EAST ASIAN RELIGIONS AND CULTURES

SHINTOISM

• No real founder
• The word Shinto means "the way of kami" which brings in Buddhist beliefs
• Tied with the culture of Japan
• Polytheistic- have ancient figures and gods

BUDDHISM

• The Buddha is the founder
• They believe in a circle of life- what you do in previous lives affect the next
• Believe in karma- what goes around comes around
• Goal is to find inner peace and tranquility with the world

TAOISM

• Founder- Lao tzu
• Emphasizes harmony with the way path or principle
• Schools in religion to learn about ancestors, exorcism among other things
• Believe in tranquility with the three treasures-compassion, moderation, and humility

CONFUCIANISM

• Founder- Confucius
• Based off the teaching of Chinese philosopher Confucius
• The basic principles are based of logical humanity
• Believe "by nature men are similar, by active men are wide apart

COMPARING CONFUCIANISM AND TAOISM

• Similarities- based on ancient teachings
• Use common humility in practices
• Differences- Confucius verbally spoke, Lao tzu was in a book
• Taoism has schools while Confucianism doesn't