Investigating the Lifestyles and Philosophies of Chinese Emperors

Since the earliest days of Chinese civilization, rulers known as emperors have led the country and its people. Even today, their influence continues to shape Chinese culture and traditions. But what did Chinese emperors' lives look like? What philosophies guided them in their rule? In this article, we'll explore the lifestyles and philosophies of Chinese emperors through the ages.

A Look at the Lives of Chinese Emperors

Throughout China's history, emperors lived in grand palaces and estates, surrounded by luxury and opulence. From the Eastern Zhou Dynasty up to the last Imperial dynasty, the Qing, emperors dined on feast-worthy meals, wore the finest silks, and spent inordinate amounts of time seeking pleasure and entertainment in their palaces. But beyond the excess, their lives were governed by strict rules and protocol designed to maintain their power.

The Emperor himself held the absolute power of governance, a fact that was further emphasized by the way he held court. Seated in the center of a large and lavishly appointed hall, he was often attended by courtiers and officials, who knelt before him in respect. In Confucius' time, ritual mourning ceremonies were a regular part of court proceedings. During such ceremonies, the people of the court gathered around the Emperor and lamented his loss in an extravagant way.
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Beyond ceremony, the Emperor held absolute control over the military. He directed the forces in all of their operations, including the construction of fortifications, the formation of war plans, and the recommendation of troops and resource allocation. This power was further enforced by stringent laws and practices that kept dissenters in check.

When it came to personal affairs, the Emperor's needs were met by a large pool of servants. From eunuchs to royal concubines, eye-catching dancers and world-renowned artists, the Emperor enjoyed the life of luxury with their devoted support.

The Philosophies that Drive Chinese Emperor's Rule

But beyond the decadence of the palace, there exists a deep philosophical lore in Chinese culture that influenced Emperors for centuries. Perhaps the best known is Confucianism, which has long been seen as the central philosophy of Chinese civilization.

Confucianism centers around the idea of hierarchical relationships. It holds that people must show respect and obedience to their seniors, and encourages everyone to abide by the principles of humanity, righteousness, and respect. Confucianism teaches that in doing so, harmony and order can be achieved. Moreover, Confucianism holds that the purpose of life is to strive for improvement of self and others, which can be achieved through education and the exchange of information.
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Daoism is another influential Chinese philosophy. Unlike Confucianism, which focuses on the study of relationships and rule of law, Daoism is more concerned with the search for an inner peace and harmony that can come from seeking balance within oneself. It also emphasizes the importance of being in harmony with nature, and of letting go of one's ego in order to truly appreciate the mysteries of the world.

Finally, Buddhism has been one the most impactful philosophies on Chinese emperors. Its emphasis on compassion, self-awareness, wisdom, and understanding has been embraced by many rulers over the years. In particular, the concept of karma has been seen as an important element in understanding the ups and downs of life, and of gaining insight on how to live peacefully.

Conclusion

The lifestyles and philosophies of Chinese emperors have long fascinated people, and it's evident why. With the combination of extraordinary luxury, strict rules, and deep philosophical teachings, Chinese emperors have led a unique and captivating life — one that has shaped Chinese culture in significant ways.