Buddhism and Confucianism in the political practice of Tang China

The article analyzes the place and role of Buddhism and Confucianism in the political space of Tang China. The analysis of the socio-political content of these teachings is given in the context of the political culture of China prevailing at the time of the Tang dynasty. During this period Confucianism held the strongest positions: it dictated not only the basic principles of social behavior in everyday Chinese life, determined their moral standards and the education system, but also influenced on the organization of the administrative and political structure of the country. Buddhism in the state governance system of the Tang Empire played a special ideological role, which justified the legitimacy of the rulers’ claims on the supreme power.