Comparing Daoism, Confucianism, Islam, And Christianity

Tao Te Ching is one of the most well-known Chinese philosophical scripture believed to be penned between 6th and 4th Century BC and authored by Lao Tzu. It has been a bedrock for the ancient spiritual and religious tradition of Taoism. Tao Te Ching includes two books of poetic verses explaining principle aspects of Taoism such as the metaphysical concept of ‘Tao’ roughly translated as the Way or the path, the consequences of action and inaction, virtue and the juxtaposed behavior of nature. The first book discusses the manifestation of the Way and how it directs us in harmonizing with our own qualities, morals and virtue which eventually help us in harmonizing with the working of the nature. The second book deals with the difficulties of governing

Taoism is an ancient Chinese religion dating back to the sixth century. The basic foundation of Taoism is a life philosophy and method

Taoism is an Eastern religion/philosophy with perhaps 225 million followers. Although it is more accurately referred to as a philosophy, books on world religions inevitably include it with other religions from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism. Taoism was thought to be created by a Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu, but was actually created by Fu Hsi (pronounced foo shee).

Although Daoism believes in modesty, and Confucianism emphasizes honesty, ruling a kingdom effectively during a time of turmoil requires sovereignty. Legalism is a system of pure power that demands restraint and discipline with an emphasis on strict laws. Daoism maintains the balance of nature and embrace harmony by utilizing “The Dao.” Confucianism highlights virtues and morality wanting people to become The Superior Man. For an East Asian Kingdom plagued by famine, war, and civil unrest, Legalism would bring order to the Kingdom by a centralized and powerful government, strict laws that govern the people, and once peace ensues, a secure economy.

Asia was shaped during the classical era by different religions that influenced it socially and politically. Confucianism and Islam are two beliefs that came about during the Classical period of China and Islam. However, they both flourished in China, and both became very different religions and philosophies. Although both beliefs possessed a few similarities, they were still two very distinct. Where the two beliefs compare in minor topics such as a caste system, they differ in beliefs as a whole. Confucianism is a philosophy, not a religion, and is a very unique idea. Whereas, Islam is in fact a religion and can be compared to the religion of Christianity.

Philosophy is a complicated subject. Since the beginning of human existence, many tried to come up with theories about life, happiness, reality and knowledge. From philosophical ideas different beliefs sprung, and existence of different religions followed. Every theory raised by a philosopher attracted different followers. In today's modern society aside from major religions, there are thousands of others that suggest that their explanations to universal questions are the only accurate ones, and all of these religions seek to gain more followers to join their "way". One of these religions is the religion/philosophy of Taoism. Taoism has it roots in China, where the founder of Taoism Lao-Tse was searching for a

Taoism (Daoism) first originated in East Asia, specifically China and then spread throughout the Eastern hemisphere. Its philosophical basis is grounded by the emphasis of the three jewels: compassion, moderation and humility. The founder of Taoism “Laozi [is an] advocate [of] being natural and reject[ing] the social” (Hansen 4). Taoism teaches the importance of life and how one should go about living it. It teaches ethics, morals and most importantly Wu Wei. Wu Wei is the act and conscious of knowing when and when not to act and when not to act. This religion does not have a central God or multiple Gods that it worships; rather, they stress the importance of revering one's ancestors as well as nature. The most well known symbol of Taoism is the yin and yang. This phrase represents the importance of the unity of opposites and celebrating these differences through peace and bliss. Scholars derive their knowledge of Taoism from the readings and scriptures from the texts of Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi. “The core of Zen practice is seated meditation, called zazen. Shikantaza (nothing but sitting) involves sitting in a state of alert attention that is free of thoughts. Koans are paradoxical questions, phrases, or stories that cannot be solved using intellectual reasoning, like ‘What is the sound of one hand clapping?’ ” (Spuler 2). Unlike western religions, it provides a clear quest of how one

Accordingly, the religion emphasizes the union of the opposite and complementary forces of the universe. Taoism also stresses harmony with nature, immortality, self-improvement and trying to help I the world around them. The Tao is the ultimate creative energy of the universe, and it is also the organic universe or cosmos itself, as well as the way of nature and the world. Deities, along with everything in the universe rely on the Tao. Taoism has practices and believes are lots of times from other religions.

