Ancient Chinese Concepts and Terms

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Artisans

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skilled workers who make goods by hand

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Mandate of Heaven

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the belief that the Chinese king's right to rule came from the gods, and could be lost if the dynasty did not act properly meant leaders could seize control by force

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Confucius/Confucianism

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Confucius = honored philosopher ("First Teacher"); philosophy focused on stable, orderly society based on 5 Relationships, honoring ancestors and elders; focus on leaders who set example by being kind and benevolent; valued education and traditions

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Philosophy

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set of beliefs about the world and how to live

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Daoism

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philosophy of how to live simply, all things should follow the Dao ("the way"), or the flow of nature, to find peace. This means taking very little action or leaving society to live close to nature

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Yin and Yang

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Daoist idea of two opposing forces in the universe; Yin is the passive, quiet force, and Yang the active, bright force; need to balance both to find harmony

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Legalism

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philosophy that a strong leader and a strong legal system are needed to create social order

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Bureaucracy

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system of government with many departments led by appointed officials, who have fixed responsibilities within their specific rank

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Feudalism

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A political system in which nobles are granted the use of lands that legally belong to their king, in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and protection of the people who live

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Buddhism

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A religion based on the teachings of the Buddha. Giving up worldly desires and seeking enlightenment (perfect wisdom), to achieve nirvana (state of complete peace). Concept of reincarnation as a wheel (suffering in life, death, rebirth) that people need to strive to escape