Religions of East Asia

Taoism/Daoism Based on teachings of Laozi (531 BCE) Emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (also Dao). The term Tao means "way", "path", or "principle". Balancing the Yin & Yang

Daoism/Taoism Ancestors are revered & respected Connection between ancestors and living people Emphasizes wu-wei  (action through non-action),

Confucianism A system of philosophical and "ethical-sociopolitical teachings" sometimes described as a religion. Based on the teachings/writings of Confucius (551–479 BCE) Emphasis on family and social harmony

Confucianism "Confucius," is K'ung-fu-tzu, "Master K'ung“ in Chinese Confucius developed concepts about education, society and government  Highly optmistic view of human nature. No specific rituals or practices. Human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal effort

Buddhism Buddhist teachers may have arrived in China during the third century BC Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Buddhism Buddhism’s center is in Tibet The Dalhi Lama is the head of the Buddhist religion. Considered the reincarnation of the original Buddha

Buddhism Basic Beliefs: The Four Noble Truths Eightfold Pass to the Middle Way Reincarnation

Shinto The indigenous faith of Japan As old as Japan itself. Japan's major religion alongside Buddhism.  Nearly 80% of Japanese

Shinto Focuses on a connection between present-day Japan and its ancient past. Divine, or sacred essence, in rocks, trees, rivers, animals, places, and even people  Kami = divine spirit

Shinto Emphasis on honor, purity, tradition, and respect Polytheistic/Animistic No sacred text in Shinto

Islam Founded by Muhammad around 600 CE First introduced to China in 616-18 CE Basic Principles: Five Pillars & Sharia Law Sacred Text: Qur'an or Koran

Islam There are an estimated 23 million Muslims or 1.7% of the total population Muslims live in every region in China

Communism China is a communist country Communism does not recognize religion. Majority of Chinese claim atheism or no religion Many still follow practices of Taoism, Buddhism, and/or Confucianism