East Asian religions: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Abraham_Dharma.png|thumb|250px|map showing the prevalence of "Dharmic" (dark yellow), "Taoic" (light yellow), and "[[Abrahamic religion|Abrahamic]]" (purple) religions in each country.]] |
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The '''Taoic religions''' are those religions of East Asia and Southeast Asia which make use of the term ''Tao'' or ''Dao'' (in Chinese); ''Do'' (in Korean or Japanese), "Đạo" (in Vietnamese) and other-language equivalents. They include [[Taoism]], [[Confucianism]], [[Jeung San Do]], [[Shinto]], [[Yiguandao]], [[Chondogyo]], and [[Caodaism]]. |
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In the study of comparative religion, a '''Taoic religion''' is a religion, or religious philosophy, that focuses on the [[East Asian]] concept of [[Tao]] ("The Way"; ''pinyin'' Dao, ''Korean/Japanese'' Do, ''Vietnamese'' Đạo). This forms a large group of religions including [[Taoism]], [[Confucianism]], [[Jeung San Do]], [[Shinto]], [[Yiguandao]], [[Chondogyo]], [[Chen Tao]] and [[Caodaism]]. Taoic religion as a [[world religion]] group is comparable to [[Abrahamic religion]] and [[dharmic religion]]. Taoic faiths claim approximately 400 million members worldwide.<ref>[http://adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html Religious population statistics]. Source: adherents.com</ref> |
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Taoic religion compares with [[Abrahamic religion]] and [[dharmic religion]]. [[Chinese Buddhism]] is considered to be influenced by both Dharmic and Taoic traditions. Buddhism is sometimes called the "Fo Tao" ("The Way of Buddha"). |
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==Tao== |
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{{main|Tao}} |
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[[Tao]] can be roughly stated to be the flow of the universe, or the force behind the natural order. Tao is believed to be the influence that keeps the universe balanced and ordered. Tao is strongly associated with nature, due to a belief that nature demonstrates the Tao. The flow of [[chi]], as the essential energy of action and existance, is often compared to the universal order of Tao. Tao is often compared to what it is not, much like the [[negative theology]] of Western scholars.<ref>This concept of being unable to accurately describe Tao is commmon among Taoic religions and Taoist writings. For example, "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; The name that can be named is not the eternal name." ''Tao Te Ching'', First Chapter</ref> |
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===Te=== |
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{{main|De (Chinese)}} |
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Tao is also associated with a "proper" attitude, morality and lifestyle. The perception of what this represents in practice varies among the Taoic faiths and their numerous branches. This is intimately tied to the complex concept of ''[[De (Chinese)|Te]]''. Te is the active expression of Tao. Generally, those religions closer to Taoism express this as "integrity" or "wholeness", while those faiths closer to Confucianism express this concept as "morality" or "sound character". |
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==Taoic influence and attribution== |
==Taoic influence and attribution== |
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The martial arts of [[Karate]], [[Judo]], [[Taekwondo]] and [[Hapkido]] use the term as well, but are not considered religions |
The martial arts of [[Karate]], [[Judo]], [[Taekwondo]] and [[Hapkido]] use the term as well, but are not considered religions, though some branches of the martial arts are spiritually orientated. Confucianism is generally considered a Taoic religion, but is also known for its conflicts with Taoism. The native Japanese Shinto religion is [[animistic]] and [[shaman]]istic, but has absorbed and incorporated Taoic concepts. [[Chinese Buddhism]] is considered to be influenced by both Dharmic and Taoic traditions. Buddhism is sometimes called the "Fo Tao" ("The Way of Buddha") in areas highly influenced by Taoic faiths. |
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==Interaction with Dharmic faiths== |
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The entry of [[Buddhism]] into China was marked by interaction and [[syncretism]] with Taoic faiths, Taoism in particular. Buddhism's scriptures were translated into Chinese with Taoist vocabulary, because it was originally seen as a kind of foreign Taoism. [[Chan Buddhism]] was particularly modified by Taoism, integrating distrust of scripture, text and even language, as well as the Taoic views of embracing "this life", dedicated practice and the "every-moment". In the [[Tang period]] Taoism incorporated such Buddhist elements as monasteries, vegetarianism, prohibition of alcohol, the doctrine of emptiness, and collecting scripture into tripartite organisation. |
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Ideological and political rivals for centuries, Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism deeply influenced one another. In time, most Chinese people identified to some extent with all three traditions simultaneously. This became institutionalised when aspects of the three schools were consciously synthesised in the Neo-Confucian school. |
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==Taoism and Confucianism== |
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The terms Tao and Te are shared religious and philosophical terms between Taoism and Confucianism. Most ancient Chinese philosophies defined Tao and advocated cultivating Te in that Tao. This is both a source of common ground and philosophical conflict. |
