History of the East Asian Religions

East Asian religions have quite a lot of principles ina force that flows through all life forms and it is the
common. For example, they emphasize unity infirst cause of universe. The followers of Taoism
almost all things and the relation of every living beingbelieve that their objective is to become one with
on the planet to the nature and its surroundings.the Tao. Most believers of Taoism religion quote the
Amongst all East Asian Religions, Confucianism andart of "wu wei". It is said that "wu wei" needs the
Taoism have gained the most dominance. Theseminimum action to maintain ones religious followings.
were in fact the most ancient religions in China andConfucianism
East Asia. Although, today, Buddhism is quiteConfucianism, a religion that redefines individual
commonly practiced, Buddhism actually came frommorality and ethics ,was started by K'ung Fu Tzu. He
India and spread into East Asia in the later centuries.was born in 551 BC and his preaching was mostly on
Taoismexercise of political powers, morality and ethics
Taoism is mainly considered to be founded byregarding an individual. The Confucian ethical teachings
Lao-Tse, a contemporary of Confucius. In search forstate a few values like "Li", "Hsiao", "Yi", "Xin", "Jen"
peace, solutions against constant feudal wars andand "Chung".
various conflicts in Lao-Tse's life led him to theLi defines rituals, etiquette and propriety. Hsiao states
creation of a new religion, Taoism. In the beginningthe definition of love. Xin and Yi respect the values
Taoism was a concept regarding psychology andof honesty, trustworthiness and righteousness
philosophy but as years passed by it turned itself intorespectively. While Chung preaches about loyalty to
a religion around 440 BC and was adopted as a statethe country, Jen deals with humanness and
religion.benevolence towards every life form which is the
The beliefs and practices in Taoism state that Tao ishighest Confucian virtue.