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Daoic religions, also known as East Asian religions, is a category of religions which includes all those which accept the concept of the Dao. Even though each of them understand it differently, all of them embrace the notion of the Dao which includes them in the said category.
Confucianism
Confucianism can be a religion, a way of life, or model of government. Its main notion is that, although people may be flawed, they aren’t generally evil. They can be taught to reflect their good nature and improve upon themselves throughout their journey in life.
Taoism
Taoism is a theory on life from ancient China with the goal to become one with the Tao (everything in existence). It’s simply being in the moment and living a naturalistic life devoid of much stimulation without the mysticism involved.
Shintoism
Shintoism is the native religion of Japan and has been influenced by other Asian religion like Buddhism and Taoism. Shinto focuses on the clean and the impure. It believes that everything in nature has a “kami” or god that is basically responsible for driving force behind all nature.
Confucianism
Master Kong or most known by Confucius, developed Confucianism in China during 551-479 BC. However, the fundamental principles of Confucianism has already begun before his birth during the Zhou Dynasty. During the reign of Wu who was the emperor of Han dynasty, he made Confucianism the official state “religion”.
Taoism
It originated in prehistoric China which has exerted a powerful influence over the Chinese culture throughout the ages. The Daoist texts were compiled during the Zhou and Qin Dynasties which are the most familiar today. Lao Zi is traditionally regarded as the founder/author of Taoist religion and is closely associated with “original”, or “primordial”, Taoism.
Shintoism
Unlike many other religions, Shinto has no recognized founder. Shinto began during the period of Yayoi culture during 300 BCE- 300 CE which was considered as the first recognized religion practiced in Japan.
Confucianism
There is no god nor deity worshipped in Confucianism, but rather a force called the Tao or “The Great Ultimate”. Confucius believed that the Tao was the impetus for creation and that this force flows through all life, enabling change and betterment.
Taoism
Taoism does not have a God in the way that Abrahamic religions do. There is no omnipotent being beyond the cosmos, who created and controls the universe. Nonetheless, Taoism has many gods, most of them are borrowed from other cultures. These deities are within universe and are themselves subject to the Tao.
Shintoism
Shinto gods are called “kami”. They are sacred spirits which take form of things and concepts important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility.
Confucianism
Confucius was unable to spread Confucianism. Instead, the scholar Menicus, who was born more than a century after Confucius dies, adapted his philosophy and preached various states. Eventually, because of the Chinese empire’s influence on political, social, and religious development, Confucianism spread all over China and neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Korea and more forcibly onto Japan.
Taoism
Mainly because of Laozi’s journey to the west, his followers spreading the religion and philosophy. Taoists believed their religion was right and wanted others to partake in their philosophy and religion. Over time, Taoism has spread throughout China and to several other countries in Asia.
Shintoism
Shintoism is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and their cultural activities. This has led to the religion remaining for the most part within Japan. Even though its practice and tradition has somewhat spread due to the Japanese emigration, it’s rare to find Shinto shrines and priests outside Japan. Shintoism did not diffuse far, and only spread by people and heritage through their homes in Japan and China.
Taoism
Shintoism