Nat Geo Grade 7 Chapter 8 Section 1.2

Nat Geo Grade 7 Chapter 8 Section 1.2

The Spread of Buddhism

P. 214 - 215

Objective:

Describe why Buddhism took a strong hold in China.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

What legacy did China leave to the modern world?

The Chinese embraced both Buddhism as a popular religion and Confucianism as a moral philosophy. Lesson 1.2 compares these two belief systems and their influence on early China.

BACKGROUND

Buddhism, originating in India, became more popular in China after the fall of the Han dynasty but did not displace Confucianism completely. At this time in history, Wendi used Confucianism to strengthen his government and to unify China. However, he also promoted Buddhism for his people, who found it a comfort against suffering and gave them hope. Both beliefs emphasize good moral conduct, and people in East Asia have no problem blending the two.

Open Ended

List the major religions of the world.

Open Ended

Critical Viewing on page 215. This Buddhist cave painting from China shows a seated figure mediating. What do the details in this painting suggest about Buddhism?

Read

Read pages 214 and 215

Open Ended

Wendi used both Confucianism and Buddhism to make a strong reunited China. How did he use each?

Open Ended

Compare and Contrast - How do the main principles of Confucianism and Buddhism differ?

More information for you!

Chinese Buddhism The branch of Buddhism mainly practiced in East Asia is Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that ordinary people can be released from suffering without having to become monks or nuns. Buddhists in East Asia created many large sculptures of the Buddha and other wise beings called bodhisattvas (bah-dee-SAHT-vahs). Buddhist temples are similar to Confucian and Daoist temples, and many contain deities from both Buddhist and Daoist traditions. Many Chinese Buddhist temples feature pagodas.

Open Ended

Why might Chinese citizens embrace both Confucianism and Buddhism?

Cornell Notes

Reread the lesson and complete the Cornell Notes.