《General History of China》Episode 51 Synopsis
Tang Dynasty Religion
The rulers of the Sui and Tang Dynasties attached great importance to the role of religion in consolidating feudal rule.During the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, the religious policy of giving equal emphasis to Buddhism and Taoism was pursued. In the eighth year of Wude (625), Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty determined the order of Taoism first, Confucianism second, and Buddhism last. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once again ordered Taoism first, Buddhism second;During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, Taoism reached its peak, but at the same time Confucius was named King Wenxuan; Wu Zetian once favored Buddhism, which brought Buddhism to its peak.
