Download Free Ancient Chinese Religion And Beliefs Book in PDF and EPUB Free Download. You can read online Ancient Chinese Religion And Beliefs and write the review.

The first major reassessment of ancient Chinese religion to appear in recent years, this book presents the religious mentality of the period through personal and daily experiences.
Together, and for the first time in any language, the 24 essays gathered in these volumes provide a composite picture of the history of religion in ancient China from the emergence of writing ca. 1250 BC to the collapse of the first major imperial dynasty in 220 AD. It is a multi-faceted tale of changing gods and rituals that includes the emergence of a form of “secular humanism” that doubts the existence of the gods and the efficacy of ritual and of an imperial orthodoxy that founds its legitimacy on a distinction between licit and illicit sacrifices. Written by specialists in a variety of disciplines, the essays cover such subjects as divination and cosmology, exorcism and medicine, ethics and self-cultivation, mythology, taboos, sacrifice, shamanism, burial practices, iconography, and political philosophy. Produced under the aegis of the Centre de recherche sur les civilisations chinoise, japonaise et tibétaine (UMR 8155) and the École Pratique des Hautes Études (Paris).
Originally published in 1997, Religions of Tibet in Practice is a landmark work--the first major anthology on the topic ever produced. This new edition--abridged to further facilitate course use--presents a stunning array of works that together offer an unparalleled view of the Tibetan religious landscape over the centuries. Organized thematically, the twenty-eight chapters are testimony to the vast scope of religious practice in the Tibetan world, past and present. Religions of Tibet in Practice remains a work of great value to scholars, students, and general readers.
In China, the art of divination (the act of seeking prophetic information to avoid misfortune) had a profound influence on the rise of medicine, science, government, and, most importantly, philosophy and religion. This compact volume begins by explaining how divination evolved in Chinese society from the New Stone Age until the classical period and goes on to discuss how new forms of divination developed directly and indirectly out of the ancient traditions.Comprehensive and up-to-date, "Ancient Chinese Divination" will acquaint readers with not only the origin and evolution of a significant and fascinating traditional Chinese art, but also a sampling of its most important practical applications, some of which, such as feng shui, have achieved a near-universal level of appreciation and relevance.
This series provides succinct and balanced overviews of the religions of the world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, each book gives a basic introduction to the faith--its history, beliefs, and practices--and emphasizes modern developments and the role and impact of the religion in today's world. Chinese Religious Traditions provides a concise introduction to the history of religion in China and its ramifications in China today. Focusing on the four major religious traditions of Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and popular religion, this book covers the religious and ethical ideas as well as the practices within each tradition. The book traces themes that are common to Chinese society from earliest times to the present day. It also highlights the ways in which each tradition has responded to and influenced political and cultural change.
Daoism has an elaborate pantheon and ritualistic art, as well as a secular tradition best expressed in monochrome ink painting. Part Four covers the development of Buddhist art beginning with its entry into China in the second century. Its monuments--comprised largely of cave temples carved high in the mountains along the frontiers of China and large metropolitan temples --
From ancient Chinese concepts of the cosmos to their perceptions of the afterlife, the ancient Chinese had a rich and varied system of religion and beliefs. In this useful resource, readers will get an overview of the progression and development of ancient Chinese religions. The text illuminates the relationships between their gods and their priests and shamans. Among many other details, readers will learn about the relationships and rituals of Confucianism, the values of Daoism, and Buddhism’s cycle of existence.
From ancient Chinese concepts of the cosmos to their perceptions of the afterlife, the ancient Chinese had a rich and varied system of religion and beliefs. In this useful resource, readers will get an overview of the progression and development of ancient Chinese religions. The text illuminates the relationships between their gods and their priests and shamans. Among many other details, readers will learn about the relationships and rituals of Confucianism, the values of Daoism, and Buddhism’s cycle of existence.
After the Warring States, treated in Part One of this set, there is no more fecund era in Chinese religious and cultural history than the period of division (220-589 AD). During it, Buddhism conquered China, Daoism grew into a mature religion with independent institutions, and, together with Confucianism, these three teachings, having each won its share of state recognition and support, formed a united front against shamanism. While all four religions are covered, Buddhism and Daoism receive special attention in a series of parallel chapters on their pantheons, rituals, sacred geography, community organization, canon formation, impact on literature, and recent archaeological discoveries. This multi-disciplinary approach, without ignoring philosophical and theological issues, brings into sharp focus the social and historical matrices of Chinese religion.