Traditional Chinese Culture: An Introduction

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China has experienced huge change in the last hundred years, and is, this study argues at a cultural crossroads. Should it continue with its rapid modernization or should it hold fast to the values and traditions that, in many ways, still underpin its culture? This survey of Chinese beliefs, traditions and values argues strongly for the latter. An exploration of the three main belief systems - Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism - highlights the values that lie at their core: benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and trust. This deep and thoughtful book explains how these values are expressed differently within each religion, and how they have had a profound impact on the Chinese people, in how they live and think, and express themselves creatively. Crucially, these are values that China can continue to live by today.