Why did heaven give the zhou kings the mandate of heaven? Select 2 correct answers
To determine why Heaven gave the Zhou kings the mandate of heaven, we need to understand the concept of the mandate of heaven and look at the historical context of ancient China. The mandate of heaven is an ancient Chinese belief that heaven bestowed the right to rule upon a specific dynasty or ruler, and that this right could be revoked if the ruler's rule became unjust or ineffective.
To answer the question, we can follow these steps:
1. Historical Context: Understand the context of the Zhou dynasty in ancient China. The Zhou dynasty came into power after overthrowing the previous Shang dynasty, claiming that the Shang rulers had lost the mandate of heaven due to their corruption and incompetence.
2. Virtuous Rule: One possible reason why heaven gave the Zhou kings the mandate of heaven is their claim of virtuous rule. The Zhou kings emphasized the concept of "The Way" (Dao) and believed in ruling with benevolence, righteousness, and proper governance. They presented themselves as wise, just, and capable rulers, which could have contributed to them receiving the mandate of heaven.
3. Heaven's Recognition: Another possible reason is that heaven recognized the Zhou kings' successful rebellion against the Shang dynasty. The Zhou leaders were able to unify various tribes and support local lords to overthrow the Shang dynasty, which could have been viewed as a sign of heaven's favor and support.
4. Rituals and Divination: The Zhou kings also established rituals and ceremonies to justify their rule and maintain the mandate of heaven. They performed ancestral worship, divination rituals, and sacrificial ceremonies to show their connection to heaven and the divine order.
It's important to note that these are possible explanations based on historical interpretations and ancient Chinese beliefs. The mandate of heaven was a complex and multifaceted concept, and it is likely that various factors contributed to heaven giving the Zhou kings the mandate of heaven.