Theology - Eastern Asian Religions

Confucius believed himself to be a failure when he died in 479 B.C.E

True

Confucianism offers extentive teachings regarding the afterlife.

False

Taoism is traditionally associated with the qualities of yang.

False

Shinto is a localized, ethnic religion that is prehistoric.

True

Shinto festivals have always been tied closely to the agriculture of Japan.

True

Shinto is a "founded religion" handed down by a great teacher.

False

Myths did not play an important role in the formation of Shinto.

False

Shinto has no sacred scriptures or holy book.

True

What is the Taoist quality of "actionless activity" or acting without intention?

Wu-Wei

The mature Confucian person with moral character is called?

a Chun-Tzu

Which of the following does NOT belong in the Five Constant Relationships?

Master to Slave

The Taoist practice of "sitting and forgetting" is called?

Zhuan

In eariest times, Shinto worship took place where?

in nature's elements

Shinto's most recognizable symbol pictured here is called?

a Torii Gate

A Japanese home prayer shelf or altar is called?

a Kamidana

The Shinto rite of purification before prayer is called?

Misogi

Who said, "Empty yourself of everything and let the mind rest"?

Lao-Tzu

"A gentleman takes as much trouble to do what's right rather than what will pay."

Confucius

"A tree that is unbending is easily broken."

Lao-Tzu

"A gentleman covets the reputation of being slow in word but prompt in deed."

Confucius

A man meditates in front of a mountain giving graditude to the kami that reside there.

Folk/Popular Shinto

A Japanese family holds a funeral in a Buddhist Temple.

Sect Shinto

A young girl cleanses her mouth and hands before entering her local shrine.

Shrine Shinto

A group of young men carry a Kami body in a parade honoring the New Year.

Shrine Shinto

A grandfather teaches his grandchildren how to cut and tend the braches of a banzai tree

Folk/Popular Shinto

A mother offers a small cup of rice wine placing it on the family kamidana.

Shrine Shinto

Believes that the nature of Japan is alive and full of spiritual power.

Shinto

The goal of this religion is to be in perfect harmony with the way of nature or "Tao".

Taoism

Regards the self as the center of all relationships.

Confucianism

The goal is to become a Chun-Tzu.

Confucianism

The goal is to be spiritually reunited with ancestral Kami.

Shinto

One must practice the Rule of Shu

Confucianism

Advocates practicing the virtue of wu-wei, acting without intention.

Taoism

The earliest forms of Chinese religion included ancestoral worship, divination, and human sacrifice.

True

The philosopher Confucius believed himself to be a failure when he died in 479 B.C.E.?

True

The teaching of Taosim contain many paradoxes.

True

Shinto is a "founded religion" meaning it was begun by an enlightened teacher or prophet

False

The proper Confucian behavior in any given circumstance is known as what quality?

Li

One important quality of a Sage, is "action-less activity", or acting without intention is what quality?

Wu-Wei

Shinto's most recognizable symbol, an archway that marks the entrance to a shrine is called?

Torrii

Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind be a rest.

Lao-Tzu

Proper behavior towards parents and elder brothers is the trunk of all goodness.

Confucius

The hard and strong will fall. The soft and weak will overcome.

Lao-Tzu

A man mediates in front of a mountain giving gratitude and respect to the kami that reside there

Popular/Folk Shinto

A young girl cleanses her mouth and hand before entering a shrine to pray.

Shrine Shinto

A Japanese family attends a Catholic Mass at Christmas with their neighbors

Sect Shinto

Regards the self as the center of all human relationships.

Confucianism

The goal is to be spiritually reunited with ancestoral Kami.

Shinto

Advocates the practice of wu-wei or acting without intention.

Taoism

What is the focus of these traditional Chinese religions?

Focuses on human conduct rather than believing in a god(s)

How does traditional Chinese religions differ from major western religions?

Rational thought, morality, and eternity of the mind

What was China’s society and religion like before Confucius became so influential in its culture

Similar to other ancient societies believing in gods and practicing divination rituals

What do Confucius’ ideas of virtue and propriety mean for human conduct?

People should seek meaning through human relationships based on goodness and mutual respect

What are the Analects?

Recorded dialogs between Confucius and his students

Why are the Analects important to Confucianism?

Best primary document of Confucius thought

What are yin and yang (Basic def)

Opposite partners in the universe that bring harmony

What are yin and yang (Non basic def)

Shape the destiny of all things

What is the modern symbol of Chinese religions?

The yin-yang symbol

Why were the Confucian ideas of the classical writings inscribed in stone after 124 BCE

To avoid book burnings that occurred in the China dynasty

When will the Chinese start using Confucian thought for government?

Han Dynasty

What does it mean to find the ultimate in the relative?

Finds meaning in the moral character of human relationships

Father to son _____________ (Five relationships)

Mother to daughter

Ruler to subject, ________________ (Five relationships)

Manager to employee

Husband to wife, __________________ (5 relationships)

Man to Women

Older to younger, _________________ (5 relationships)

Teacher to student

Friend to friend, _____________ (5 relationships)

peer to peer

What does the 5 relationships means?

Mutual respect and responsibilities

What role does rituals play in Confucianism?

Reminds us what’s important to us and why it’s important.

What way should rituals should be done in Confucianism?

Be done with genuine intention not just habit

Jen

Benevolence

What does rational morality mean in Confucianism

Respect your elders and be kind to the youth (Social harmony)

How can one form harmonious and responsible relationships with others?

Be kind, polite, and concern yourself to others

What part of yin and yang Confucianism is associated with?

Yang principle

What part of yin and yang Taoism is associated with?

Yin principle

Why do Taoists generally retreat from the world into the inner life of meditation?

Mistrust of laws made by society

What are the names of two major texts of Taoism

The Lao-Tzu and Chuang Tzu

What does the Lao-Tzu mean?

Old Master

What is Tao?

The “way” or “path” of nature. Source of the universe and central power of the universe.

According to Taoism, by what methods can one discover Tao?

Contemplation then turns into Cultivation (Persepective)

What is the most practical lesson of Taoist philosophy?

To live in harmony with the Tao, embracing simplicity and spontaneity.

Do Taoists believe in the immortality of the soul? If so, how is this belief explained?

Mind survives physical death. The mind if immortal.

What is a holistic medical system?

A comprehensive approach that treats the individual as a whole, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.

How can Taoists medical practices can be considered holistic?

Any illness has a natural cause, so its cure also exist in nature

What are the three principles of life in Taoism?

1. Breath (Chi)

2. Essence

3. Spirit

What role does meditation play in Taoism?

It allows us to see the truth to reality

What is the goal of Taoist meditation?

To sit and forget (zhuan)

What are the five basic elements of Taoist cosmology

Metal → Wood → Fire → Water → Earth

What is the central religious message of Taoism to the Chinese?

To live in harmony with the Tao, or the natural way of the universe, promoting balance and simplicity in life.

Where and how did Shinto originate?

From Japan

Which religions can be found in modern Japan?

Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Christianity

When did Shinto begin

Prehistoric

What does the word “Shinto” mean

Way of Kami

What is a founded religion

Established by a specific individual or group

Examples of founded religions

Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism

Is Shinto a founded religion?

No

When did Christianity first enter Japan?

1549

Who brought Christianity to Japan

St. Francis Xavier

Many Japanese people did not find Christianity appealing because

Rigid and practice (Unable to add Japanese culture)

What percentage of the Japanese population is Christian today?

Less than 1%

What are folk traditions?

Unorganized, ancient, localized