Cultural Background Essay

I come from mainland mainland China, actu tout ensembley the south of Yunan. I learnt about Chinese religious cultivation from my produce who was born in China and rise up with the Chinese culture. I take over been taught by my spawn to be beget as a good Chinese hoi polloi and brings up good values in my vivification, the concept of Yin and Yang, the balance in life and especially were coming from east where the the great unwashed on that point respect ancestors and older people much more comp atomic number 18s to the western people. This will impact on how we slip a charge and interact with other people especially with the elder. China is believed to pack the oldest continuous civilization.China has over 4,000 old age of verifiable chronicle. Beijing is the capital of China and is the focal point for the country. The semiofficial language is standard Chinese, which is derived from the mandarin orange tree dialect. Most business people speak English. on that point ar m some(prenominal) dialects in China thus far in that respect is only champion scripted language. A commie form of governing witnesss China. The Chinese government promotes atheism although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The Chinese practice a conversion of religions, just, Confucianism despite non creation a formal religion is practiced widely end-to-end the country.China is the nearly densely live county in the world with approximately 1. 17 billion people as of 1992. Al closely 100 portion of the population be ethnic or Han Chinese. There are strict rules regarding childbirth and each bracing is limited to only i child. The tradition of digging up dragon b unmatchables (tortoise and cattle bones) has unyielding been a grammatical constituent of Chinese culture. These bones are often theatrical roled to predict the future. The bones were engraved with questions then heated to reveal the answers. The tradition dates back as far as the Bronze ol d age (around 2100 BC during the Xia dynasty).The Geert Hofstede analysis for China is interchangeable to that of Hong Kong where Long- termination Orientation is the highest- prescribe factor. However, the Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the individuality factor. This can be attributed primarily to the Communist rule and its wildness on a collectivist culture. Geert Hofstede analysis for China has Long-term Orientation (LTO) the highest-ranking factor (118), which is full-strength for all Asian cultures. This Dimension indicates a societys time perspective and an attitude of diligent that is, overcoming obstacles with time, if non with will and strength.The Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism (IDV) ranking, at 20 compared to an average of 24. This may be attributed, in part, to the high level of emphasis on a Collectivist society by the Communist rule, as compared to one of Individualism. The low Individualism ranking is ma nifest in a close and committed member group, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount. The society fosters strengthened relationships where e genuinelyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.Of note is Chinas significantly higher Power Distance ranking of 80 compared to the other Far East Asian countries average of 60, and the world average of 55. This is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth indoors the society. This condition is not necessarily obligate upon the population, but quite an accepted by the society as their cultural heritage. Chinas religion is officially designated as Atheist by the State, although the concepts and teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (500BC) are woven into the society at large.Some religious practice is acceptable in China however, the government sets rigid limits. You can feel more information related with the relig ion in China. RELIGION IN GENERAL Before the Communist Revolution, a number of religious and philosophical systems were practiced in China. Traditionally Taoism and Confucianism provided estimable guides to the proper air of individuals and officials. Both of these systems originated in China during the so-called Golden Age of Chinese thought, several centuries before the opening of the Christian era.Taoism sought to promote the inner peace of individuals and harmony with their surroundings. Confucianism, based on the teachings and writings of the philosopher Confucius, is an ethical system that sought to teach the proper way for all people to behave in society. separately relationshiphusband-wife, parents-children, formula-subjectsinvolved a set of obligations which, if upheld, would lead to a just and harmonious society. Following his teachings would like advisable promote a stable, lasting government. Buddhism, which came to China from India as early as the 1st century AD, was a more conventional religion.Its followers attended occasional run, practiced rituals, and attendanted a temple on a regular basis. It has been estimated that more than 68 million Chinese still consider themselves Buddhists, though it is supposed(prenominal) that they practice the religion on a regular basis (See Buddhism). Prior to 1949, practices that may best be called folk religions were greenness throughout China. Although they incorporated elements of Buddhism and, especially, Taoism, these religions were usually local, often based on local gods, and served the local people.Christian