On Dong Zhongshu Between Heaven Thinking

Heaven-human induction is a part of great importance in Dong Zhongshu' s ideology system. It has great effect in ancient China and influences people deeply for ages. The thought of Heaven-human induction is not the creation of Dong Zhongshu. Actually it has a very far-reaching root in history. Time can be even traced backed to the period from the very beginning of human civilization to Qin and Han dynasties when this ideology system comes into being and develops gradually. Dong Zhongshu inherits the ideas of forefathers and consummates them into an organic system. It mainly includes two parts: auspicious & inauspicious signs from heaven. The specific historical background makes it accepted widely by people. The aim of the Dong' s effort to develop this system is to provide a theological support for the theory of Centralism, and meanwhile, it is also a kind of attempt to limit the unparalleled power of the Emperor. Although Dong' s ideas have certain contribution in history, it finally fails for the limitation of the power of the King. Anyway, Dong' s ideas has influenced ancient China for two thousand years long.