Analysis Of China's Three Major Religions

Midterm Paper: China’s Three Major Religions Contrary to many Western stereotypes, China possesses an extremely diverse and rich history, and a vast majority of that culture stems from religion. The three main religions of China are Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Although these religions dominate most of China, each one of them has its own origin and set of philosophies and beliefs that contribute to the diverse culture of China today. The first and oldest major religion of China is Taoism. The exact details of its origin are not completely known for sure, but Taoists believe that the Tao Te Ching, the main text of this religion, was written by a man named Lao-Tzu. Any additional information about this man is unknown, but the Tao Te Ching describes him as a mythical being; he is supposedly a “wise man.” In fact, people believed that …show more content…
In this case, Buddhism is unlike Taoism and Confucianism. However, Buddhism is still extremely similar to Taoism. Buddhism states that suffering exists, and it exists because of selfish desire. Taoism states that the existence of worldly desires disrupt the work of the Tao. These religions have individuals give up selfish wants for the “greater good.” In the case of Confucianism, the “greater good” is family. An individual may not pursue his/her personal dreams and aspirations if it is not in the interest or if it does not benefit the whole family. Buddhism, however, focuses on the individual. One person’s path to nirvana is that person’s journey and consequences alone based on the choices they make. Taoism focuses on the harmony of everything. An individual’s choices may or may not be predetermined, good or bad, or right or wrong, but regardless of the result, a choice now will affect a choice later, choices other people make, and everything else. Confucianism just blames the family or the whole for the success and/or failure of an