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Seeking unity
Confucianism under the Han dynasty has began to seem useless. During this time, many people turned to Buddhism because of it. They felt that Buddhism could help them from their suffering.
Tang and Song Dynasties
Later on, dynasties did not want to repeat the mistakes of the Han dynasty. Instead of just giving the jobs to people, they gave them to people based on ability. Whoever did something really well, would get a job related to that (a noble that is very good at writing, would probably specialize in a particular job involved with writing). These people are called scholar officials. They had to study for years, and pass a series of extraordinarily difficult tests that covered the teachings of Confucius. But if someone cheated, they would be executed!
The Tang Dynasty was one of the dominant dynasties during the medieval times. It was also the first to implement meritocracy. They also greatly improved irrigation ditches and managed 20,000 mile long postal network. They also focused on literature, making over 50,000 poems that still exist to this day. Had a huge growth in Buddhism, and is often considered the “golden age” of China.
The Song broke off of the Tang and it also implemented civil service exams to improve quality of government officials. Populations double in this period, and they advance in farming techniques. They also created public schools to improve education and retirement homes for lower classes and the elderly. Eventually, they would use gunpowder for fireworks, then rocket powered arrows.
Yuan Dynasty
It reached its height under Kublai Kahn, who opened China to outside traders (such as Marco Polo). They reopened the Silk road to improve trade. This led to Chinese ideas and inventions going to Europe.
ISOLATION OF CHINA
Construction of the great wall of China started during the Qin Dynasty. It was mainly built to defend China against northern attackers (mongolians) but it was never finished, even though it was reinforced and added onto by many dynasties. However, there are 4 main things that must be remembered about China:
- Confucianism played a huge role in Chinese society, very important.
- China traded both over land and across sea.
- China invented tea, paper, the compass, gunpowder, and many other important things.
- Over time China grew in strength as a empire and only the very smart could work in the government (meritocracy)
The 4 Noble Truths
- Suffering is a part of life
- Suffering comes from desire
- Belief there is an end to suffering
- Speaks of ways to end suffering – the eightfold path
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
- Right understanding – The 4 noble truths
- Right thought/intention – making a commitment (to Buddhism)
- Right speech – no insults, gossip, or rumors
- Right action – no hurting, stealing, killing, or cheating
- Right livelihood – reject jobs that go against Buddhism
- Right effort – avoid bad attitude or habits/develop good ones
- Right mindfulness –
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