Download Religions of East Asia

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
Ancestors are revered & respected
Connection between ancestors
and living people
Emphasizes wu-wei
(action through non-action),
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
"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
Buddhist teachers may have
arrived in China during the
third century BC
Based on the teachings of
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
Buddhism’s center is in Tibet
The Dalhi Lama is the head of
the Buddhist religion.
Considered the reincarnation
of the original Buddha
Basic Beliefs:
The Four Noble Truths
Eightfold Pass to the Middle Way
Reincarnation
The indigenous faith of Japan
As old as Japan itself.
Japan's major religion
alongside Buddhism.
 Nearly 80% of Japanese
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
Emphasis on honor, purity,
tradition, and respect
Polytheistic/Animistic
No sacred text in Shinto
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
There are an
estimated 23
million Muslims or
1.7% of the total
population
Muslims live in
every region in China
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