missionaries have been participating in China since Roman Catholics belonging to the Jesuit order arrived in the early 17th century. Protestant missionaries first appeared in the early 19th century. All the Christian missionaries had difficulty converting the Chinese because Christianity was associated in the touristy take care with Western imperialism. By 1949 there were only 3 or 4 m illion Christians in China, less than 1 percent of the total population. Islam came to China principal(prenominal)ly from Central Asia, where it was practiced by numerous of the Turkic peoples.Today there are believed to be more than 4 million Chinese Muslims. iodine autonomous region, Ningxia Huizu, has been designated for Islamic adherents. The Communists have discouraged religious practices, which they consider anti- cordialist. Many temples and churches have been closed and their airplane propeller interpreted. During the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (or simply the Cultural Revolution), a mass movement that lasted officially from 1966 to 1977, conditions were especially difficult, and religious practitioners were persecuted. The situation eased afterwards 1977. A number of Buddhist temples were allowed to reopen.Worship services among Christians were permitted once again, and it is believed that as many as 2 million Christians are practicing their faith in China. T he Chinese government is cautious about all religious activity, especially if it happens to involve foreign people in any way. THE AGE OF PHILOSOPHIES. *CONFUCIANISM CONFUCIUS is a latinized form of the honorific title Kung-fu-tzu (Master Kung), given to a wandering scholar from the state of Lu in Shandong Province in northeasterly China. Although little cognize in his lifetime, Confucius was revered as the greatest of sages throughout most of Chinas history.His teaching, Confucianism, was the state teaching from the beginning of the Han Dynasty in 202 BC to the end of the imperial period in 1911. Disturbed by unbroken warfare among the states, Confucius taught that most of the ills of society happened because people forgot their stations in life and rulers lost virtue. He advocated a return to the golden antiquity of the emperors Yao and Shun, when rulers were virtuous and people k newfangled their places. Therefore, Confucius primary concern lay in social relations, proper condu ct, and social harmony.Confucius defined five carte du jourinal relationships amidst ruler and ruled, in the midst of husband and wife, between parents and children, between older and younger brothers, and between friends. Except for the last showcase, all of the defined relationships are between superiors and inferiors. He emphasized the complete obedience and loyalty of the inferior to the superior but also mentioned the unselfishness of the superior to the inferior. The ideal Confucian family was an extended one of three or four generations, in which warrant rested with the elderly male members.Filial piety (obedience to parents) was one of the most important virtues emphasized by later Confucians. Confucius reportedly spent his last years editing and completing some of the hold ins that came to be cognise as Five Classics. These include the Classic of Poetry, Classic of History, Spring and Autumn biography, Record of Rites, and Classic of Changes, or I Ching. Memorized b y scholars for generations in China, these books and four other defecates, including the Analects, a compilation of Confucian teachings, were the subjects of civil service examinations for over 2,000 years.(See Confucius) Confucianism commanded a greater following some two hundred years later, during the time of Mencius, or Meng-tzu (371-289 BC). He was second only to Confucius himself in shaping Confucianism. His three main tenets were the basic good spirit of human beings, the notion of society with a distinct distribution of functions, and the rulers obligation to the people. On the last point, Mencius elaborated on the concept of the mandate of heaven, which allows that rulers lose support of heaven when they cease to be virtuous.The concept served as the basis of revolts in China and the succession of new rulers. MENICIUS MENG-TZU The Meng-tzu, meaning Master Meng, was written by the philosopher Mencius (a Latinized form of the name Meng-tzu) in the 4th century BC. The work earned for its author the title of second sage in China. The book deals with government and asserts that the welfare of the people comes before all else. When a king no longer is good to the people, he should be removed(p)by revolution if necessary. Mencius, like Confucius, declared that filial piety was the foundation of society.One unusual article of faith that Mencius supported was that of the natural goodness of mankind, for which he found proof in the natural love children have for their parents. Two other philosophies that have had an enduring influence on Chinese thought are Taoism and Legalism. Taoism gave the Chinese an alternative to Confucianismpassivity and escape to nature season Legalism provided the Chinese state with one of its basic doctrines. *TAOISM In the Chinese language the word tao means way, indicating a way of thought or life. There have been several much(prenominal) ways in Chinas long history, including Confucianism and Buddhism.In about the sixth centu ry BC, under the influence of ideas credited to a man named Lao-tzu, Taoism became the way. like Confucianism, it