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East Asian Traditions

Discover the interconnectedness of East Asian traditions as we delve into the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto. Explore how these religions have influenced the region's culture and shaped its values.

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East Asian Traditions

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  1. East Asian Traditions Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto

  2. Syncretism • It 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 fits • Traits from one may be blended into another • All seem to have incorporated some of the Buddhist tradition into what was there before

  3. Confucianism • From Chinese philosopher, K’ung Fu-tzu, or Confucius, (551-479 BCE) • Teachings gathered in the Analects • Gained importance in the centuries after his death

  4. Confucianism • Has never existed as an established religion with a church and a priesthood • Has influenced the Chinese attitude toward life • Spread to Korea, Japan and Vietnam

  5. (Continued) • It provides a code of living, valuing goodwill, duty, good manners, wisdom, and trustworthiness • These we can control • The rest is destiny

  6. Role of family is emphasized • The family that works together makes a happier household and a better society • The most important duty is to honor your parents

  7. Success of society • Depends upon the moral quality of its leaders • Good government comes from educated, courteous, and virtuous officials

  8. Taoism • The philosophy of Laozi, who also lived in the 6th century BCE • Compiled 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

  9. Goal • Each believer’s goal is to become one with the Dao. • The concept of a personified deity 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

  10. Symbol • Represents 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

  11. Shinto • The ancient religion of Japan • Loose system of beliefs and attitudes • No sacred scriptures or unchanging beliefs • Revere sacred spirits, or kami • Appeal to them at shrines • When Buddhist monks arrived in Japan, they took over the care of the shrines

  12. Shinto • Means “Way of the gods” • Stresses purity and perfection • Natural wonders, such as Fuji, are worthy of reverence • No regular services • Can worship at a shrine whenever they want • Festivals

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