatics.
- Painting techniques were also advanced. Images from tombs, wall images etc are all exquisitely drawn and the colors brightly painted.
Above: Shuchang Yong and Zaji Yong