1. a history of religion in
China, Tibet, & Japan

2. Folk religions of China & Japan
Origin and founders are unknown—possibly as old or older than Hinduism
Generally locally based with varying deities that have common qualities
Polytheistic
Some small kingdoms may have similar over-arching deity (like Brahman or Kami)
Most incorporate local heroes as demi-gods
Fantastical characters: dragons, demons, etc.
Shamanism and soothsaying prevalent
Ritualistic worship at home or in temples common

3. Theravada Buddhism (from India)
Tibet
Japan
China
Early Folk Traditions
Early Folk Traditions
Early Folk Traditions
Classical Daoism
Vajrayana Buddhism
Shinto
Daoism
Theravada Buddhism (from India)
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism
Confucianism
Pure Land Buddhism
Chen (Chinese Zen) Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Religions of China
Religions of Japan

4. Emergence of Daoism
First written records nearly 4000 years ago, but could go back much further
Earliest codified texts exist in Dao De Jing which begins era of classical or philosophical Daoism
Combined with many of the local folk traditions
Eight immortals, Celestial Masters, Doctrine of the Three Heavens, Exorcism, etc.
Several different “schools” (i.e. sects) develop
Slowly codified and unified throughout the country from 250BCE-500CE
Chinese Dynasties beginning Han in 206BCE bring Daoism into the government (awk since Daoism advocates anarchy)
utilize and patronize both philosophical wing and folk wing
Falls out of favor (seen as lazy) around 17th century

5. Confucius
Confucius (K’ung Fu Tsu, Kong Fuzi) born illegitimately in Shandon (holy city to Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) in 551 BCE to poorish mother
Father was a rich warlord but didn’t help out much
All texts tell us he came out with an indentation in his skull and remained very ugly throughout his life
Self educated and well read—had to do this since he was a horrible athlete and fighter
Married higher status woman became a local administrator
In 50s got frustrated with what he saw as the sloth and corruption of Daoism, went it teaching and philosophy
Ideas started to catch on, but got caught in the middle of a civil war
Died unpopular and believed himself to be a failure

6. Jujiao Analects General idea is to become a Junzi, or “Superior Man”
Record of Confucius’ teachings written down by his students
Short maxims (basis for “Confucius say ______.”)
Young man should respect father at home, boss at work, elders abroad; cultivate friendships with all
People can be led by fear but it would be better for them to be led by virtue
General idea is to become a Junzi, or “Superior Man”
People are considered basically good and need to learn to harness that good
Done through self control, hard work, devotion
Mixes in elements of hierarchy  knowing ones role and doing
Order and Ancestor Worship
Family becomes important and relationships within that family
Five key relationships: parent-child; husband-wife; older siblings-younger siblings; friend-friend; ruler-subject
Leads to Silver Rule:
Do not do unto other as you would not have them do to you; essentially do no harm
Doing all this on small level leads to a good, large level
Much like Daoism, believes in parallel heaven but does not specifically focus on a god or gods.

8. Rise of Confucianism
Confucius dies (479 BCE) with only 22 disciples caring about his life and teachings
China is in a civil war and no one cares
Disciples spread message creating Golden Age called Hundred Schools of Thought
Confucianism integrates itself into government and creates rigid hierarchy
New scholar Mencius (M’eng Tzu) codifies rules of Confucianism in long essays  emphasizes filial piety
Eventually leads to order which ends period of the Warring States and unifies China
Golden Age ends in 221BCE when era of Burning Books and Burying Scholars commences
Brought back only 20 years later and enjoyed moderate success playing second fiddle to Daoism
Daoism falls out of favor in 17th century Confucianism becomes official state religion until early 20th century and civil war

9. Some Confucian rites are still observed today in South Korea
Some Confucian rites are still observed today in South Korea. These people making offerings in Chungdak-dong village have maintained a traditional Confucian lifestyle for hundreds of years.

10. Confucianism & Daoism: An uncertain peace
Since their inception Daoism and Confucianism have held competing roles in Chinese History
When one rises the other falls in popularity and acceptance within closely controlled government
Makes sense in a way they are opposites
Both integrate different aspects folk religion within their ideas and rituals
China has a love-hate relationship with religion on the whole various leaders have changed their minds, a lot
Daoism has been popular for longer periods of time; but Confucianism was more popular in the modern era  Westerns found Confucianism when they came to China

11. Shinto in Japan
Ancient folk religions of Japan eventually become codified and turned into Shinto
Shinto is:
The “Spirit Way” (shin-do)
Ancient, indigenous, mythical, religion of Japan
Based strongly in nature and the natural word
Most traditional haiku writers are Shinto
Roots begin around 3500 years ago, first remaining codified records date back 1500 years
No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the Japanese people  involves itself in the state
Intertwined into the culture like Hinduism in India (stays this way even with Buddhism popularity)

13. Shinto shrines are set apart by a torii, an ever-open sacred gateway at the entrance to all shrine precincts. This floating torii is the symbolic gate to Itsukushima Jjinja shrine, Miyajima.

14. Principles and Practices of Shinto
Shinto permeates Japanese birth and life with a series of ceremonies: newborn, 7-5-3, adulthood, marriage, etc.
Most Japanese use Buddhism for funeral rights
Three types of Shinto:
Shrine/Folk Shinto, State Shinto, Sect Shinto
State Shinto:
Emphasis on Japanese culture and nationality (elimination of foreign influences)
Emperors of Japan as divine
Hierarchy of shrines
Shrine Shinto:
Jinja (shrines) – 10,000+ located throughout Japan
Natural structure, fits in with natural surrounding
Torii – entry gate, separates sacred from profane space
Rituals presided over by priest
Household shrines – kamidana (kami-shelf)

15. Kami, Gods, and Mythology
The Kami/Megami is the main, overarching supreme being God much like Brahman
kami just means god or spirit
Polytheistic after the Kami
Other, main deities based in nature or natural forces
Ex: Amaterasu is Sun goddess and supposedly mother of first emperor of Japan
Leads to a series of festivals based around seasons and nature  ex: water purification rights, etc.
Creation myth – Japan as the center of the world
Man then taught the Four Affirmations to live by:
Tradition and Family
Love of Nature
Physical cleanliness
Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor the Kami

16. Misogi, or ritual purification by standing beneath a waterfall.

17. On the nearest Sunday to November 15, boys of five and girls of three or seven years are dressed in traditional clothes and taken to a Shinto shrine by their parents to pray for health and good fortune. This father and daughter are celebrating this Seven-Five-Three (Shichi-go-san) festival in Narita, Japan.