by Mrs. Gero’s World Studies Class East Asian Religions by Mrs. Gero’s World Studies Class

Chinese Traditional Religion Although the Communist government of China would tell that the people of China are atheist, most people adhere to what is considered Chinese Traditional. Chinese Traditional is a combination of the philosophy of Confucius, the beliefs of Daoism and Buddhism, along with local practices.

Confucianism Confucianism is considered one of the world’s religions, but it is really more of a philosophy. Confucianism deals primarily with relationships among human beings, and the ethical practices that one should follow. Confucianism is attributed to the Chinese philosopher, Kong Fu’tzi, who lived from 551-472 BC.

Who was Confucius? Confucius was a teacher who lived during the Zhou Dynasty. His success as a teacher resulted in him being appointed the Minister of Justice in his province, Lu. During this time in China, the rulers were having a hard time keeping order, and warlords controlled much of the countryside.

When a disagreement caused him to leave Lu, he spent several years wandering, offering rulers advice. Eventually, he returned to Lu, spending the rest of this days as a teacher.

The Influence Spread Confucius’ teaching was widely revered during his lifetime, but it wasn’t widely adopted until after his death. Confucianism was adopted as the state religion of China, by Han Emperor Wudi in 121 BC. He hired Confucian scholars to make up his government staff. His influence has lasted on government for almost 2000 years.

Confucian Beliefs Confucius believed that the key to peace and social order was for everyone to behave with good character and virtue. He felt that if people were taught to behave a certain way, then punitive rule of law would be unnecessary. People would behave properly as not to bring shame upon the family, and to not “lose face”.

Humanism This is best expressed in what is considered the “Ethic of Reciprocity” It states “What you do not like when done unto yourself, do not do unto others”. He felt that this relationship took on a political realm as well as a personal one, because a ruler cannot expect loyalty from his subjects if he treats them inhumanely.

Mandate of Heaven The Mandate of Heaven is that a good and humane ruler has “the right to rule”, while an inhumane ruler will lose that right. However, if a ruler is proven to be benevolent and kind, it is the responsibility of the people to follow his rules and laws strictly, for it is their duty.

The Five Basic Relationships Confucius believed that there were five basic relationships to maintain. Ruler and subject Father and son Husband and Wife Older brother and younger brother Friend and friend If each of these relationships were based on kindness, there would be peace in the country.

The Gentleman According to Confucius, a man must strive to be “perfect” or known as a gentleman. A gentleman was expected to set the tone of society by Cultivate themselves morally Practice filial piety, which is loyalty of father to son Cultivate humanity or benevolence

The Small Man Confucius referred to the opposite of the gentleman as “the small man” One who is small is “petty in mind and heart, narrowly self-interested, greedy, superficial, or materialistic”.

Meritocracy Confucius believed in the concept of meritocracy, which is defined as “A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement” One of Confucius’ teachings was to “seek knowledge, study, and become a better person”. Under Confucius’ guidance, China began to administer an imperial examination.

Removal of Nepotism By offering an imperial examination, it meant that anyone who wanted to work for the government could do so, as long as they could pass the test. This examination was extremely difficult. This meant that those in government were there because they truly were the best and the brightest. They did not get the job based on family relationships, or “who they knew”.

Religion or Philosophy? Confucius was not a religious man or a prophet. His teachings merely indicate what is considered to be moral and ethical behavior. This is why many who practice Confucianism also practice aspects of Taoism and Buddhism.

“Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.” -Confucius

“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” -Confucius

“It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” -Confucius

“Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” -Confucius

Lao Tzu and Taoism The religion of Taoism also began in China, around the same time as Confucianism. Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher, lived from 604-531BC. During his lifetime, he was searching for ways to end the feudal warfare that was disrupting society in China. His life’s work was cultivated into book known as the Tao-te-Ching.

The Tao The Tao literally translates into the concept of “the path” or “the way”. It "refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)" "Our Beliefs," Reform Taoist Congregation at: http://www.reformtaoism.org/

What does that mean? Taoists believe that life must be balanced. The energy that exists all around us must stay in harmony. Taoists believe that the Tao is a force that flows through life, and one must listen to it to find enlightenment. One of the most prominent Taoist symbols is the Yin/Yang, which shows the balance that must be maintained in nature.

Other Taoist Beliefs There is no god to worship. One must meditate inward and observe outward to find the answers to life’s problems. One must cultivate the “Ch’i” or the breath that has been given to them. The five major organs correspond to the five parts of the sky- water, fire, wood, metal, and earth.

The Three Jewels A person’s main responsibility is to develop virtue. The Three Jewels that man is expected to cultivate are Compassion Moderation Humility

Wu Wei Taoists believe in the concept of “letting nature take its course” It is the idea of letting go, and understanding that “what will be, will be” Taoists, however, believe in planning in advance so that one can carefully weigh the cost of one’s actions.

As the Dynasty’s fell In 1911, with the fall of the Chi’ing Dynasty, state support for Taoism fell, especially with the rise of the Communist party. Much of the Taoist heritage was destroyed during a period known as the Cultural Revolution. There are about 20 million followers of Taoism today, and it is centered mainly in Taiwan. However, it is still part of traditional practice throughout China.

Shintoism Shintoism is Japan’s earliest religion. Shintoism means the “way of the gods”. The religion is centered on worshiping the kami, which are spirits that exist within the same world as the living.

The Kami The kami are believed to live in beautiful places like the mountains and the rivers. The kami are also believed to be living in animals and in the ancestors as well.

Shinto Belief Most that practice Shintoism pray or perform rituals to keep the kami happy. They do not believe in any life after death. One other custom that is stressed in Shintoism is cleanliness.

Those that worship Shintoism have family altars that they use to protect the home. They also create small, beautiful gardens where people can stop and meditate , reflecting on the world around them.