China is an East Asian Country, situated in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. It is the world's most popular country, with a population of more than1.4 billion. Covering an area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers (37 million), it is the world's third or fourth largest country. The Country is officially divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, and four direct-controlled municipalities of Beijing (capital city), Tianjin, Shanghai (largest city), and Chongqing, as well as two special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau. China has 33 administrative units directly under the central government; these consist of 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities (Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), and 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau). The island province of Taiwan, which has been under separate administration since 1949, is discussed in the article Taiwan. Beijing (Peking), the capital of the People’s Republic, is also the cultural, economic, and communications centre of the country. Shanghai is the main industrial city; Hong Kong is the leading commercial centre and port.
China: Culture and TraditionChinese ReligionsConfucianism, Taoism and
Buddhism are the three major religions in China, although it is true to say
that Confucianism is a school of philosophy rather than a religion.
Buddhism In ChinaBuddhism is the most important religion in China. It is generally believed that it was spread to China in 67 AD during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220) from Hotan in Xinjiang to Central China. During its development in China, it has a profound influence on traditional Chinese culture and thoughts, and has become one of the most important religions in China at that time.
China is an East Asian Country, situated in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. It is the world's most popular country, with a population of more than1.4 billion. Covering an area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers (37 million), it is the world's third or fourth largest country. The Country is officially divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, and four direct-controlled municipalities of Beijing (capital city), Tianjin, Shanghai (largest city), and Chongqing, as well as two special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau. China has 33 administrative units directly under the central government; these consist of 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities (Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), and 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau). The island province of Taiwan, which has been under separate administration since 1949, is discussed in the article Taiwan. Beijing (Peking), the capital of the People’s Republic, is also the cultural, economic, and communications centre of the country. Shanghai is the main industrial city; Hong Kong is the leading commercial centre and port.
China: Culture and Tradition
Chinese Religions
Three different forms of
this religion evolved as it reached the centers of population at varying times
and by different routes. The social and ethnic background in each location also
affected the way in which each of these forms developed and eventually they
became known as Han, Tibetan and Southern Buddhism.
Over its long history,
Buddhism has left an indelible impact on Chinese civilization. Many words and
phrases have root in a Buddhist origin. Take a colloquial phrase as an
example, 'to hold the foot of Buddha at the moment" means "to make a
last minute effort". This reveals in a sense the true attitude of the
Chinese toward the utilitarian aspects of belief. Many people kowtow to
whatever gods they encounter and will burn incense in any temple.
In literature traces of
Buddhism and Zen are obvious. Quite a few famous poets in Tang Dynasty like Bai
Juyi were lay Buddhists but this did not prevent them from indulging in a
little from time to time. Just as today's white collar classes go to bars, the
Tang scholars went to restaurants to drink and flirt with the almahs. In today's China, Buddhist
temples, Buddhist caves and grottoes and Buddhist Holy Mountains, especially
the ones listed in the national or provincial historical and cultural relics,
have become the hot spots for tourism. It is not uncommon for the income of a
temple to cover the expenses of a whole county or district.
Taoism in China
In the Chinese language the word tao means "way," indicating a
way of thought or life. There have been several such ways in China's long
history, including Confucianism and Buddhism. In about the 6th century BC,
under the influence of ideas credited to a man named Lao-tzu, Taoism became
"the way". like Confucianism, it has influenced every aspect of
Chinese culture. 
Taoism began as a complex system of philosophical thought that could be
indulged in by only a few individuals. In later centuries it emerged, perhaps
under the influence of Buddhism, as a communal religion. It later evolved as a
popular folk religion.
Philosophical
Taoism
The goal of life for a Taoist is to cultivate a mystical relationship to
the Tao. Adherents therefore avoid dispersing their energies through the
pursuit of wealth, power, or knowledge. By shunning every earthly distraction,
the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the adherent's
life, the more saintly the person is presumed to have become. Eventually the
hope is to become immortal.
Best Places to visit in China
No comments:
Post a Comment