has influenced every brass of Chinese culture. Taoism began as a complex system of philosophical thought that could be indulged in by only a few individuals. In later centuries it emerged, perhaps under the influence of Buddhism, as a communal religion. It later evolved as a popular folk religion. Philosophical Taoism speaks of a permanent Tao in the way that some Western religions speak of God.The Tao is considered unnamed and unknowable, the essential unifying element of all that is. Every issue is essentially one despite the appearance of differences. Because all is one, matters of good and evil and of true or false, as headspring as differing opinions, can only arise when people lose sight of the oneness and think that their hugger-mugger beliefs are absolutely true. This can be likened to a person looking out a fiddling window and thinking he sees the whole wor ld, when all he sees is one small portion of it. Because all is one, life and death merge into each other as do the seasons of the year.They are not in opposition to one another but are only two aspects of a single reality. The life of the individual comes from the one and goes back into it. The tendency of life for a Taoist is to cultivate a unfathomable relationship to the Tao. Adherents therefore avoid dispersing their energies through the pursuit of wealth, power, or knowledge. By shunning every earthborn distraction, the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the adherents life, the more consecrated the person is presumed to have become. Eventually the hope is to become immortal.LAO-TZU (604? -531? BC). Some people believe that only one man, Lao-tzu, wrote the most translated work in all the literature of China, the Lao-Tzu (also called Tao-te Ching). The book is the earliest document in the history of Taoism (the Way), one of the study philosophical-reli gious traditions that, along with Confucianism, has shaped Chinese life and thought for more than 2,000 years. It is a viewpoint that emphasizes individuality, freedom, simplicity, mysticism, and naturalness. (See Confucius) Knowledge of Lao-tzu is so scarce that only legends remain.His earliest biographer, who wrote in about 100 BC, relates that Lao-tzu lived in the district of Hu in present-day Henan Province during the Chou Dynasty (1122-221 BC). Presumably he worked in astrology and prophecy at the court of the emperor. The biographer tells of a conflict of Lao-tzu with the younger Confucius, which would mean Lao-tzu lived in about 500 BC. another(prenominal) story says that he left China during the decline of the Chou Dynasty, and on his way west wrote the Tao-te Ching, after which he disappeared. He was worshipped as an Imperial ancestor during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).Scholars today believe that the book cannot have been written by one man. Some of the sayings in it may d ate from the time of Confucius, while others are from a later period. It is possible that the name Lao-tzu represents a type of scholar and wise man, rather than one individual. Tao-te Ching The Tao-te Ching, meaning Classic of the Way of Power, is one of the great works of ancient China not included among the Confucian Classics. The presumed author, Lao-tzu, is considered to be the founder of Taoism. He may have been alive at the alike(p) time as Confucius but older.The book is not only significant philosophically, but it is also one of the most sacred scriptures of the Taoist religion. (See Lao-tzu) CHUANG-TZU (4th century BC), Chinese philosopher, author, and teacher classic work bears his name influential in development of Chinese philosophy and religious thought interpreted Taoism (from tao, way) differently from Lao-tzu Chuang-tzu taught that wise people accept the ebb and flow of life without attempting to challenge it true judgment involves freeing oneself of traditions an d ad hominem goals that stand in the way of the mysterious, all-encompassing Tao.Communal religious Taoism is quite distinct from its philosophical counterpart. It emphasizes chaste teachings and collective ceremonies. Good moral conduct is rewarded with health and long life, while bad conduct results in disease, death, and suffering in the afterlife. There is an array of gods who are administrators of the universe, of which they are a part. From these gods come revelations of sacred texts. There is an order of married priests who live in the communities they serve and perform exorcisms and complex rituals. Folk religion Taoism is part of the mine run lives of the people.The gods are intimately connected with each individuals life as bringers of calamities or givers of bountiful gifts. Each object of daily life has its presiding spirit that must be consulted and appeased. All types of Taoism have in common the quest for a harmonious, well-ordered universe. They emphasize the ind ividuals and the groups need for unity through mysticism, magic, and ceremony. *LEGALISM *BUDDHISM Although Buddhism first entered China from India during the Later Han, in the time of Han Ming Ti (AD 58-76), it did not become popular until the end of the 3rd century.The prevailing disorders, aggravated by barbarian invasions and the flight of northerly Chinese to the south, heightened the attraction of Buddhism with its promise of personal salvation, despite its lack of affinity with the society-oriented thought of the Chinese. