1. East Asian Philosophy/Religion
Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism

2. Shintoism

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Shinto - Shrines

6. 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

7. Taoism

8. 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 years ago

9. 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

10. Taoist Temples

11. 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

12. 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.

13. Confucianism

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Confucius Temples