Complementary: The Sacred and the Secular Essay -- Religion, Chinese I

Contrary to common belief, godliness is composed of both religiousdivine reverence, and irreligious elements politics and philosophy. Reciprocally outlining Chinese ideals, this complementary blend of religious and irreligious elements allude to harmony of opposites without conflict. However, widely interpretative, the Western term religion prevents clear distinction in the midst of religion and philosophy when applied to Ancient Chinese religion, Confucianism, and Daoism. Though each equitably dissimilar, each sector influenced the upbringing of the other politically, while continuing to persist in similar purposes of perceived harmony. Therefore, this papers analysis of Ancient Chinas concept of Ganying, Confucius concept of Social Hierarchy, and Daoist practice of internal and external interpersonal chemistry reveals a progressive religious influence on State, and simultaneously deems philosophy as only an appurtenant to religion.During the Shang Dynasty, Ancient Chinese religi on served as the bring out to political structure and reign. The first divination process involving oracle bones, or tortoise shells and ox shoulder bones, introduced the idea of Shang diviners. This recognition of power paved way for the breakup of social classes, resulting in the elite and popular class. The elite were considered literate and cultivated, comprising the upper class. In opposition, the popular class was that of the lower class, illuminating indigenous values. Exemplifying a religious connotation, prescriptively, the diviners chief role during the divination process prompted importance of ancestral worship and sacrifice. Illustrating the concept of ganying, diviners would attempt to provide ancestors with proper sacrifices to induce spiritual fulfilments... ...d with qi, jing, and shen, this alludes to the Daoist conservation of blood, semen, and breath. The practitioners preserve these humanly essences through meditation implemented with fasting and breathing tech niques (305). These Daoist exercises later influenced and embellished the practice of taji, boxing, yoga, and sexual practices.From Chinas most primary state to its most culturally flourished, when describing Ancient Chinese religion, Confuscianism, and Daosim, individuals regard these practices as a philosophy, or way of life, instead of a religion (105). However, each equally embodies a perennial philosophydifferent elucidations symbolize a single, universal truth. Therefore, if religion outlines both religious and irreligious aspects, and concurrently depicts a way of life, one can assert philosophy as an additional interpretation of religion.