Abstract
This paper shows the important role that Buddhism and Confucianism played in the development of printing. It then shows the important role that printing played in the development and history of these two religions. The paper particularly discusses the history of printing from the time of the Tang Dynasty and the Sung Dynasty in Ancient China.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Very Beginning of Printing - Tang Dynasty (618-906)
Reasons why Printing was Invented - Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty
The Diamond Sutra
Buddhist and Confucian Books Printed in the Sung Dynasty
Importance of Printing to Buddhism and Confucianism
Commercial Uses for Printing
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As has been shown above, the Ancient Chinese were the first to develop printing, during the Tang Dynasty and the Sung Dynasty. The main reason they did this was because printing was needed to produce and distribute more religious texts. In particular, Buddhist texts were the reason why early printing was developed. Printing then made possible the production of the first complete Buddhist canon. So, it must have been very important in spreading and developing Buddhism in China. Although printing was soon used for commercial applications, it continued to be important for religious literature. During the Sung Dynasty, it was used to produce Confucian books. Thanks to the invention of printing, a fair amount of early religious works still exist today."

Tags:literature, texts, writing, innovation

Abstract
This paper evaluates the clothing of the Zhou dynasty and how they reflect the sumptuary laws written by Zhou in his Book of Rites. The paper looks at how the materials, symbolic embroidery, and the nature of the design of these clothes reflect a hierarchical status for different classes in ancient Chinese society. The paper shows how by understanding and evaluating the religious, governmental, and lower working class laws pertaining to these garments, one can understand the strictness and diligence of these laws that defined class hierarchy.

From the Paper
"This textile study will analyze the way that materials used for clothing were often symbolic of the sumptuary laws that defined a class hierarchy in ancient China. By observing the various elements of Zhou's sumptuary laws in regards to class positions in society, there can be a illustrated context in which to know the differing laws that governed certain tiered roles in society. In essence, the sumptuary laws of ancient China will define how clothing illustrated the varying classes and their roles within government, religion, and within the lower classes."

Tags:class, clothing, china

Abstract
This paper examines the works of Confucius, primarily his "Analects", with respect to his belief about the structure of China's past. This is supported through references to the work, "Mencius".

Abstract
K.C. Chang's book, "Art Myth and Ritual" is an in-depth study and analysis of the development of political power in Ancient China through the foundations of myth, art, and architecture. Through a combination of archaeology, classical studies and anthropology, Chang sets out the specific criteria for the rise of political authority in the Ancient Chinese world and places them in the context of the mythological, artistic and ritualistic realities of the tradition itself.

Abstract
Although both have present-day renown as ancient apostles of the virtuous life, in truth, the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, cannot be strictly and coherently contrasted in their points of view on virtue in a traditional sense of comparison. This paper explains that both philosophers have such substantially different definitions of what ?virtue? may be defined, as within their respective historical, political, and societal circumstances, one cannot elide ?virtue? within the same definitional framework of ancient China and ancient Greece. It shows how both philosophers conceptualized the notion of what constitutes virtue in completely different ways. For Confucius, virtue was a code of conduct, a law or rule of life that ought to be obeyed to create a more harmonious and perfect society. For Aristotle, virtue was a philosophical ideal that attempted to provide human beings with a definition that enabled them to conceive of their lives in a more philosophically efficacious way.

From the Paper
"The different definitions of virtue between Confucius and Aristotle arise not simply because of difference of temperament or even translation, but of what both saw as their roles as thinkers. Confucius was primarily preoccupied with improving government and society. He was convinced that the problem with his current government and the current state of Chinese society was what he defined as a lacking of virtue or a lack of obedience to the rule of what was good. A truly good public servant, for instance, ?who on confronting danger is prepared to lay down his life, who on confronting gain concentrates on what is right, who when sacrificing concentrates on reverence, who when mourning concentrates on grief should definitely be all right,? as opposed to a self-interested or non-virtuous public servant, only interested in self-gratification. (19:1, Analects) The absence of good public servants in China had led to an absence of good governance."

Tags:philosopher, tradition, society

Abstract
This paper describes some of the many technological advancements that took place in China prior to the fourteenth century under the Shang and Chou dynasties. The paper relates that under Chinese Shang rule, bronze metallurgy was developed that then evolved into the development of blast furnaces and advanced iron-casting capabilities. The paper also discusses the development of a distinctive writing system and examines China's contributions to the lives of Europeans. This included the glazed pottery known as china or porcelain as well as other inventions of the compass, paper, gun powder, natural gas, mechanical clocks and row planting.

