Golden Dragon Museum

BUDDHA

Buddha is the title given to the founder of Buddhism. His name was Siddhartha Gautama (563 BC - 483 BC ). The title Buddha means "Enlightened One".

Buddhism arrived in China from India about 65AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty. This was in the reign of Emperor Ming Ti who it is said had a dream about a golden God. This was interpreted as being Buddha demanding to be worshipped in China. The Emperor immediately sought assistance from India in the form of teachers and religious books.

The school of Buddhism followed in China is the Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle"), which emphasises the existence of many Buddhas. Present and future Buddhas are able to save people through grace and compassion. Buddhism consists of a triad: Buddha, the Law or teachings (dharma), and the Priesthood and religious community (Sangha).

Buddhism has formed an important part of Chinese thought for nearly 2000 years. It ties in neatly with Chinese beliefs of ancestor worship in that Buddhists believe that when a man dies his other self reappears in another form.

CONFUCIUS

Confucius lived from 552 BC until 479 BC and was born in the State of Lu in southern Shantung Province. He spent much of his life travelling and returned to Lu for the last 3 years of his life where he wrote down his beliefs and instructed disciples.

Confucianism is seen as both a religion and philosophy, and at the least has been used by millions of Chinese as a substitute for religion. It is seen as a conservative force because of its emphasis on traditional values, such as respect for elders.
Confucius was the patron god of academics and bureaucrats and Earth god of the State.

LAOCIUS (LAO-TZU)

Many have referred to the teachings of Laocius as Taoism, which is in fact a mystic cult which developed out of the teachings of Laocius influenced by Zoroastrianism from Persia and other mystic cults. The Chinese prefer to call it Laoism, the teachings of Laocius, pure and unadulterated, that have moulded Chinese culture side by side with the teachings of Confucius. Laocius lived at the same time as Confucius, but was many years older. It is recorded that Confucius went to see Laocius to ask about Dao ("The Way"), and came back completely perplexed because he could not fathom Laocius' depth of wisdom. When his disciples asked him what he had learnt from Laocius, Confucius could only compare Laocius with the dragon. In other words he could not fathom Laocius, whose wisdom was too deep for him.