China, Tibet, & Japana history of religion in

Folk religions of China & Japan• Origin and founders are unknown—possibly as

old or older than Hinduism• Generally locally based with varying deities

that have common qualities– Polytheistic– Some small kingdoms may have similar over-

arching deity (like Brahman or Kami)– Most incorporate local heroes as demi-gods

• Fantastical characters: dragons, demons, etc.• Shamanism and soothsaying prevalent• Ritualistic worship at home or in temples

common

China

Japan

Early Folk Traditions

Early Folk Traditions

Shinto

Classical Daoism

Daoism Theravada Buddhism (from

India) Mahayana Buddhism

Pure Land Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism Confucianism

TibetEarly Folk Traditions

Vajrayana Buddhism

Chen (Chinese Zen) Buddhism

Religions of China

Zen Buddhism

Religions of Japan

Emergence of Daoism• First written records nearly 4000 years ago, but could

go back much further• Earliest codified texts exist in Dao De Jing which

begins era of classical or philosophical Daoism • Combined with many of the local folk traditions

– Eight immortals, Celestial Masters, Doctrine of the Three Heavens, Exorcism, etc.

– Several different “schools” (i.e. sects) develop• Slowly codified and unified throughout the country

from 250BCE-500CE• Chinese Dynasties beginning Han in 206BCE bring

Daoism into the government (awk since Daoism advocates anarchy) – utilize and patronize both philosophical wing and folk wing

• Falls out of favor (seen as lazy) around 17th century

Confucius• Confucius (K’ung Fu Tsu, Kong Fuzi) born illegitimately in

Shandon (holy city to Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) in 551 BCE to poorish mother– Father was a rich warlord but didn’t help out much– All texts tell us he came out with an indentation in his skull

and remained very ugly throughout his life• Self educated and well read—had to do this since he was

a horrible athlete and fighter• Married higher status woman became a local

administrator • In 50s got frustrated with what he saw as the sloth and

corruption of Daoism, went it teaching and philosophy• Ideas started to catch on, but got caught in the middle of

a civil war • Died unpopular and believed himself to be a failure

Jujiao• Analects

– Record of Confucius’ teachings written down by his students– Short maxims (basis for “Confucius say ______.”)

• Young man should respect father at home, boss at work, elders abroad; cultivate friendships with all

• People can be led by fear but it would be better for them to be led by virtue• General idea is to become a Junzi, or “Superior Man”

– People are considered basically good and need to learn to harness that good

– Done through self control, hard work, devotion– Mixes in elements of hierarchy knowing ones role and doing

• Order and Ancestor Worship– Family becomes important and relationships within that family– Five key relationships: parent-child; husband-wife; older siblings-younger

siblings; friend-friend; ruler-subject• Leads to Silver Rule:

– Do not do unto other as you would not have them do to you; essentially do no harm

• Doing all this on small level leads to a good, large level• Much like Daoism, believes in parallel heaven but does not specifically

focus on a god or gods.

Rise of Confucianism• Confucius dies (479 BCE) with only 22 disciples caring about his

life and teachings– China is in a civil war and no one cares

• Disciples spread message creating Golden Age called Hundred Schools of Thought– Confucianism integrates itself into government and creates rigid

hierarchy– New scholar Mencius (M’eng Tzu) codifies rules of Confucianism in

long essays emphasizes filial piety • Eventually leads to order which ends period of the Warring

States and unifies China• Golden Age ends in 221BCE when era of Burning Books and

Burying Scholars commences• Brought back only 20 years later and enjoyed moderate success

playing second fiddle to Daoism• Daoism falls out of favor in 17th century Confucianism becomes

official state religion until early 20th century and civil war

Some Confucian rites are still observed today in South Korea. These people making offerings in Chungdak-dong village have maintained a traditional Confucian lifestyle for hundreds of years.

Confucianism & Daoism: An uncertain peace• Since their inception Daoism and Confucianism have

held competing roles in Chinese History– When one rises the other falls in popularity and

acceptance within closely controlled government– Makes sense in a way they are opposites– Both integrate different aspects folk religion within their

ideas and rituals• China has a love-hate relationship with religion on

the whole various leaders have changed their minds, a lot

• Daoism has been popular for longer periods of time; but Confucianism was more popular in the modern era Westerns found Confucianism when they came to China

Shinto in Japan• Ancient folk religions of Japan eventually become

codified and turned into Shinto• Shinto is:

– The “Spirit Way” (shin-do)– Ancient, indigenous, mythical, religion of Japan

• Based strongly in nature and the natural word– Most traditional haiku writers are Shinto

– Roots begin around 3500 years ago, first remaining codified records date back 1500 years

– No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the Japanese people involves itself in the state

– Intertwined into the culture like Hinduism in India (stays this way even with Buddhism popularity)

Shinto shrines are set apart by a torii, an ever-open sacred gateway at the entrance to all shrine precincts. This floating torii is the symbolic gate to Itsukushima Jjinja shrine, Miyajima.

Principles and Practices of Shinto• Shinto permeates Japanese birth and life with a series of

ceremonies: newborn, 7-5-3, adulthood, marriage, etc.– Most Japanese use Buddhism for funeral rights

• Three types of Shinto:– Shrine/Folk Shinto, State Shinto, Sect Shinto

• State Shinto:– Emphasis on Japanese culture and nationality (elimination of

foreign influences)– Emperors of Japan as divine – Hierarchy of shrines

• Shrine Shinto:– Jinja (shrines) – 10,000+ located throughout Japan– Natural structure, fits in with natural surrounding– Torii – entry gate, separates sacred from profane space– Rituals presided over by priest– Household shrines – kamidana (kami-shelf)

Kami, Gods, and Mythology• The Kami/Megami is the main, overarching supreme

being God much like Brahman– kami just means god or spirit

• Polytheistic after the Kami• Other, main deities based in nature or natural forces

– Ex: Amaterasu is Sun goddess and supposedly mother of first emperor of Japan

– Leads to a series of festivals based around seasons and nature ex: water purification rights, etc.

• Creation myth – Japan as the center of the world• Man then taught the Four Affirmations to live by:

– Tradition and Family– Love of Nature– Physical cleanliness– Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor the Kami

Misogi, or ritual purification by standing beneath a waterfall.

On the nearest Sunday to November 15, boys of five and girls of three or seven years are dressed in traditional clothes and taken to a Shinto shrine by their parents to pray for health and good fortune. This father and daughter are celebrating this Seven-Five-Three (Shichi-go-san) festival in Narita, Japan.