Belief/ Religion Systems

During the Yuan Dynasty, many religions were practiced and many beliefs were accepted. While some people believed in Shamanism, others believed in Taoism. Others worshipped the Buddha in Buddhism, while others believed in Lamaism. Some differ greatly, while others are quite similar. But one thing is for certain: there were many diverse religions in this era.

Belief: Shamanism

Shamanism is the belief that shamans, or holy men, had the gift of talking to the dead or the gods. Much like psychics and priests, shamans were able to go into a trance and speak to those who are deceased. They could also perform special rituals that could rid people of evil spirits that could make you healthy when you’re sick, get rid of bad luck, and other things that would come in handy. Although, each ritual is different to each tribe. Shamans also have the power to tell the future by reading bones or scrying. Also in Shamanism, some shamans don’t just function as healers. Some lead the dead to the under world, but their main role is a healer. Although Shamanism is mainly a belief in spirits, shamans play a role in many people’s lives to let others know that the dead are not gone, just in another world.

Belief: Taoism

 

  Taoism is the belief that one should follow the Dao, or the way. This belief wants one to become harmonious and natural. Taoism also believes that there cannot be harmony with suffering. A symbol that represents Taoism is the Yin Yang. Also in Taoism, there is a book called the Daodejing that is written by Laozi, the founder of Taoism, that is filled with quotes on how to become one with the Dao. “Those who know don’t talk. Those who talk don’t know,” is a quote that sums up how you cannot have good without bad. Another way to become one with the Dao is to follow wu wei. Wu wei means “action without action.” The goal of wu wei is to realize how to do action with action, thus discontinuing the never ending paradox and becoming one with the Tao.

Religion: Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion that based on the teachings of the Buddha. The main goal in this religion is to reach nirvana, or enlightenment, so you can end the cycle of reincarnation, or rebirth. Some things that decide whether or not you break the cycle is karma. Karma is everything that you say and do. If you do many good things, you will be reborn as a human, or maybe even reach nirvana. If you do many bad things, you will be reborn as something like a spider or an fly. One way to prevent this bad karma is to follow the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble truths state that:

1. Life leads to suffering
2. Suffering is caused by desire
3. Desire ends when you reach enlightenment
4. You achieve enlightenment by following the Buddha’s ways

You also follow the Eight Fold path, which states how to end suffering and desire. But there are some people who do not want to reach nirvana, but want to helps others reach it. These people are called Buddhisatvas. But if they can help someone reach nirvana, it’s like reaching nirvana for themselves.

Religion: Lamaism

Lamaism is the Tibetan form of Buddhism. It has the same concepts of Buddhism, but you try to reach Buddhahood. Buddhahood is a state that is free of distractions to liberate one. They also have Buddhisatvas to help others achieve this enlightenment. It is also highly prized to have a teacher or guru, like in most Buddhist cultures. But unlike normal Buddhism, there is a way to obtain enlightenment very quickly, but it’s very dangerous. In this method, you must receive permission from a Lama (Tibetan teacher of dharma) that has permission to give it. They also try to use self- censorship, or try to keep work hidden. Although Lamaism is closely related to Buddhism, this religion has its own way of reaching its own nirvana.