Daoism And Shinto Similarities

1258 Words6 Pages

It can be said that opposites attract as well as complement each other. Within the religions of Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto lay harmony, respect, and ethical behavior towards nature, ancestors, oneself, and others. Although Daoism and Confucianism are native to China and Shinto to Japan, East Asian cultures integrate these religions and practices with openness and acceptance. They are the light and dark without reference to good or bad as the opposites necessitate one another. (Fisher, 2014, 201) Instead the interwoven religions of Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto compliment each other in addition to having distinct differences.
Interwoven Religions
The interwoveness of the Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto religions reveals itself …show more content…

(Fisher, 2014, p. 195) Daoism is keeping a low profile, seeking stillness, humility, and quietness. (Fisher, 2014, p. 196) There are beliefs in faith healing, talismans, and longevity of life via inner alchemy. (Fisher, 2014, p. 197) Confucianism is based upon morality, an orderly society, education, and the hear-and-now. (Fisher, 2014, p. 207, 211, 216) Confucianism focus is on hierarchical relationships of parent and child, teacher and student, ruler and subject, friend and friend with the understanding of mutual reciprocity. (Fisher, 2014, 209-210) These relationships evolve at home, and the morality taught transcends outward towards society and government. (Fisher, 2014, p. 210) Shinto’s uniqueness is in its adherence to cleanliness as the decease is considered unclean. In addition, shines are kept immaculate as to always provide a clean space for the kami as buildings are replaced every twenty years. (Fisher, 2014, p. 228) Shinto is heavily based upon purification that flows from the kami to mankind. Such purification is obtained via water, spontaneous movement, or ceremonial rituals. (Fisher, 2014, p. 233-234) Impurity or tsumi brings about misfortune from the kami explaining why purification is a valued tradition or kannagara within Shinto. (Fisher, 2014, p.