anyone can tell me what;s the meaning of mandate of heaven.
By soulkeeper
@soulkeeper (123)
China
May 20, 2008 5:31am CST
i read some news and they mentioned several times about the mandate of heaven, i can't get the exactly meaning. can anyone explain to me.thank you.
i am a english learner, and i appreciate if some friends can help me.
thank you.
1 response
@poohgal (6845)
• Singapore
31 Aug 08
The Mandate of Heaven (??) is a traditional Chinese philosophical concept concerning the legitimacy of rulers. Since you are from China, you should know what tian ming is. Heaven would bless the authority of a just ruler, but would be displeased with a despotic ruler and would withdraw its mandate. The Mandate of Heaven would then transfer to those who would rule best.
This applies more to ancient times when they use the mandate of heaven as a basis to choose a ruler.
