3. Different religions and beliefs

As a cultural phenomenon, religion, which is the manifestation of different cultures, is the vital part of human thought. It penetrates into every possible aspect of people''s life, which consequently causes great cultural difference between people with different religious beliefs.

 China is a multi-religious country, yet comparatively speaking, Buddhism has a greater influence in Chinese culture. It was first introduced into China in the first century AD, and has shaped the Chinese language, diet, arts, etc., and greatly stimulated the development of Chinese literature. The large number of words and idioms derived from Buddhism is one of the manifestations of its influence, such as 现身说法 (to make a personal example as an effective means of convincing others), 半路出家 (switch to a new trade without solid foundation) ，放下屠刀，立地成佛 (A butcher becomes a Buddha the moment he drops his cleaver---a wrongdoer achieves salvation as soon as he gives up evil) ，救人一命胜造七级浮屠 (to save a human life is better than building a seven-storeyed pagoda) ，一尘不染 (remained spotless) ，做一天和尚，撞一天钟 (take a passive attitude toward one''s work), 借花献佛 (to present Buddha with borrowed flowers---to borrow something to make a gift of it) ，五体投地 (to throw oneself down at somebody''s feet in admiration) ，平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚 (Neglect to burn one''s joss stick before an idol in times of peace, then embrace the Buddha''s feet in a crisis). Here the words with emphasized symbols such as “身” , “法” , “出家” , “成佛” etc. are words derived from the activities of Buddhism in China.[13] P52

Besides, to the ordinary Chinese, Heaven is the supreme ruler of the world. All happenings on the earth are believed to be controlled and arranged by Heaven, hence it gives rise to the following idioms: