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The Features of Chinese Religions Compared with Western Religions

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Submitted By yefengbbjulia
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The features of Chinese religions compared with Western religions Religion has no boundaries geographically, which can be develop and exist in any culture. China is an old country which is able to syncretize distinguished cultures to develop a new look of a religion. Chinese religions have their own features, and western religions which come to China bring new look of Chinese religions. In my paper, I will argue that Chinese religion focus more on practice rather than belief firstly; Hence, Chinese religion associated with the faith with human being features, but not the supreme beings instead. In addition, Chinese religions is free to accept and follow, compared with Western religions. First of all, Chinese religions emphasize people to concentrate more on practice than belief. According to DeBary’s book, it is said “The Chinese were particularly desirous of knowing whether Buddhism could add to their knowledge of elixirs and practices that would contribute to longevity, levitation and other superhuman achievements.” (DeBary, 421) This quotation expresses that, Chinese people do not only believe in Buddhism, but also desire to explore the real use of Buddhism. For this reason, temples and statuary were soon erected all over China (DeBary, 421). Monks who practices the Buddhism in temples and statuary were required to shave their head and not allowed to marry. Yoga and dhyana also come to China from India as a form of practices of Buddhism. In addition, there are many popular religions exist in China (DeBary 491). People believe there are five phases which run the whole world, including Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. These five elements in universe are called in Wuxing, and Chinese people practiced through various ways in daily life. Chinese people invented Taichi, Fengshui and Qigong to exercise and feel the universe. Falun Gong, as one of the most

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