Dear cecil,
Are all chinese people Buddhist? What religion was followed by chinese people in the era when the I-ching and other chinese books were written.

[Note: It should be posted under the conference - Chinese Beliefs]
Dear Anon,
1. This statement is not exactly true. (NO offence, but it is like saying that all Europeans are Christians (Broad meaning: Catholics, Protestants and other Christians.)
2. All over China and in other countries with overseas Chinese you will find that there is a mix of other religions.
3. Depending on the country, there will be a higher or lower percentage of Chinese who are buddhists.
4. For example, in China, due to their cultural revolution, under Communist rule, religion was `abolished' especially during Premier Mao's reign. Recently, religion has been `restored'.
5. You will be surprised to learn that even in China, Jesuit priest had came to China as early as 16 century or earlier. There are Chinese who are Catholics and Christians.
6. Other regions of China which share a border with Muslim countries even have Chinese Muslims.
7. In other countries, with overseas Chinese, countries like Taiwan would have more buddhist than most other overseas Chinese.
There are also Chinese who are Toaist and their religion is Toaism.
8. It is my opinion that Japan, has more concentration of Buddhist because, there are lots of Buddhist temples in Japan far more than eg. in Singapore or Malaysia.
7. More importantly, Buddhism is said to have originated from India. Trade was very active then i.e. the famous Silk route.
8. In Singapore, there are more younger Chinese are Catholics, Christians (Protestants etc...) than Buddhism. While the older generation Chinese are more in tune with Buddhism.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 12/5/99 2:01:08 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
Are all chinese people
Buddhist? What religion was
followed by chinese people in
the era when the I-ching and
other chinese books were
written.