East Asian Traditions

Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto

SyncretismIt is a common feature of East Asian religions that one cannot always set boundaries on what belongs to one faith or the other

People may believe more than one of them as the occasion fitsTraits from one may be blended into anotherAll seem to have incorporated some of the Buddhist tradition into what was there before

ConfucianismFrom Chinese philosopher, K’ung Fu-tzu, or Confucius, (551-479 BCE)Teachings gathered in the AnalectsGained importance in the centuries after his death

ConfucianismHas never existed as an established religion with a church and a priesthoodHas influenced the Chinese attitude toward lifeSpread to Korea, Japan and Vietnam

(Continued)It provides a code of living, valuing goodwill, duty, good manners, wisdom, and trustworthiness

These we can controlThe rest is destiny

Role of family is emphasized

The family that works together makes a happier household and a better societyThe most important duty is to honor your parents

Success of societyDepends upon the moral quality of its leadersGood government comes from educated, courteous, and virtuous officials

TaoismThe philosophy of Laozi, who also lived in the 6th century BCECompiled in the Daodejing, “The way and its power”The Dao (the way, or flow) is the universal force connected to nature and creates order for all things

GoalEach believer’s goal is to become one with the Dao.The concept of a personified diety is foreign to them

They do not pray because there is no God to answer them

They seek answers to life’s problems through inner meditation and outer observation

SymbolRepresents the balance between opposites (yin, yang) in the universe

When they are equally present, all is calm, when one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray

Shinto The ancient religion of Japan

Loose system of beliefs and attitudesNo sacred scriptures or unchanging beliefsRevere sacred spirits, or kamiAppeal to them at shrines

When Buddhist monks arrived in Japan, they took over the care of the shrines

ShintoMeans “Way of the gods”Stresses purity and perfectionNatural wonders, such as Fuji, are worthy of reverenceNo regular services

Can worship at a shrine whenever they wantFestivals