RELIGION

** China's Religions and Mythical Dragons **

 **Buddhism By Corey S.**   There are religions all over the world and many of us only experience or know about one religion. China has many religions in it. One of these is Buddhism. Buddhism is a peace loving religion that is the fourth most popular in the world. It is a religion based on following the teachings of the profit Buddha. Buddhism is a religion that has a rich history, beliefs, and is in China today. The religion is celebrated and practiced all over the world. Most of the long history of Buddhism began in India. Buddhism was originally formed in India and was eventually brought to  China. It is widely believed that it was first introduced to China between 206 BC and 220 AD.  “ During the Tang Dynasty Buddhism was finally Sinicized or made fully Chinese” (Buddhism: The “Imported” Tradition). This process took a very long time because for years  the Chinese were trying to translate the Indian text. They were finally able to complete it during this time. This had a great affect on Buddhism in China because it allowed the Buddhist doctrine to be read by the Chinese. This in turn, made the religion grow in popularity in China. The Buddhist’s beliefs are shown in many different texts in China. They are very straight forward and clear to understand. The rules and beliefs are in the basic doctrines of Buddhism such as: “The Four Noble Truths”, “The Eightfold Path”, and “Buddhist Precepts” (Basic Doctrines of Buddhism). All of these doctrines explain how people should stop focusing on things they want, because it is said that if they keep wanting for their senses, they will always want more and will never be happy. They also focus on getting rid of jealous and angry thoughts. They say not to kill any living thing. These are the basic doctrines that Buddhists follow as they practice this religion. Buddhism is still an important part of the Chinese culture today. Buddhism has played an important role in Chinese culture. This has impacted the Chinese and Buddhism in their culture today. They have many temples that were built in the past that shaped the culture. Some are still used today while others are more modern. They allow people access to Buddhism and its teachings today in China. Many people worship in the temples in Chinese culture.  Buddhism is very important in China. Buddhism in China has history, beliefs, and is still present today. Buddhism is a peace driven religion that focuses on trying to get rid of one’s sensing wants. It teaches lessons in doctrines. Buddhism, while it didn’t start in China is a big part of its culture and its people’s lives. While Buddhsim is a big religion in China it is not the only religion practiced in China. In past Mythical creatures were a big part of China's peoples lives.  WORKS CITED "Basic Basic Doctrines of Buddhism." __Minnesota State University, Mankato__. Minnestoa State luniversity. 24 Feb. 2009 .

"Buddh Buddhism: "The Imported" Tradition." __A S I A for E D U C A T O R S | Columbia University__. 24 Feb. 2009 .  "Buddh Buddhism." __UW Departments Web Server__. 24 Feb. 2009 <http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/bud/tbudhism.htm>. <span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; text-decoration: none; msofareastfontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msoansilanguage: EN;"> <span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> __Buddhist Map.__ __Wikipedia__. Wikipedia. 19 Mar. 2009 <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">[]. <span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> __.Buddhist Monks__. __Woodenfish.org__. The Woodenfish Project. 17 Mar. 2009 <http://woodenfish.org/photos/Humanistic_Buddhist_Monastic_Life_Program/images/Before_chanting.jpg>. <span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; text-decoration: none; msofareastfontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msoansilanguage: EN;"> __<span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Temple __ <span style="font-size: 110%; color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msoansilanguage: EN;"> Buddhsist Temple. __Waynedhamma.blogspot.com__. Wayne's Dhamma Blog. 16 Mar. 2009 <span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><http:/ <span style="color: #262a2c; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><http//4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cU1EQbYot4/R4j4AW3QAOI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/pxhrabw6evc/s400/fobchin01.jpg>.