Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto are three major religions that emerged in East Asia over two millennia ago and shaped the lives of Asian peoples through their teachings and practices. While Daoism and Confucianism flourished largely in China and later spread to Japan and Korea, Shinto emerged in Japan as a reflection of the Japanese thought and lifestyle and remained confined to the Japanese territory.
Whereas the three major religions might seem very distinctive at first, they also share some common beliefs and practices.
Daoism and Confucianism developed from common ancient Chinese beliefs but grew quite opposite to each other. Throughout their history the two religions co-existed alongside and complemented each other. Whereas Confucianism …show more content…
Shinto followers venerate the kami- deities that “harmonize heaven and earth” and “evoke wonder and awe in us” (Fisher, 2014). Although Shinto has no official sacred scriptures, single founder, or fixed dogmas, its beliefs and practices were maintained and passed on to the future generations for centuries. One of the similarities between the three religions is life in harmony with nature. Daoism places great emphasis on meditation, love of nature and promotes techniques such as energy practices aimed at achieving mental and physical health and, ultimately, longevity. Some of those techniques became popular worldwide and many people around the world benefit from the healing powers of acupuncture therapy and traditional Chinese herbal medicine, or energy practices. A popular concept in Daoism is “wu wei” translates as “actionless action” or “noninterference” (Fisher, 2014) which allows things to follow their natural course. Likewise, Shintoism advocates harmony between humans and nature. A variety of kami that range from heavenly creatures to representations of mountains, waters, trees, etc. are venerated in Shintoism and over 100,000 shrines were built in their honor. Seasonal festivals are held each year to celebrate life and the kami. Confucianism also places great emphasis on the kinship between humans, Heaven, and Earth. Government officials were trusted …show more content…
For example, Daoist followers believe in a supernatural power incomprehensible to the human mind which they call the “unnamable” or the “eternally real” (Fisher, 2014). In addition to worshiping deities, Daoist believers venerate certain people who were chosen for the heavenly office after their death. Confucianism, on the other hand, focuses mostly on ethics, political ideology, promotes education as a requirement for social reform and supports voluntary service for public
Whereas the three major religions might seem very distinctive at first, they also share some common beliefs and practices.
Daoism and Confucianism developed from common ancient Chinese beliefs but grew quite opposite to each other. Throughout their history the two religions co-existed alongside and complemented each other. Whereas Confucianism …show more content…
Shinto followers venerate the kami- deities that “harmonize heaven and earth” and “evoke wonder and awe in us” (Fisher, 2014). Although Shinto has no official sacred scriptures, single founder, or fixed dogmas, its beliefs and practices were maintained and passed on to the future generations for centuries. One of the similarities between the three religions is life in harmony with nature. Daoism places great emphasis on meditation, love of nature and promotes techniques such as energy practices aimed at achieving mental and physical health and, ultimately, longevity. Some of those techniques became popular worldwide and many people around the world benefit from the healing powers of acupuncture therapy and traditional Chinese herbal medicine, or energy practices. A popular concept in Daoism is “wu wei” translates as “actionless action” or “noninterference” (Fisher, 2014) which allows things to follow their natural course. Likewise, Shintoism advocates harmony between humans and nature. A variety of kami that range from heavenly creatures to representations of mountains, waters, trees, etc. are venerated in Shintoism and over 100,000 shrines were built in their honor. Seasonal festivals are held each year to celebrate life and the kami. Confucianism also places great emphasis on the kinship between humans, Heaven, and Earth. Government officials were trusted …show more content…
For example, Daoist followers believe in a supernatural power incomprehensible to the human mind which they call the “unnamable” or the “eternally real” (Fisher, 2014). In addition to worshiping deities, Daoist believers venerate certain people who were chosen for the heavenly office after their death. Confucianism, on the other hand, focuses mostly on ethics, political ideology, promotes education as a requirement for social reform and supports voluntary service for public