COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: DAOIC RELIGIONS

CONFUCIANISM, DAOISM, & SHINTOISM

RELIGION CONFUCIANISM DAOISM SHINTOISM

It is started in China almost at the same time. Offers solution to the chaotic Originated in japan, it is called as the
society of china. animistic folk religion. The origin is
Started during the time of Kung Fuzi, Laozi, the author of the Dao De Jing. said to be, hard to trace.
where his teachings only became They said that nature should have the Started as an indigenous religion and
famous after his death. And also right to take their natural course for later on passed down to an imperial
Mengzi and Xunzi have contributed the attainment of social order. family, that they emphasizes the core
concepts to said religion. Their solutions in making social order, values of family, tradition, nature,
On the other hand, Confucianism they advocate the thing “go with the ancestors, purity, and ritual practices.
started as a philosophy that said to be flow” to achieve social harmony. Buddhism has known to the
contributed solution to the chaotic Because of the Dao De Jing that was Shintoists, it takes care of the afterlife
society of China during the Zhou began on the 3rd or 4th centuries B.C.E, and Shintoism as the provider of daily
dynasty. that has several years writing of Dao needs
However, until the Han dynasty (the way) and De (virtue)
ORIGIN during the 3rd century B.C.E that Daoism has said to be passed through,
Confucianism played a significant role Kung Fuzi and Zhuangzi, and it took
in Chinese society. With the help of may century before it secures its place
Dhong Zhongshou Confucianism in China’s religious and philosophical
became the instruments of the political life.
legitimacy, it was still during the Han
dynasty. The Confucian became the
basis of the civil service. Hence, this is
the way for those who want to be part
of the government to be well versed
with Confucianism. Confucianism,
adopted by Han dynasty and became
the basis of political, ethical, & social
system
 Based on Loyalty is also translated as Regulated according to the natural Shintoism is focused on following the
“regard for others” (zhong), loyalty to laws. One should perform good deeds will of the kami or spirits, anything
one’s superiors and elders, parents, that would be known only to the gods, that is not in accordance with the will
and respect for others. The importance regulate morality by confessing one’s of the kami is considered bad.
of self-reflection is also emphasized, sins and ask for forgiveness from the Shinto morality is based on having
with the Golden Rule as the guiding gods. purity not only in the physical sense
principle, “Do not do unto others what Austerity and self-discipline were also but also in a spiritual and moral sense.
you do not want others do unto you.” emphasized, the text containing 180 Human nature is basically good
The self-reflection comes self- moral guidelines appeared, and according to Shintoism, hence evil
cultivation. The need to cultivate included in the guidelines were the comes from external forces.
oneself through wisdom. Maximizing prohibition on stealing, adultery, Impurities also disrupt the flow of life
ren (concern for others) by performing abortion, murder, intoxication, and and the blessings from the kami that is
MORALITY the necessary rituals (li) would lead to overindulgence. During 5th century why purification rituals are needed to
de (virtue) and would produce the new guidelines has been appeared be able to return to the natural state of
ideal person. The cultivation of with the Lingbao scriptures. Some of cleanliness not only of the people but
oneself would eventually lead not only its important guidelines were the of the universe as a whole. In general,
to personal cultivation but to social prohibitions against killing, lying, things which are considered bad in
and even cosmic cultivation as well. stealing, intoxication, immoral deeds Shintoism involve disrupting the
Proper ritual observance, including and actions, as well as maintaining social order, the natural world, the
rituals performed for the ancestors, is good relationship with one’s family harmony of the world.
also considered moral action, as well members (even with the dead
as self-cultivation through wisdom ancestors), committing good deeds,
and trustworthiness. Doing the right helping the less fortunate, and
thing at all times is also considered avoiding thoughts of revenge.
meritorious.
Purpose in existence is the most shares of this religions
Importance of the self-cultivation for the benefit The importance of rituals to maintain
Everyone should reach one’s highest Every individual should be capable in natural state of existence. Avoidance
potential as an individual. Should be reacting in a natural and spontaneous of pollution or anything that they
PURPOSE
mindful about the five senses and way. Spontaneity is for immortals so consider impure (death, blood, or
every action and feelings is based on li people should aim the long and disease) is seen as a way to maintain
or the ritual. Kung Fuzi the ideal healthy life. purity. Pollution is inevitable but can
person of junzi who exemplifies the
 ren (concern for fellow human) and yi be washed away by misogi or
(righteousness) purification rituals.
Cultivitation through the proper
observance of qi (vital energy)
The two spheres: inner and the outer Espousing the fatalistic attitude in life. Every person has a destiny to follow, a
sphere. Because of wu-wei translated as a mission to fulfill. Misogi or
Outer is the ming, inner is the self- “non-doing” or “non-action” purification is important to regain the
cultivation. Ming is said to be the Cultivating is the only way to natural purity one once had. Only
destiny as a distant force beyond achieved destiny or fate. when one is truly purified can one
human control. discover his or her mission in life.
Shintoism believes that humanity’s
DESTINY
natural greatness can only be achieved
by returning oneself to the state of
natural purity. Performing the
necessary rituals at the shrines will
help people purify themselves and
unfold the destiny they are meant to
fulfill.
Hierarchy to women that subservient They have the positive views on The men’s are more in advantages
to men. women, they emphasizes the balanced than the women. Priesthood has
Women’s life only revolves on view when it comes to the opposite accepted women but just substitute by
obeying men-father-husband-son. If a sex in terms of achieving harmony, the men.
women is widowed it is said not to be not only as in body but to the world However, if a man is allowed to
remarry for it is considered as a also. Dao is the “mother of all things” commit adultery women must still be
VIEWS ON WOMEN disgrace. If they don’t remarry, they feminine is constant. loyal to her husband. In the last
lose their virtue. Men are encouraged to play female century, women can divorce her
role and vice-versa because of the husband.
balance of yin and yang. The women
are allowed to be priest. And they
believed because of the numerous
female deities.