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Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods - Trent Comito - Coggle Diagram
Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods - Trent Comito
The Deep History Of Chinese Religion.
The Cosmic Bureaucracy
Ruled by the Jade Emperor
Mirrored Earthly structures
Heaven and Earth Separated.
The Philosophies and Religions
Taoism (Philosophy)
Emphasis on...
Spiritual Immortality
Natural Harmony
A more peaceful approach to life.
Living in harmony with the world.
Confucianism (Philosophy)
Emphasized the respect of authority and ancestors.
The 5 relationships
Elder brother to younger brother
Husband to wife
Son to father
Friend to Friend
Leaders to the leaded
Buddhism (Religion)
Buddhism came from India during the Han dynasty.
When it came to China, some of their gods integrated into the pantheon.
Origins
This time is very mysterious.
These religions were developed in the Zhou Dynasty.
Most important Chinese gods and goddesses.
Fuxi
Also known as a heroic figure.
Also invented an ancient writing technique.
Credited as inventing Hunting, Fishing, and Domestication.
Shennong
Created Agriculture, herbal medicine, and market trade.
Believe to teach humans these important skills.
Known as the divine father.
Nuwa
Often associated with creation myths.
Created humanity.
Repaired the pillar of heaven when it was damaged.
Kuan Yin (Guanyin)
Goddess of Mercy and Compassion
Said they would become Buddhist when every creature becomes enlightened.
Was once a male, but the Chinese turned him Female.
Zhong Kui
Said to protect people against evil spirits.
Known as the Ghost king.
He is used in charms and such to ward off evil spirits.
Yu Huang (Jade Emperor)
The Ultimate ruler
Ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below.
Often portrayed as a kind and benevolent ruler.
How Chinese mythology and cosmology works.
Yinyang and the 5 elements
Yin and Yang
They represent the dual forces of the universe.
The five elements
Earth
Metal
Fire
Water
Wood
The heavenly bureaucracy
Often mirrors earthly realms.
Jade emperor on top
Creation Myths
Pangu is the one most associated with creation
He woke from a sky egg
Pangu separated Yin and Yang from each other, creating the Earth and the sky.
Another version is the god Newa, who created humans from yellow clay.
Karma and Reincarnation
Influenced by Buddhist thought
Overseen by the 10 kings of hell
Concepts of Heaven, Earth, and Hell
Earth
Known as Di
Hell
Known as Yinjian
Yanluo Wang rules here
Heaven
Known as Tian
Jade Emperor rules here
How to worship and honor the Chinese gods.
Pilgrimages
People go to sacred mountains and locations to worship that are out of the ordinary for regular prayer.
Ancestor Veneration
Ceremonies for ancestors
Usually involve food and burning of Joss paper.
Divination Practices
Used to seek guidance from the gods
Achieved by casting lots at a temple.
Buddhist and Taoist Ceremonies
Includes a range of practices
Like meditations, recitation of scriptures, and participation in rituals.
Temple Festivals
Dedicated to specific gods and goddesses, often on their birthday.
Often incorporates song and dance
Life Cycle Rituals
Deities are invoked during important life events, like marriage, death and birth.
Used to remind people of where they belong.
Household Worship
Often these houses would leave food at a shrine to talk with certain gods.
