Analysing The Similarities Between Daoism and Shinto Beliefs

Taoism is similar to Shinto in that it also started as an indigenous religion in China. Daoism, also known as Taoism, was started by a Chinese philosopher named, Lao-Tzu. Schools of Taoism recognize themselves with their personal blessed scriptures. The goal of this is to establish long, life endurance, or to basically become eternal, to encourage peace from within. Also, to have harmony with a person’s environments.

Daoism originates from one of the Earth's smallest religious manuscripts, well-known as the Dao De Ching. It was interesting to read that Shinto does not have a creator. Shinto also does not have scriptures like a Bible, for example. Preaching is not common in Shinto. Shinto is profoundly deep-seated in the Japanese people. It is also entrenched in Japanese customs. Shinto gods are named Kami.

Basic Beliefs

When it comes to Daoism, the ideal follower would be a person who is a farmer. In Daoism, the ideal life is one that is in sync with the natural patterns of mother nature. Followers of Daoism are strong believers in letting things unfold in their own natural ways. In Daoism, people often abstain from trying to sway, or impact governmental or social organizations.

When it comes to Daoism, one of the main things that believers aspire to is the promise of living forever and being immortal. Having a lot of knowledge of Daoism is associated to having excellent physical health. Daoism followers are firm believers in herbal medicines. They also practice breathing methods that are practiced with profound meditation. In China, Daoism followers overtime have influenced developments to non-invasive medical techniques.

In Shintoism, mortality is perceived as contaminating and contradictory with the fundamental cleanliness of Shinto temples. For this purpose, graveyards are not constructed near shrines. Due to this, Japanese people often have Buddhist or non spiritual or religious processions. This also results in more people being cremated. In Shintoism, there is commonly no belief in life after death. There is no idea of heaven either. What matters is the life that is being lived in the moment. What benefits the world now is what matters.

Practices

Many Taoist rites include a form of cleansing. Rite also include things like meditations and gifts to deities. A common ritual is a intergalactic renewal that is composed of many smaller rituals, it is known as the Chiao. A summarized version of this ritual involves the native residents to give gifts to the deities. This is meant to being harmony and success to the town.

Rituals are often done by celebrants as many people require training, due to the difficulties. Rituals also often require helpers that sing and play instruments. There is also a lot of dancing. Rituals are meant to please the Gods. A common festival is the Lantern Festival. This festival is celebrated on the first full moon annually. During this celebration, people eat special dumplings that represent joy and family harmony. Matsuri has a meaning of thanks and admiration to a deity at a temple or shrine. Matsuri also means Shinto festivals. During a Shinto celebration, it is common to syndicate formal ceremonies with joyful and happy festivities.

In Shintoism, there is no weekly meetings or service. Believers visit temples as they please. There are believers that will often go to a temple every morning. These are people that are the most devoted.

People who follow Daoism or Shintoism believe in something similar to Yin and Yang. This is the idea of things that are similar and opposites both being important and having great significance. A devotee of Shinto does their best to live their life in harmony with The Way of the Kami.

As a conclusion it is must to be noticed that Shinto devotion is very ritualized. Shinto devotion follows a firm and strict etiquette and order. Shinto devotion can be done anywhere. You don’t have to be in a temple. During a Shinto ritual satisfying a person’s senses is of high importance. Shinto rites have robust artistic features. There can be music, beautiful dress, and sounds. All is done to please the kami.

References

• Molloy, M. (2018). Experiencing the World's Religions. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
• Mark, Joshua J. “Lao-Tzu.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 9 Feb. 2018, www.ancient.eu/Lao-Tzu/.
• “Religions - Shinto: Shinto History.” BBC, BBC, 30 Oct. 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/history/history_1.shtml.