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Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods by Brandon Bates - Coggle Diagram
Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods by Brandon Bates
Deep History of Chinese Religion
birth: Shang Dynasty 1600-1046 BC
developed: Zhou Dynasty 1046-256 BC
hierarchical heavenly court, Jade Emperor at apex
cosmic bureaucracy; interrelation of heaven and earth
ancient worship tied to cosmological concepts of the universe
ideas of Confucianism and Taoism begin to take root
structure interpretation of the pantheon
Confucianism emphasized respect and authority for elders
Taoism emphasized natural harmony & spiritual immortality
myriad of gods, immortals, and supernatural creatures to pantheon
Introduction of Buddhism: Han Dynasty 206-220 BC
adapted to Chinese culture, some deities added to pantheon
Ming, 1368-1644 AD, and Qin 1644-1912 AD, deities evolve and adapt, political change, social changes, and cultural change
Most Important Chinese Gods and Goddesses
Jade Emporer
Yu Huang/Yu Di
ruler of heaven and all realms
wise and benevolent ruler
celestial bureaucracy's ultimate authority
Guanyin
Kuan Yin/Quan Yin
Goddess of Mercy and Compassion
Bodhisattva, vowed to obtain Buddha hood after all sentient beings reached enlightenment
originally male in Indian Buddhism converted to female
Nuwa
creation and restoration myths
created humanity
restored pillar of Heaven
Fuxi
depicted alongside Nuwa
culture hero and originator of many human institutions
hunting
fishing
domestication
invention of the I Ching, an ancient divination text
Shennong
divine farmer
progenitor of agriculture, herbal medicine, market trade
taught humans these important skills, contributing to development of civilization
Zhong Kui
deity invoked protection against evil spirits
ghost king
beneficent figure
menacing appearance
Chinese Cosmology and Mythology
Concepts of Heaven, Earth and Underworld
universe divided into 3 realms
Heaven (Tian)
Jade emporer rulers
Earth (Di)
Underworld (Yinjian)
Yama or Yanluo Wang ruler of underworld
Creation Myths
primal: Pangu
Pangu awakened from cosmic egg
Pangu seperated Yin (chaos) and Yang (order)
Pangu then created the Earth and the Sky
Nuwa created humans from yellow earth or clay
Yinyang and Five Elements
Yinyang represents the interdependence of the universe
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water
each element is connected with a deity
The Heavenly Bureacracy
mirrors the Earthly realm
Jade Emperor at top
various deities responsible for different human affairs and aspects of the cosmos
Karma and Reincarnation
influenced by Buddhist
cycle of death and rebirth overseen by The Ten Kings of Hell
souls judged and determine next incarnations
Worship and Honor the Chinese Gods
Household Worship
shrine dedicated to various deities
household images or statues
daily offerings
incense
food
tea
prayers offered blessings, protection, and guidance
Temple Festivals
specific gods' festivals
often of deitiy's birthday
elaborate rituals
offerings
dance
music
sometimes opera
Hungry Ghost Festival
Qingming Festival
Divination Practices
guidance from the gods
casting lots
interpreting I Ching
performed at temples
Pilgrimages
sent to sacred mountains or temples
Example: Mount Tai imperial worship and centuries of pilgramages
Ancestor Veneration
ceremonies to honor ancestors
reserved as protective spirits
offerings of food and burning joss paper
Buddhist and Taoist Ceremonies
meditation
recitation of scriptures
honor deities
spiritual progress
Life Cycle Rituals
deities invoked in crucial life cycle events
birth
marriages
deaths
acts of worship
preserving/transmitting cultural values & traditions
