The Zhou People worshiped a supreme deity, Tian, the name means "sky" and in English means "Heaven." It' s based on four principles:
1. The right to rule is granted by Heaven
2. There is only Heaven therefore there can olny be one ruler
3. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler
4. The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty
The ways these principles converted into action are:
1. It gives the ruler prestige and religious importance
2. It gives the ruler supreme power
3. It allows a new ruler to gain power quickly if the people believe he has the "Mandate of Heaven"
4. A ruler's power must be kept in check by virtue
5. The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion is successful, obviously then, the new ruler had to have had a mandate from heaven
1. The right to rule is granted by Heaven
2. There is only Heaven therefore there can olny be one ruler
3. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler
4. The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty
The ways these principles converted into action are:
1. It gives the ruler prestige and religious importance
2. It gives the ruler supreme power
3. It allows a new ruler to gain power quickly if the people believe he has the "Mandate of Heaven"
4. A ruler's power must be kept in check by virtue
5. The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion is successful, obviously then, the new ruler had to have had a mandate from heaven