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The authorship of the Tao Te Ching is assigned to [[Lao Tzu]], who is traditionally thought to be a teacher of Confucius. However, he appears to be reacting against Confucian doctrine, which suggests the text arose after Confucianism. [[Chuang Tzu]] reacted to the Confucian-[[Mohist]] ethical disputes. Chang Tzu's "history of thought" casts Lao Tzu as a prior step to the Mohists by name and the Confucians by implication. |
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Early Taoist texts reject the basic assumptions of Confucianism which relied on rituals and order, in favour of the examples of "wild" nature and individualism. Historical Taoists often challenged conventional morality, while Confucians often considered society debased and in need of strong ethical guidance. |
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[[Chen Tao]] arguably qualifies. |
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==Notes== |
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Tao means the "Way". [[Christianity]] could be considered a "Taoic" religion if being interpreted as the "Way of Jesus Christ". |
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Revision as of 14:19, 25 February 2007
In the study of comparative religion, a Taoic religion is a religion, or religious philosophy, that focuses on the East Asian concept of Tao ("The Way"; pinyin Dao, Korean/Japanese Do, Vietnamese Đạo). This forms a large group of religions including Taoism, Confucianism, Jeung San Do, Shinto, Yiguandao, Chondogyo, Chen Tao and Caodaism. Taoic religion as a world religion group is comparable to Abrahamic religion and dharmic religion. Taoic faiths claim approximately 400 million members worldwide.[1]
Tao
Tao can be roughly stated to be the flow of the universe, or the force behind the natural order. Tao is believed to be the influence that keeps the universe balanced and ordered. Tao is strongly associated with nature, due to a belief that nature demonstrates the Tao. The flow of chi, as the essential energy of action and existance, is often compared to the universal order of Tao. Tao is often compared to what it is not, much like the negative theology of Western scholars.[2]
Te
Tao is also associated with a "proper" attitude, morality and lifestyle. The perception of what this represents in practice varies among the Taoic faiths and their numerous branches. This is intimately tied to the complex concept of Te. Te is the active expression of Tao. Generally, those religions closer to Taoism express this as "integrity" or "wholeness", while those faiths closer to Confucianism express this concept as "morality" or "sound character".
Taoic influence and attribution
The martial arts of Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and Hapkido use the term as well, but are not considered religions, though some branches of the martial arts are spiritually orientated. Confucianism is generally considered a Taoic religion, but is also known for its conflicts with Taoism. The native Japanese Shinto religion is animistic and shamanistic, but has absorbed and incorporated Taoic concepts. Chinese Buddhism is considered to be influenced by both Dharmic and Taoic traditions. Buddhism is sometimes called the "Fo Tao" ("The Way of Buddha") in areas highly influenced by Taoic faiths.
Interaction with Dharmic faiths
The entry of Buddhism into China was marked by interaction and syncretism with Taoic faiths, Taoism in particular. Buddhism's scriptures were translated into Chinese with Taoist vocabulary, because it was originally seen as a kind of foreign Taoism. Chan Buddhism was particularly modified by Taoism, integrating distrust of scripture, text and even language, as well as the Taoic views of embracing "this life", dedicated practice and the "every-moment". In the Tang period Taoism incorporated such Buddhist elements as monasteries, vegetarianism, prohibition of alcohol, the doctrine of emptiness, and collecting scripture into tripartite organisation.
Ideological and political rivals for centuries, Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism deeply influenced one another. In time, most Chinese people identified to some extent with all three traditions simultaneously. This became institutionalised when aspects of the three schools were consciously synthesised in the Neo-Confucian school.
Taoism and Confucianism
The terms Tao and Te are shared religious and philosophical terms between Taoism and Confucianism. Most ancient Chinese philosophies defined Tao and advocated cultivating Te in that Tao. This is both a source of common ground and philosophical conflict.
The authorship of the Tao Te Ching is assigned to Lao Tzu, who is traditionally thought to be a teacher of Confucius. However, he appears to be reacting against Confucian doctrine, which suggests the text arose after Confucianism. Chuang Tzu reacted to the Confucian-Mohist ethical disputes. Chang Tzu's "history of thought" casts Lao Tzu as a prior step to the Mohists by name and the Confucians by implication.
Early Taoist texts reject the basic assumptions of Confucianism which relied on rituals and order, in favour of the examples of "wild" nature and individualism. Historical Taoists often challenged conventional morality, while Confucians often considered society debased and in need of strong ethical guidance.
Notes
- ^ Religious population statistics. Source: adherents.com
- ^ This concept of being unable to accurately describe Tao is commmon among Taoic religions and Taoist writings. For example, "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; The name that can be named is not the eternal name." Tao Te Ching, First Chapter
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