Chinese Ancient Religions and Philosophy on Korea

Chinese Ancient Religions and Philosophy on Korea
Name: Eun Ae Rim
Overview
The paper aimed to investigate the impact of ancient Chinese religious beliefs and philosophies on Korea. Studies on Chinese culture show that the culture was considered more advanced in East Asia. Thus, this paper highlighted Chinese influence on Korean culture. Buddhism and Confucianism were the foremost belief system which impacted on Korea. Socially, Koreans adopted a hierarchical structure through adoption of Confucianism. Taoism mainly influenced the practice of meditation and veneration of ancestors. The proclamation of Chinese religion by the Korean nobility provided the impetus for Korean adoption of Chinese culture. Nevertheless, Koreans did no abandon their culture entirely as traditional beliefs still persisted in the community.
Introduction
Ancient Chinese culture was profoundly influenced by numerous religions and philosophies. Historically, Confucianism and Taoism were ethical moral code of conduct for people and officials. The two originated from an era in which philosophical thoughts dominated most parts of China. In essence, Taoism advocated for inner peace and harmony with the surroundings. On the other hand, Confucianism proposed various ways in which people were supposed to behave. Confucius the founder of Confucianism asserted that a society had to follow certain set rules in their relationships for harmony to prevail in the society. Additionally, adherence to Confucianism would lead to political stability. Buddhism is a religion with roots in India but grew more prominent in China. This paper focuses on ancient Chinese religion, philosophies, there historical evolution and impact on Korea.
The Korean people live in the Korean Peninsula bordering China and Russia to the North and Japan to the East. They originated from the region between Ural and Altaic Mountain in Northern and north central areas of Asia (Lee, 1997). The Chinese culture had a profound impact on Korea because of early civilization in china and the geographical proximity between the two. Koreans living in the Korean peninsula share similar cultures and are ethnically distinct from the surrounding people. Thus, many dynasties sought to create lasting kingdoms to ensure stability in the peninsula. China conquered the Choson Empire in 109 BC which began the process of adoption of Chinese culture in the Korean peninsula. There was resistance of the Chinese influence in parts of Korea, but Buddhism became the most influential due to association with the Chinese. Korea began importing Chinese art and architecture and meanwhile Korea also sent students and scholars to China, who studied Confucian writings. According to Ivey (2008) Confucianism has been present in Korea since the Fifth century and has the most profound impact on Korea’s way of life especially during the Yi dynasty (1392-1909).
Confucianism
Revered Chinese philosopher Confucius lived between 5...