Imperial Beijing Today - The Lama Temple The two major "religions" in China are not religions as we often think of the term, they are more similar to philosophies of living a good life in harmony with nature helping your fellow man. Confucius emphasized the "socially responsible self." Confucianism teaches obedience to and reverence for one's parents and one's ruler. His teachings emphasized a philosophy of family obligations and good government based on principles of benevolence and righteousness. The Emperor will get better result if he rules in a just manner, he said. Confucius' ideas were the bases of merit examinations for the promotion of civil servants rather than seeking favors from higher officials. Confucius died relatively unknown in his life but his disciples spread his teachings. Paying respects to one's ancestors is based on filial piety and has a significant impact on China even today. Buddhism is based on the teaching of Buddha who loved in northern India during the 6th century B.C. It was probably spread along the silk road by immigrants from Central Asia. Buddhism surged during periods of instability when Confucianism's veneration for authority did not sit well with the people. It was eventually adopted by China's rulers. Buddhism has a belief in reincarnation - consecutive lives that are better or worse depending upon the "karma" (merit) of the previous life. In Tibet the Yellow Hat sect was founded in the 1300's by Tsongkhapa and his disciples became the Dalai Lamas, rulers of Tibet for 500 years. In Buddhism a person should seek salvation by helping others find enlightenment through deeds and devotion bringing them closer to nirvana. This temple was originally a residence for a Chinese royal family who converted to Buddhism. I understand that during a visit to Beijing the Dahli Lama stayed here, hence its name.                                                       Join us as we travel Overland by Train to Xi'an Index to all China 2007 Advantures: Imperial Beijing - Tian'an Men Square Imperial Beijing - The Forbidden City Imperial Beijing - The Great Wall of China Imperial Beijing - the Summer Palace Imperial Beijing Today - City of Bikes Imperial Beijing Today - Artists and Craftsmen Imperial Beijing Today - The Hutung, a Neighbood Enclave Imperial Beijing Today - The Lama Temple Imperial China - Xi'an, The First Capital of China Imperial China - The Terra Cotta Warriors Xi'an Today - A Country School and Peasant Village Overland Across China by Train and Bus Chingdu & the Panda Preserve The Three Gorges Dam The Minor Three Gorges of the Yangzte River The following pages are still under construction so be patient and come back to watch its growth. The Yangzte River Cruise Tibet - an Ancient & Exotic Land Hong Kong Imperial Beijing Today - Olympics 2008 [Back to the Top] This page was created by Bob "Belli" Frazee Belli at the Grand Titons, June 2015 Return to Belli's Home Page If you have any questions, or corrections, just write to Belli. Since March 2008, you are visitor number