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Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods by Jailah Adams, Guanyin - Coggle Diagram
Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods by Jailah Adams
Deep history of Chinese Religion
Origins of Chinese deities are traced back to the birth of civilization in China
Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) the signs of organized religious system became clear
Ancestor worship and animistic beliefs related with cosmological concepts of the universe
Early religious ideas were developed during Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE)
Cosmic bureaucracy mirrored earthly structures
Philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism began to take root
Contributed to the structure and interpretation of the pantheon
Confucianism emphasized respect for authority and ancestors
Confucianism reinforced the heirarchal nature of the heavenly court
Taoism had an emphasis on natural harmony and spiritual immortality
Taoism introduced myriad of gods, immortals, and supernatural creatures into the pantheon
India introduced Buddhism
Led to the religious landscape of China being further enriched
How Chinese mythology and cosmology works
Universe is divided into 3 realms
Heaven (Tian), Earth (Di), underworld/ netherworld (Yinjian)
Creation myths
Explain the origins of the universe and life on Earth
Yin Yang and the five elements
Concepts underpin Chinese cosmology
Yin Yang Represents dual forces of the universe
Complementary, interdependent, and in constant flux
Five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water
Each has associations with different gods, seasons, directions,and aspects of life
Cosmology often mirrors the earthly realm who’s is most evident in the concept of Hwavwnly Bureaucracy
Karma and reincarnation
Influenced by Buddhist thought, the idea of karma and reincarnation plays a sub role in Chinese beliefs about life
Cycle of death and rebirth is overseen by deities such as the Ten Kings of Hell
Ten Kings of Hell judge souls and determine their future incarnations
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How to worship and honor the Chinese gods
Ceremonies and rituals play a crucial role in Chinese religious practice
Serving as the tangible expressions of reverence, gratitude, and supplication to the gods and goddesses.
These can range from daily household rituals to grand annual festivals
Temples dedicated to specific gods or goddesses hold festivals on the deity’s birthday
Events can involve elaborate rituals, including offerings, music, dance, and opera performances
The Hungry Ghist Festivak and the Qingming festival are examples of such occasions where offerings are made to deities and ancestral spirits
Divination is a common practice in Chinese spirituality, used to seek guidance from gods
Pilgrimages to sacred mountains or temples are a significant aspect of religious practice
Ceremonies dedicated to ancestors, who revered as protective spirits, are crucial
Often involve offerings of food and burning of joss paper
Buddhist and Taoist ceremonies
Include range of practices
Such as meditation, recitation of scriptures, and participation in rituals to honor deities or seek spiritual progress
Deities invokespd during crucial life events such as births, marriages, and deaths with specific ceremonies to seek their blessings and protection
Most important Chinese gods and goddesses
Gods and goddesses
Rose in prominence
Polytheistic
Jade Emperor
Ruler of heaven and all realms of existence below
Portrayed as a wise and benevolent ruler, the ultimate administration e authority in the celestial bureaucracy
Guanyin
Goddess of mercy and compassion
Vowed to attain buddhahood after all sentient beings have reached enlightenment
Original a male deity in Indian Buddhism
Evolved into a female figure in China
Greatly revered for her compassion and kindness
Nuwa
Associated with creation and restoration myths
Guanyin
Goddess of mercy and compassion
A bodhisvatta who vowed to attain Buddhahood after all sentient beings reached enlightenment
Evolved into a female figure in China
Great,t revered for her compassion and kindness