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, a prince of the Sakya kingdom on the borders of what are now India and Nepal and a contemporary of Confucius. Intent on dominateing balance for human suffering, he gather ind a moment of nirvana while meditating under a Bo tree.The Buddha taught that desires are the source of pain, and that by overcoming desires, pain can be eliminated. To this end, he advocated meditation and pursuing the Eightfold Path, similar to the Ten Commandments of Judaism and Christianity. The objective was to reach Nirvana, the condition of serenity of spirit, where all cravings, strife, and pain have been overcome, giving way to a merging of the spirit with eternal harmony. At an early stage of its development, Buddhism split into two major trends, Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) and Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle).Hinayana remained closer to the original Buddhism and is still the religion of the Southeast Asian countries. The Buddhism of China, Korea, Japan, Nepal, Tibet, and Vietnam, however, stems largely from Mahayana. Mahayana Buddhism contained more popular elements, such as belief in repetitive appeals, heaven and deitiesbodhisattvaswho would help people gain salvation. It also quickly adapted to the land and people it converted. In China, it split into several schools, including Chan (Zen in Japan), Tien-tai (Tendai in Japan), and Pure Land. Chan or Zen BuddhismThrough his popular book The Way of Zen (1957), the British-born American philosopher Alan Watts introduced Americans to the Zen school of Buddhism, which has a long tradition of development in China and Japan. Zen (Chan in Chinese) is a Japanese term meaning meditation. It is a major school of Japanese Buddhism that claims to transmit the spirit of Buddhism, or the total enlightenment as achieved by the founder of the religion, the Buddha (See Buddha Buddhism). Zen has its basis in the conviction that the world and its components are not many things. They are, rather, one reality.The one is part of a larger wholeness to which some people condition the name of God. Reason, by analyzing the diversity of the world, obscures this oneness. It can be apprehended by the nonrational part of the mindthe intuition. Enlightenment about the nature of reality comes not by rational examination but through meditation. Meditation has been an integral part of Buddhism from the beginning. Nevertheless, a school of meditation grew up in India and was taken to China by Bodhidharma about AD 520. When the meditation school arrived in China, it had a strong foundation on which to build Taoism, the ancient Chinese religion (See Taoism).This religion is based on the idea that there is one underlying reality called the Tao. Taoists, like the followers of the meditation school, exalted intuition over reason. This Taoist tradition was easily absorbed by the Chinese meditation school, the Chan. Within two centuries the meditation school had split up into two factions Northern Chan and Southern Chan. The northern school, a short-lived affair, insisted on a doctrine of tardy enlightenment. The southern school, which became dominant, held to a doctrine of instantaneous enlightenment.The southern school evolved under the powerful influence of Hui-neng (638-713), who is accept as the sixth great patriarch of Zen and the founder of its modern interpretation. In a discussion recorded as the Platform Scripture of the Sixth Patria rch, he taught that all people possess the Buddha nature and that ones nature (before and after being born) is originally pure. Instead of undertaking a variety of religious obligations to seek salvation, one should discover ones own nature. The conventional way to do this, sitting in meditation, is useless. If one perceives ones own nature, enlightenment will follow explosively.The goal of adherents of the southern Chan is to gain transcendental, or highest, wisdom from the depths of ones unconscious, where it lies dormant. Chan tries to attain enlightenment without the aid of common religious observances study, scriptures, ceremonies, or good deeds. Reaching the highest wisdom comes as a breakthrough in everyday logical thought. Followers are urged to find within themselves the answer to any question raised within because the answer is believed to be found where the question originates. Training in the methods of meditation leading to such an enlightenment is best transmitted fr om master to disciple.Chan flourished in China during the Tang and Sung dynasties (960-1279), and its influences were strongly felt in literature and painting. Chan declined during the Ming era (1141-1215), when Chan masters took up the practice of trying to harmonize meditation with the study of traditional scriptures. Meanwhile, sects of Zen had been transplanted to Japan. The Rinzai school was taken there in 1191 by the priest Enzai (1141-1215), and the Soto tradition arrived in 1227, taken there by Dogen (1200-53), the most revered figure in Japanese Zen.These schools had their origin in China during the 9th century, when Chan divided into five sects that differed from each other in minor ways. The Rinzai sect evolved from the work of Lin-chi (died 866), who was an exponent of sudden enlightenment. The Soto was founded by Liang-chieh (died 869) and Pen-chi (died 901). The Soto stressed quiet sitting in meditation to await enlightenment. A third group, the Obaku, was ceremonious in 1654. The Obaku school is closer to the Rinzai tradition except