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A Study on Weitian of Emperors in the Northern Song Dynasty from the Perspective of Zhaoling(PDF)

《南京师大学报》(社会科学版)[ISSN:1006-6977/CN:61-1281/TN]

Issue:
2015年04期
Page:
63-
Research Field:
历史学研究
Publishing date:

Info

Title:
A Study on Weitian of Emperors in the Northern Song Dynasty from the Perspective of Zhaoling
Author(s):
XU Hong
Keywords:
Northern Song Dynasty weitian respect and awe morality of emperors
PACS:
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DOI:
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Abstract:
Due to the specific political environment in the Northern Song Dynasty, weitian 畏天(to fear Heaven)became an integral part of the morality of emperors, the core of which was to show respect for and awe of Heaven. Weitian was used in zhaoling 诏令(imperial edicts)when a new monarch ascended the throne, natural calamities and unusual astronomical phenomena occurred, or ministers presented an imperial honorific title to the monarch. On the one hand, weitian demonstrates the awe of Heaven, and on the other, it justifies the legitimacy of kingship based on the mandate of Heaven. It also reflects expectations which scholar-officials at that time had of their rulers in terms of morality. They elucidated weitian as a means to regulate emperors’ behaviors through sending memorials or writing articles devoted to discussing it. In their point of view, weitian is not only something concerning the morality of monarchs, but also of great political significance. It can attest the legitimacy of kingship, as well as educate the common people to cultivate their moral characters, regulate their conducts in society and obey orders from the government, thus stabilizing the reign of emperors.

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Last Update: 2015-08-01