Well-makers lead the water wherever they like fletchers bend the arrow carpenters bend a log of wood wise people master themselves. What central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote to samurai who practiced zen
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Compare and contrast the Chinese government bureaucracy under the Tang and Song dynasties. How was it similar? How did it differ?
Can u use sumple wording
Can u make that shorter and less big words
The central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote to samurai who practiced Zen is the idea of self-mastery or self-discipline. It highlights the importance of individuals taking control of their own thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to cultivate inner strength and wisdom. This aligns with the Buddhist belief in attaining enlightenment through self-transformation and the development of one's own mind.
The Chinese government bureaucracy under the Tang and Song dynasties shared some similarities but also had significant differences.
Similarities:
1. Confucian Influence: Both dynasties had a bureaucracy deeply rooted in Confucian principles. Confucianism emphasized a hierarchical structure, meritocracy, and the importance of education and moral virtue for governance.
2. Civil Service Examinations: Both the Tang and Song dynasties utilized civil service examinations to select officials. These exams aimed to identify individuals with knowledge of Confucian texts and moral character, promoting the ideal of a merit-based bureaucracy.
Differences:
1. Size and Structure: Under the Tang Dynasty, the government bureaucracy was vast, with a complex structure consisting of six ministries, three commissions, and regional military commands. In contrast, the Song Dynasty established a more streamlined and centralized bureaucratic system, reducing the number of ministries and emphasizing a stronger central government.
2. Recruitment and Social Mobility: While both dynasties employed civil service exams, the Tang Dynasty relied more on personal recommendations and social connections for appointments. This often favored aristocratic families. In contrast, the Song Dynasty placed greater emphasis on impartial exams open to a wider range of candidates, thus offering greater social mobility for individuals from non-aristocratic backgrounds.
3. Examination Content: The Tang Dynasty exams primarily focused on knowledge of Confucian classics, while the Song Dynasty exams expanded to include topics like history, poetry, and administrative skills. Additionally, the Song Dynasty exams placed more importance on literary style and proficiency.
4. Corruption: Under the Tang Dynasty, corruption was more prevalent within the bureaucracy, with officials often being involved in bribery and nepotism. The Song Dynasty made efforts to combat corruption, implementing measures such as regular inspections and stricter regulations to ensure official integrity.
Overall, while both the Tang and Song dynasties had bureaucracies influenced by Confucian principles and used civil service examinations, they differed in terms of size, structure, recruitment methods, examination content, and anti-corruption measures implemented.