East Asian Philosophy/Religion Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism

Shintoism

Shintoism An ethnic religion Rarely practiced outside Japan and not actively attempting to spread the religion The Japanese devotion to spiritual beings and powers called kami. Kami are not gods Kami are spirits that are concerned with human beings Want humans to be happy If treated properly they will intervene in human lives to bring benefits like health, business success, and good exam results There is no afterlife No scriptures, no founder, no god.

Shintoism A very local religion Devotees are likely to be concerned with their local shrine rather than the religion as a whole Many Japanese have a tiny shrine in their homes Shinto shrines draw visitors from across the country and even the world.

Shinto - Shrines

Shintoism Ritual is at the heart of Shintoism Japanese people don’t usually think of Shinto as a religion, it’s simply an aspect of Japanese life Has coexisted with Buddhism in Japan for centuries Teaches ethical principles but has no commandments

Taoism

Taoism (Daoism) An ancient tradition of philosophy and religious belief that is deeply rooted in Chinese customs and worldview Translates as “the way” The ultimate creative principle of the universe All things are unified and connected in the Tao Originated in China appx. 2000 years ago

Taoism (Daoism) A religion of unity and opposites Ying and yang Sees the world as filled with complementary forces Action and non-action Light and dark Hot and cold The Tao is not a god and is not worshipped Taoism includes many deities that are worshipped in Taoist temples

Taoist Temples

Taoism (Daoism) Promotes Practices include Achieving harmony or union with nature The pursuit of spiritual immortality Being virtuous Self-development Practices include Meditation Feng shui Fortune telling Reading and chanting of scriptures

Taoism (Daoism) Taoism was one of the strongest religions in China before the Communist revolution in the 1950s The numbers significantly reduced and it has become difficult to assess the statistical popularity of Taoism in the world today.

Confucianism

Confucianism Not really a religion, more of a philosophy Founded by Confucious c. 500 BCE A teacher to sons of the nobility at a time when formal education was just beginning in China Many of his followers would go on to become important government officials in China.

Confucianism Confucius believed that the afterlife was beyond the human capacity to understand and therefore one should focus on doing the right thing in this life. Taught an attitude of respect to others Especially figures of authority (ie: parents, teachers, elders, rulers) Lifelong learning was encouraged

Confucianism His teachings would be translated by Chinese emperors into strict guidelines and for much of Chinese history, Confucianism would be associated with a hierarchy of authority and unquestionable obedience.

Confucius Temples