
Shangdi
Shangdi is an ancient Chinese term for a supreme deity, often translated as "Highest Deity" or "Great Deity." In early Chinese religion, Shangdi was regarded as the ultimate divine authority overseeing the universe and moral order. He was worshiped as the ruler of all gods and responsible for maintaining harmony in heaven and earth. Over time, Shangdi's concept integrated into Chinese philosophical and religious traditions, influencing later ideas of a supreme, moral deity. While not as widely emphasized in later Confucian or Taoist practices, Shangdi remains a significant term reflecting ancient China's understanding of divine sovereignty.