Another very popular religion that rose to great strengths during the reign of the Tang dynasty was Confucianism. Confucianism had thrived long before Buddhism was brought to China. It was practiced by all the previous dynasties that ruled China. It served as a guide to all the rulers in China. Ruling officials used the principles of Confucianism to govern the people. Confucianism had a revival amongst the scholars of the Tang dynasty. Buddhism was the popular religion but Confucianism was the backbone of the Chinese culture and society. Confucianism taught the Tang rulers to be kind and honorable. Confucianism is more of a philosophy rather than a religion. It served as a guide to the rulers of the Tang dynasty and taught the way of life to the Chinese people.