| Literati Tradition |
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This green area represents the intellectuals as well as most of the educated people throughout the Chinese history. The majority of these people have been taught according to Confucius' universal principles for mature humanity and civilization. They also are trained with his core concept of jun-zi, which means to become a man having ethical sensitivity and historical wisdom in order to administer government.
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| Daoism |
| Daoism as a philosophy appeared at the same time as Confucianism. As a popular philosophy, it introduced the fundamental principle of the naturalistic worldview. The word "Dao" has the same value as the "Way" in Christianity.
"Dao" is the main thrust of the whole universe. The philosophical aspect of Daoism suggests that human beings should flow with the universe rather then taking an aggressive attitude toward it. Later in the Han Dynasty (around AD 200), Daoism gradually emerged itself to be a religion. As a religion, Daoism provided the concept of Yin & Yang, the Jade Emperor, the immortal stage, heirarchical structure of the supernatural world and the connection between life and death. It also took over the role of Heaven Worship. The Dao priest is the major player in the course of exorcism.
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| Buddhism |
| Buddhism came to China at a time when her people were suffering from endless civil wars, social disorder, government corruption, ruler cruelty, and invasion of northern tribes. It provided an explanation for as well as technical skills to escape from human suffering, it became a popular faith in a short time. Later when it absorbed and adapted many of Confucius' teachings, the Chinese version of Mahayana Buddhism formed and became deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of Chinese people. The Chinese are fond of the ideas that every person can become buddha and that we can help each other achieve that supreme goal in this life.
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| Area One |
Area one represents those intellectuals who live as a practioner of Confucianism yet want to die as Daoist.
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| Area Two |
This area represents those at the lower levels of the society. They generally are not educated and work hard from hand to mouth. Often they are the victim of social disorders and bloody power struggles. They mixed their Buddhaism faith and Daoism beliefs in their daily suffering lives.
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| Area Three |
This area also represents the upper class and intellectuals. These people like the philosophical aspects of Buddhaism. They often pray to the deities and offer sacrifices for the purpose of achieving their personal desires.
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| Area Four |
This is the so-called "the silent majority." They practice and apply all religious rituals and beliefs anytime and anywhere. They rarely pass any temple without offering a prayer. They bow their heads whenever a deity is present. They truly believe that if their worship covers every imaginable deity, supernatural being and ancestor, they will have a good life on earth.
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