Why is the Mandate of Heaven important?
The Mandate of Heaven is important because it gives a possible ruler automatic acceptance by Heaven, an important cultural aspect in the Chinese culture. (I’m assuming you’re talking about the Chinese culture.) This way a possible ruler is accepted by Heaven and then by the people. Losing the Mandate of Heaven causes the ruler to loose power, in various ways [revolts due to natural disasters, economic recessions or “signs” that are interpreted as messages from Heaven saying that the ruler shouldn’t rule anymore]. Does that help?