for its emphasis on invoking the name of Buddha.Zen gained an impetuous following among the Samurai warrior class and became in effect the state religion in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 16th century Zen priests were diplomats and administrators, and they enhanced cultural life as well. Under their influence literature, art, the cult of the tea ceremony, and the No drama developed. The focal point of Zen is the monastery, where masters and pupils interact in the lookup for enlightenment. A newcomer arrives at a monastery with a certificate steering that he is a regularly ordained disciple of a priest. He is at first refused entry.Finally being admitted, he spends a few days of probation being interviewed by his master. When he is accepted he is initiated into the community life of humility, labor, service, prayer and gratitude, and meditation. 2. Communication Style of Chinese people There are many things t hat you should know about the confabulation way of life of the Chinese people. They are really care with the appearance, behavior and the way we communicate to them since it will show them our status, are we coming from the lower economic status or high economic status or fifty-fifty more we are coming from the Kings ancestor or just an ordinary people.It is all can be seen from the way we communicate so it become so important tally to Chinese people. Please find below the detail in each topic of the communication style of Chinese people Appearance Appearance is quite important for Chinese people or even Asian, they sometimes judge people from their first sight (Dresser,1996). Conservative suits for men with subtle colorize are the norm. Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much. Subtle, indifferent colors should be worn by both men and women. Casual dress should be standpat(prenominal) as well. Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings. Revealing garments for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen. Behavior Some of the behavior or gestures are mentioned as follows (Axtel,1998) Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host. personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to impress a woman in public. Do not point when speaking. To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm. It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth. Avoid acts that involve the mouth. bounty giving is a very delicate issue in China. It is illegal to give gifts to government official however it has become more commonplace in the business world. It is more acceptable to give gifts every in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment. The most acceptable gift is a banquet. Quality writing pens as considered favor ed gifts. The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given Clocks Straw sandals A stork or unfold Handkerchiefs Anything white, blue or black Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest. Do not discuss business at meals. Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host. As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered. Sample meals only, there may be several courses. Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks unsloped in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death. Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck. Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry. Women do not usually drink at meals. Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common. Communications Bowing or nodding is the common greeting however, you may be of fered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first. (Morris, 2003). Applause is common when greeting a crowd the same is expected in return. Introductions are formal. Use formal titles. Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners. Being on time is vital in China. Appointments are a must for business. Contacts should be made prior to your trip. Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings. The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly. Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision. Present and receive cards with both hands. Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case. The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status. Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture. Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.3. Co mmunication style when interacting with people from a Different Culture When we do the communication with other people with different culture we expect them to follow our rules especially when we are talking to older people. But sometimes for teenagers or younger people they would like to adapt the communication styles according to the peoples culture he/she talking with. Chinese people is very famous for their good personality traits, in this case they are really diligent and always try to give the best and also sometimes very brave to take any action compares to those who are coming from the west.They would do directly what they consider the thing is right or correct this can be seen in the way they sell things, they open their instal and etc. If you are coming from the west you need to understand what the people from the east thinking about. below are the patterns of Eastern and Western people that we can analyze and use to communicate with them. You can find out that western p eople will look like they are more individual compares to the eastern people.