Discover Chinese religion.I did not think about Chinese religion before I went to China. My impression was of a secular sterile country where Chinese gods did not exist. However, I found significant evidence of religion that has been and still is being practised.What I had forgotten was the rich history of China - its philosophers and interaction with the rest of the world. Even though the Cultural Revolution (1969 - 1976) destroyed large amounts of religious symbols and buildings, religion is still significant in China today including Sichuan. Chinese religion incorporates spirituality, morality and principles of living. Some Chinese adopt different aspects of different religions into their lives. When you travel around Sichuan, you will see evidence of religion everywhere - in particular the beautiful temples. ConfucianismConfucianism is more a philosophy than religion. It still has significant influence on the way Chinese live. Confucious (Kongzi as the Chinese call him) wrote his principles in the 5th Century BC.Good moral behaviour is the essence of his teachings. He teaches how to treat your family, friends, leaders and other people. For example, I found Chinese very respectful towards parents and elders. They considered it a duty to look after elder family members even in their own homes. I didn't see any retirement villages in China! BuddhismBuddhism is the most common religion with estimates that up to 50% of Chinese people consider themselves of the Buddhism religion. Buddhism was introduced in the first century and became popular in the following centuries.Buddhist temples have been built in China for nearly two thousand years. There still remain Buddhist Temples to see in Sichuan. They have been adapted into the Chinese style. They often had a Bell Tower and a Drum Tower which were used to signify time. They had courtyards, dormitories for the monks, learning rooms and worship halls.
TaoismTaoism is the other popular Chinese religion.It is estimated 30% of Chinese people belong to this religion.
IslamIslam was introduced in China in about 651 AD by traders from the Muslim countries to the west of China.Islam was a significant religion during the Song, Yuan and Ming Dynasties but declined during the Qing Dynasty. ChristianityChristianity was introduced in the 7th century by travellers from the Middle East.Christian missionaries were particularly active in the 19th century opening schools and providing medical care. These missionaries were one of the few opposed the opium trade which was exploited by Westerners. Other religionsOther Chinese gods worshipped by the Chinese come from Hinduism, Judaism, Bon and Donghaism.Modern Attitudes to ReligionFor a long time since 1949 when the People's Republic of China was established, all religions fell out of favour with the government.Chinese gods were essentially regarded as superstition. The Cultural Revolution (1969 - 1976) destroyed large amounts of religious artifacts and converted temples into non-religious buildings. The trend has been reversed since the 1980s and now different forms of Chinese religion are accepted. You will see many Chinese worshipping at several temples in Sichuan.
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Taosim started in China in the 6th century BC. Unlike Buddhism, Taosim originated in China.
The mosque in the picture is the Great Mosque in Xian.
