A Study of the Formation of “Confucianism as the Official Religion” in the Eastern Han Dynasty

Yoshihiro Watanabe

   Since the “Confucian State” had formed in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the course of Confucianism becoming the official religion was completed. There should be four indicators of the formation of “Confucian China”, i.e. the formation of Confucian system as state orthodoxy; the establishment of Confucianism as dominant system; Confucianism penetrating into central and local bureaucratic stratum, and gaining acceptance; the formation of Confucian rule. In the four indicators, the first and the fourth were established at the White Tiger Conference held in the reign of Emperor Zhang of Han; and the second and third indicators had been established in the early period of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In other words, the answer for the formation of “Confucian state” in the Eastern Han Dynasty could be found from the discussions at the White Tiger Pavilion. The “Confucian state” adapted to the changing times by reinterpreting the classics they were base on. The emperor got his ruling legitimacy through Confucianism, and utilized scholars and officials with Confucianism accomplishment as well as local power with the same background to govern the state. This inherent system of state control in traditional China had lasted till the prevalence of Taoism and Buddhism. The relation between Confucianism and the governing system of “Confucianism State”, is the idea basis for state control in traditional China.