Maddie Stamos

Heeg / Period 8
November 2014
Religion of Canton (Guangzhou) from 600-1450 CE
During this time period in Imperial China, three main teachings
dominated the region and would be in frequent disunity throughout the
ages: Buddhism, Daosim, and Confucianism. They all differed in some
ways, but in general all had a large following. Daoism focused on
personal freedom and harmony with nature, Buddhism focused on
achieving enlightenment, and Confucianism focused more on the
patriarchy and dead ancestor worship.
Throughout time, each would have its own share of oppression,
but they still managed to remain prevalent throughout the society.
Some of the teachings also experienced favoritism from emperor to
emperor. For example, during Genghis Khans rule, Daoists had more
influence over political decisions and were exempt from taxes.
Eventually, Neo-Confucianism was introduced into Chinese society,
which began phasing out Daoism and Buddhism. Many were drawn to
its desire to answer philosophical questions that other teachings had
long been stumped by.
Some extreme anti-religious views also existed that did promote
eradication rather than favoritism. For example, in 621 and on, Daoist
priest Fu Yi denounced Buddhism and urged the government to
disband clergies and put them to better use. Buddhism faced the most

distaste of the three religions, which caused it to dissipate more so

than the other two teachings. Despite these extreme views, many
times an emperor would not make eradication their main goal, but
simply attempted to have control over the teachings.
Other religions would also be introduced as the society
progressed, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Manichaeism.
Although small, these religions were accepted by society but never
became as influential as Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Most of
these religions adopted Chinese culture, especially Manichaeism, which
many philosophers adopted in the mid-700s because of its dualistic
good versus evil view of the world. Some shrines also dotted the area
in respect to this religion as well.
Shrines for all three teachings were prevalent throughout society,
which varied in size, structure, and purpose, although they did all have
the obvious use of general worship. For example, in 630, Emperor
Taizong decreed that a Confucius temple be created in every province
in the empire. These temples acted as halls of fame to celebrate the
accomplishment of literate men in addition to their existing religious
purpose. Some temples were even created to display supremacy, like
the temples created in recognition of Emperor Wus power during the
peak of Buddhism.
However none were more interesting than the Sanjiao shrines,
which were supported by both communities and officials. Even though

they seemed to favor Daoist beliefs, Daosim and Buddhism seemed to

coexist within these areas, with no real hostility towards each other.
These shrines promoted sanitation, friendly collaboration, personal
ethics, and behaviors that were also supported by the government.
Temples throughout the area were also used for economic
functions, such as mill operations, and also promoted unity for citizens.
In addition, they were used as vaults for belongings, and even for
entertainment and medicine distribution. A pagoda could also be found
immediately in the city, which was similar to a modern-day church or
temple. Therefore these temples and sanctuaries acted as gathering
places for citizens to promote social culture and discussion.
Religion throughout this region is extremely diverse and allowed
both China and its citizens to develop both economically and politically,
despite periods of disunity and conflicts.

Sources
Xu, Guangqiu. Imperial China 617-1644. Vol. 7. Farmington Hills: Gale,
2003. 364-98. World Eras. Print.
The Cities of Song: Temples and Religious Life. Asia for Educators,
Columbia University, 2008. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
<http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/song/urban/religion.htm>.
Theobald, Ulrich. Chinese History - Song Dynasty (960-1279) religion
and customs. China Knowledge , 2000. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.chinaknowledge.de/History/Song/song-religion.html>.
An Introduction to the Religion and Philosophy of the Tang (618906)
and Song (9601279) Dynasties. Asian Art Museum, 2012. Web. 14
Nov. 2014. <http://education.asianart.org/exploreresources/background-information/introduction-religion-andphilosophy-tang-618%E2%80%93906-and-song>.