Confucianism and Daoism are the most popular religions in the Chinese society. In short, Confucianism respects the virtues of love, good treatment of the other persons, respect for older people, and reverence of the family. Good manners remain the core of Confucianism religion as it mentioned in the Analects “what you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” On the other hand, Daoism, unlike Confucianism, does not consider the work as a priority. In order to reach a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, Daoism encourages its followers to practice meditation and solitude in fantasy and remote islands. It is against the civil aspects because it believes that those aspects play a crucial role on corrupting human beings.

Although Islam and Confucianism represent two totally different worldviews, they have similar characteristics, which provide a potential idea, that both can be from a common source. Mirza Tahir Ahmad, who was a Caliph in Ahmadiyya Muslim community, supported this idea in his book “Revelation, Nationality, Knowledge & Truth”. He supports his idea saying, “All humans are God’s creation; it stands to reason that God not only guided people in the Middle East through Abrahamic prophets. He also guided other people through prophets like Confucius, Buddha and Zoroaster.” His claim is based on the existence of common themes between Islamic and Confucian teachings. Another supporting evidence is that God in one of the verses of Quran in which He

The Daoism is a traditions practice in East Asian and tend to combine elements by Westerners called contemplation, exercise, psychology, and medicine. The Daoism it was also called it Taoism which it was one of two great indigenous philosophical tradition of China. According to Daoist philosophy by Ronnie Littlejohn, explained,” Daoism corresponds to both Daojia (“Dao or “school of the Dao”), an early Han dynasty (c.100s B.C.E.) term which describes so-called “philosophical” text and thinkers such as Laozi and Zhuangzi”. Then, Taoism it was labeled as indefinable and based on teaching the truth of themselves. Also, Taoism is combine by philosophy, and religion besides it was define as being a system

Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy created by Laozi. The main focus of his teachings concern living in harmony with tao. Toa is the guiding force of all reality. This philosophy was developed between 1,600 BCE and 1,046 BCE during the Shang dynasty. However, it flourished, and became popular during the Yang dynasty, and was even made the official religion of China when Emperor Xuanzong was in rule. Moreover, its popularity was replaced with Confucianism and Buddhism as the Yang dynasty’s power declined between 756 CE and 907 CE.

The Tao is the unknown, powerful force to which the whole world and universe flows. It is the ultimate reality and that everything is one despite the differences in appearances. They believed that life is good, there was an emphasis on the body, and the goal was to gain balance in life. They had a good view on women. They were generally equal to men and highly spoken of in the teachings. Taoism believes in the concept of the Yin and the Yang. This concept is that two halves, two opposites, make a whole. It is a balance, equilibrium of wholeness. The Yin is the dark side, while the Yang is the light side. We can see this balance every day in life. Like the day and the night, a man and a woman. There cannot be one without the other. Absence of light creates darkness; absence of heat makes it cold. When there are beautiful things, the ugly ones come out. And when there is good, there is also bad. One thing defines and complements the other. They coexist by opposing each other. Yet, nothing is completely Yang and nothing is completely Yin. One is the starting point of the other. They are interdependent to be complete. When one increases, the other one decreases. This is how they maintain the overall balance.

Taoism and Buddhism are China's two major religions. Taoism is a Chinese philosophical, religious, and spiritual belief system that teaches one to flow with life and to be true to one's nature. Taoism is one of China's five religions. It is one of three philosophical teachings which also include Buddhism, and Confucianism. Taoism began in the in the late 4th century BC under the work of Laozi, in the Tao Te Ching. 'Tao' means 'way' and Taoism is sometimes expressed as 'the flow of the universe.' Taoism's central value is naturalness, which one achieves by freeing themselves from desire and selfish thoughts and behaviors and embracing simplicity in life. Taoism is also sometimes referred to as Daoism.

Taoism is a Chinese religion focusing on the transformation and integration with the unseen forces of the universe. Taoism does not have any founder or founding date, instead it has many people attributed to the start like some other other religions. It was primarily in the rural area of ancient China. Zhang Daoling became the first Celestial Master and founder of the first organized Taoist school of thought around 75-100 C.E. Early Taoism was added to local religions and combined with the existing views of other Chinese people. Then around the fifth century C.E. it was recognized at an actual religion. (Origins of Taoism)