Asian Thoughts and Beliefs By Mr. Cicerchi (and Kevin Trudeau) Non-Western Studies

A soldier came to Hakuin and asked "Is there really a paradise and a hell?" "Who are you?" inquired Hakuin. "I am a samurai," the warrior replied. "You, a samurai!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar!" The soldier became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued. "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably as dull as your head!" As the soldier drew his sword Hakuin remarked "Here open the gates of hell!" At these words, the samurai, perceiving the discipline of the master, sheathed his sword and bowed. "Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.

 Zen is a school of Buddhism  This school is known to give extreme effort on showing emphasis on practice and experimental wisdom, combining both theoretical teachings and religious texts  Zen philosophy gives less importance to teachings and written materials. What’s important is the deep meditation and to be able to learn how to understand your own nature  Zen started in China. After China, Zen Philosophy was spread to Vietnam then Korea and Japan and is still being practiced today  The main objective of Zen is to clear the mind to attain peacefulness and quietness.  Those who practice Zen meditate to see their inner soul and understand their roots.  In order to be applied perfectly you need to experience living the Zen way, requiring extensive meditation either alone or with others.

 Shinto is a prehistoric religious tradition from Japan, which has been influenced by Buddhism and Chinese religions and provides a worldview that has become central to Japanese culture and national identity.  Shinto does not recognize an all-powerful deity (God), but there are multiple gods that some believers will worship  Focus of the religion is upon the Kami. The kami are the powers of nature primarily associated with such things as animals, trees, mountains, springs, boulders, the sun, and so forth.  When you die, you become a Kami or spirit (similar to a Christian angel)

 Shintoism deals with the current world, whereas Buddhism deals with your soul after life  That‘s why they have two main religions in Japan  There is a diverse set of traditional rituals and ceremonies, rather than a system of strict beliefs or ethics. Those who believe are expected to do the right thing  Shinto shrines can be found in groves of trees all over Japan.  All the shrines have sacred gates (torii) and often contain water for symbolic purification of hands and mouth; larger shrines have main halls, buildings for offerings, and oratories.

 Taoism takes its name from the word "Tao" ("the Way"), the ancient Chinese name for the ordering principle that makes cosmic harmony possible.  The Tao is found in the world (especially through nature), and can be encountered directly through mystical experience.  Taoists believe it is the ultimate reality as well as the proper natural way of life humans must follow.  Example: The fox eats the rabbit—Good for the fox, bad for the rabbit  Taoism prizes naturalness, non-action, and inwardness.

 Generally speaking, there are two kinds of Taoism:  Philosophical  Rational, contemplative, and non-religious  It accepts death as a natural returning to the Tao.  Religious  Magical, cultic, and secret  It emphasizes health and healing as ways to gain long life or even immortality.  T'ai chi and the medical practice of Quigong are modern manifestations of Taoism.  Today it survives in most of China only in folk beliefs and small monastic communities.  Taoism does survive in other forms wherever traditional Chinese culture survives, especially in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hawaii, and, most recently, in continental North America and Europe.  The supreme being/ultimate truth (what most religions would call “God”) is beyond words or any conceptual understanding. When asked to name it, it is referred to as Tao or the Way.  The Power of the Way is referred to as Te. Although Tao and Te are similar to other practices' ideas of God, Taoists seldom refer to God.

 Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius in the 6th–5th century BC.  Sometimes it is viewed as a philosophy, sometimes as a religion  Confucianism is perhaps best understood as an all- encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights Heaven.  Confucianism has been followed by the Chinese for more than two millennia.  Its influence has also extended to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.  East Asians may profess themselves to be Shintoists, Taoists, Buddhists, Muslims, or Christians - but seldom do they stop being Confucians

 Confucianism is characterized by a highly optimistic view of human nature.  There is a faith in the possibility of ordinary human beings becoming awe-inspiring sages and worthies is deeply rooted in the Confucian heritage (Confucius himself lived a rather ordinary life)  There is also an insistence that human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and group works  Confucius regarded the concept of Heaven ( T'ien ) as a positive and personal force in the universe