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Ancient Chinese Patheon of Gods By Dannais Guerra - Coggle Diagram
Ancient Chinese Patheon of Gods By Dannais Guerra
Deep History of Chinese Religion
Ancestor worship and animistic beliefs intertwined with cosmological concepts
Early religious ideas were further developed during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE)
Was during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE)
Philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism began
Introduction of Buddhism during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)
Ming (1368-1644 CE) and Qing (1644-1912 CE), deities continued to evolve and adapt
The most important Chinese gods and goddesses
Shennong (Shénnóng)
Known as the Divine Farmer
Is revered as the progenitor of agriculture, herbal medicine, and market trade
Believed to have taught humans these essential skills, thus contributing significantly to the development of civilization.
Zhong Kui (Zhōng Kuí)
Fuxi (Fúxī)
Depicted alongside Nuwa
Regarded as a culture hero and the originator of many human institutions, such as hunting, fishing, and domestication.
Associated with the invention of the I Ching, an ancient divination text.
Nuwa (Nüwa)
A key figure in Chinese mythology
She created humanity and saved the world from chaos
Associated with creation and restoration myths
Guanyin (Kuan Yin or Quan Yin)
Is a bodhisattva who vowed to attain Buddhahood only after all sentient beings have reached enlightenment.
Originally a male evolved into a female figure
Goddess of Mercy and Compassion
Greatly revered for her compassion and kindness.
Jade Emperor (Yù Huáng or Yù Dì)
Ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including Earth and Hell
Portrayed as a wise and benevolent ruler
Ultimate administrative authority in the celestial bureaucracy.
How Chinese mythology and cosmology works
Creation Myths
awakening in a cosmic egg
Pangu separated Yin (chaos) and Yang (order), creating the Earth and the Sky
involves the primal being Pangu.
Yinyang and the Five Elements
Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—are seen as fundamental constituents of the universe.
associations with different gods, seasons, directions, and aspects of life, forming a comprehensive cosmological system.
Yinyang represents the dual forces of the universe: complementary, interdependent, and in constant flux.
Concepts of Heaven, Earth, and Underworld
Jade Emperor rules Heaven
other deities have specific domains within these realms
universe is divided into three realms: Heaven (Tian), Earth (Di), and the Underworld or netherworld (Yinjian).
The Heavenly Bureaucracy
celestial hierarchy, with the Jade Emperor at the top
deities responsible for different aspects of the cosmos and human affairs.
often mirrors the earthly realm, which is most evident in the concept of the Heavenly Bureaucracy
Karma and Reincarnation
idea of karma and reincarnation plays a significant role in Chinese beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
cycle of death and rebirth is overseen by deities such as the Ten Kings of Hell
Influenced by Buddhist thought
How to worship and honor the Chinese gods
Household Worship
Daily offerings of incense, food, and tea are made
Often house images or statues of the deities, and prayers are offered for blessings, protection, and guidance.
Keep a shrine dedicated to various deities
Temple Festivals
Involve elaborate rituals, including offerings, music, dance, and sometimes opera performances.
Offerings are made to deities and ancestral spirits.
Dedicated to specific gods
Divination Practices
Common practice in Chinese spirituality, used to seek guidance from the gods.
Involve methods such as casting lots or interpreting the I Ching
Performed at temples.
Pilgrimages
Sacred mountains or temples are a significant aspect of religious practice.
Associated with the Jade Emperor
been a site of imperial worship and pilgrimage for centuries.
Ancestor Veneration
Involve offerings of food and the burning of joss paper
During occasions like the Qingming Festival.
Ceremonies dedicated to ancestors, who are revered as protective spirits, are crucial
Buddhist and Taoist Ceremonies
participation in rituals to honor deities
seek spiritual progress.
practices such as meditation, recitation of scriptures,
Life Cycle Rituals
Deities are invoked during crucial life events
ceremonies and rituals serve not only as acts of worship but also as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural values and traditions.
roles within the societal structure, and foster a sense of harmony between the human, natural, and divine realms.
