Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/religion-thought-modern-china

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan** If you have ever wanted to deepen your understanding of Chinese cultural history and religious thought, the course "Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan" on Coursera is an excellent choice. This meticulously structured sequence of four courses takes a comprehensive approach to the exploration of how different modes of rationality—philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic—shaped Chinese society during a pivotal era in its history. ### Course Overview The course is distinguished by its multi-disciplinary approach, emphasizing the connections between cultural artifacts, societal changes, and paradigm shifts. Focusing on the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, the course invites learners to examine how various Chinese religions interacted with one another and how their evolution reflected broader social, political, and economic transformations. The syllabus is structured into modules that delve deeply into the unique characteristics of each dynasty and the intricate relationship between religion and state. Key topics include the transformation of the Three Teachings, the emergence of state-controlled religions, religious practices at the village level, and the evolving roles of Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. ### Detailed Course Content 1. **Module 13: Modern China** - This module sets the stage by examining what constitutes “modernity” in the context of the Song dynasty. It explores the interiorization of the Three Teachings and the dynamics of Buddhism and Daoism concerning popular religion. 2. **Module 14: State Religion** - This module reveals how the Northern Song dynasty utilized Confucian classics to control and support religion, highlighting Daoism's pivotal role during this period. 3. **Module 15: Local Society** - The exploration of religion at the village level enables learners to see the practical application of faith in everyday life and the importance of the earth god in the Song period. 4. **Module 16: Daoism in the Song and Jin** - Here, the focus shifts to Heavenly Master Daoism's rise and its collaboration with popular religion, showcasing an increased emphasis on rituals such as exorcism. 5. **Module 17: Buddhism in the Song** - Students will learn about the elite Chan and popular Tiantai forms of Buddhism, including their state support and the development of communal lay associations. 6. **Module 18: Dunhuang** - This module illustrates the significant role of Buddhist cave worship, transporting learners into the artistic and cultural depths of early Chinese Buddhism. 7. **Module 19 & 20: Confucianism in the Song** - These modules dissect the philosophical debates within Confucianism during the Song dynasty, exploring the inclusive and exclusive strains introduced by scholars like Lu Jiuyuan and Zhu Xi. ### Learning Experience Throughout the course, learners will benefit from not only lectures that articulate the complexities of each subject but also curated readings and cultural artifacts that enrich understanding. The engagement with primary texts and artifacts fosters a deeper appreciation for the evolution of Chinese thought and the intricate tapestry of religions that shaped society. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone interested in religious studies, Chinese history, or cultural anthropology. It's suitable for learners at all levels, from beginners to those with prior knowledge seeking to deepen their understanding. The course is especially valuable to students and professionals in the fields of history, religious studies, and cultural studies. The format of Coursera makes the content accessible and manageable, allowing you to pace your learning according to your schedule. Furthermore, the opportunity to interact with instructors and fellow learners adds a collaborative dimension to the experience. In conclusion, "Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan" is not just an academic pursuit; it is an opportunity to understand a significant part of world history through its religions and philosophies. Enroll in this course to embark on a rewarding intellectual journey that connects historical events to contemporary issues in religious thought and practice.

Syllabus

Module 13 Modern China

This module presents what is unique to the Song dynasty: why it can be called “modern”; how the Three Teachings were transformed and interiorization and rationalization reached new heights; how both Buddhism and Daoism, while continuing to criticize popular religion, also learned to cooperate with it.

This module is about how the state, relying on the Confucian classics, controlled religion and also supported it; how the Northern Song dynasty heavily favoured Daoism, and how this allowed the deification of its ancestors not only but even of the ruling emperor.

This module shows Chinese religion at the village level, how each of the four religions has its own niche, and how the earth god was at the center of the village in the Song period.

This module explains how Heavenly Master Daoism came to the fore and became a collaborator with popular religion; why this meant an increased focus on exorcism; how Daoist self-cultivation became radically dualist.

We are going to learn the two main forms of Buddhism in the Song, the more elite Chan, first to gain state support, and the more popular Tiantai, which created lay associations and rituals for lay persons.

This module describes the emergence of a culture of Buddhist cave worship during the Period of Division. You can learn how cave murals and statues, together with texts for the water-land ritual, made the Pure Land something very concrete and real for Chinese Buddhists.

This module explores the formation of Daoxue’s two strains, the one (Lu Jiuyuan) more inclusive, the other (Zhu Xi) more exclusive how Daoxue became state orthodoxy.

This module illustrates how the dualism of Han and Tang Confucians was overcome by Zhu Xi and how this is related to 1) his creation of the new canon of the Four Books; 2) a positive view of the emotions; and 3) his interest in local social institutions. Understand the special place of academies in the Daoxue landscape.