From the Paper
"The era of the Shang and Chou dynasties represent the formative years of Chinese history. Prior to this period, China was politically unified, yet comparable to India before its unification by the Mauryan Dynasty. This was the time when a majority of China's cultural traditions that exist today materialized. For many centuries, the country of China was in an isolated state away from other civilization, seas, deserts, and mountains. This helps to explain the originality and uniqueness of the Chinese culture. China's transition from Neolithic culture to civilization was complete with the establishment of Shang rule over most of North China in addition to the first written texts ("Notes on China")."

Tags:iron-casting, china, compass, paper, gun, powder, natural, gas, mechanical, clocks, row, planting

Abstract
According to the paper, some of the oldest literature in the world comes from Ancient China and the fact that this literature survived is because Ancient China was also the first civilization in the world to invent printing. The paper relates that this is usually agreed to have happened during the Tang Dynasty (618-906), and, most scholars agree that printing was invented in China because of the need to print and distribute religious texts. This research paper shows the important role that Buddhism and Confucianism played in the development of printing; and in turn, the important role that printing played in the development and history of these two religions.

From the Paper
"Some of the oldest literature in the world comes from Ancient China. The fact that this literature survives is because Ancient China was also the first civilization in the world to invent printing. This is usually agreed to have happened during the Tang Dynasty (618-906). Also, most scholars agree that printing was invented in China because of the need to print and distribute religious texts. This research paper will show the important role that Buddhism and Confucianism played in the development of printing;..."

Tags:china, buddhism, confucianism

Abstract
This paper examines how Buddhism came to China and what main problems pertaining to assimilation greeted it once it arrived. Specifically, the paper considers when exactly Buddhism made its appearance, what factors in China made it possible for it to establish a toe-hold and what arguments were leveled against it by Confucian opponents. Additionally, it addresses the obstacles the state offered. In the final analysis, the story of Buddhism in ancient China is a story of extraordinary resiliency and perseverance.

From the Paper
"How did Buddhism come to China and what were the main problems of assimilation associated with its introduction there? The following paper will look at how Buddhism came to China and what main problems pertaining to assimilation greeted it once it arrived. Specifically, the paper will look at when exactly Buddhism made its appearance, what factors in China made it possible for it to establish a toe-hold (the role of the Northwestern Purists will be touched upon directly), and what arguments were leveled against it by Confucian opponents - as well as what obstacles the state offered. In the final analysis, the story of Buddhism in ancient China is a story of..."

Tags:buddhism, china, history

Abstract
This paper discusses how China has seen a number of changes in terms of history and power over the years. It examines the changing nature of these associations and explores the relationship between history and political authority from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Han. It also shows how that, while changes occurred in the political-administrative area of China's history, many of the philosophies established were instrumental in setting a pattern for future empires.

Outline
Introduction
Political Power
The Shang Dynasty
Western and Eastern Zhou Dynasties
First Imperial Period
The Han Dynasty
Shamans and Ancient China
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Daoism, or the study of nature's patterns, has been in existence since the earliest Chinese eras. Historians and scholars dispute the concept that "these ideas did not evolve with time like human beings are supposed to have, but that they sprung, full-formed, in a culture that long preceded the historical land of "China," even the early China that scratched their versions of these earlier ideas into the famous "oracle bone" (home.attbi.com/~piannone/o-s/ch-innerhist.html)." Feudal governments in North China, which existed during the era of the oracle bones, were different from the original daoists. During this era, fortune telling was popular among kings and queens, and their court sorcerers were educated in rumor."

Tags:imperial, period, zhou, daoism

Abstract
This paper discusses the state and practice of ancient Chinese religious traditions in Communist China. The paper describes the discouragement of religion by the Chinese Communist Party and outlines the six ancient religions of China.

From the Paper
"The Chinese Communist Party, China's ruling party, long discouraged the practice of religion. Communism is an atheist form of government to begin with, but the Chinese Communist Party also regarded religion as a dangerous alternative credo to communism, a view that failed to deter Chinese citizens from practicing their religious beliefs even at great personal risk. Even though the Cultural Revolution that occurred saw massive religious persecution and the destruction of thousands of temples and churches..."

Tags:Communist China, communism, religions, Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity