Emperor Zhezong of Song

Emperor Zhezong of China's Northern Song Dynasty is known chiefly for his powerful support of Daoism.

Zhezong claimed descent from the Yellow Emperor, paid homage to certain sacred Daoist texts believed to be of heavenly or other supernatural origin, and patronized a number of prominent Daoist sects both old and new. Daoist ritual masters, further, were brought into the imperial court, where they vied with Buddhist masters for prestige and influence.


Preceded by
Emperor Shenzong of Song
Emperor of Song
1085-1100
Succeeded by
Emperor Huizong of Song

References

  • Conrad Schirokauer, et al, A Brief History of Chinese and Japanese Civilizations, Fourth Edition, Cengage Learning (2012), 201.