The concepts of Yin and Yang and religion in China
Taoism, a Chinese religion and philosophy, is the main source of the omnipresent Yin Yang. The Yin, or black splash, is connected with depths, softness, and a wave’s trough; the Yang, or white splash, is associated with light, enthusiasm, and development. According to the concept of Yin Yang, the cosmos consists of opposing and balanced energies such as darkness and light, moon and sun, masculine and feminine.
Yin and Yang have influenced the religion of Taoism by instilling continuous patterns. According to Taoism, Yin and Yang coexist, illuminating the fact that dual forces can be interconnected and complementary (Cogito, 2020). Since Daoism is a religion based on the understanding of energy and nature, Yin and Yang symbolize irregularity and the only constant changes. These two forces grow and gradually replace each other.
Hence, while there are no specific definitions of Yin and Yang, they play a pivotal role in various religions, specifically Taoism. Taoism is based on self-discovery, change, and the absence of restrictions, and Yin and Yang are the epitomai of change and alteration. The concepts of these forces were deliberately obscured for individuals to discover them on their own. Thus, Yin and Yang are integral parts of religions, defining infinity and shifts.
Shintoism
Shinto is the most popular religion in Japan, with an estimated 80 percent of the people practicing it. The primary distinguishing element of Shinto is that, unlike Buddhism, it is seen as a way of living rather than a system of beliefs or worship of a particular god (Religion for Breakfast, 2020). Furthermore, unlike other faiths, it does not have a recognized founder or sacred scripture. Shinto also advocates “purity, sincerity, and gratitude” as its core values and believes that incorrect and destructive behaviors pollute a person (Now This World, 2017, 5:19). Shinto’s only objective is to connect with Kami or spiritual spirits that live in earthly objects and concepts via sacred rituals. Weddings, funerals, worship at a shrine or house, and large festivals are examples of these.
Furthermore, in Shinto, prayers, and sacrifices to Kami spirits at Shinto shrines and festivals are supposed to wash away bad spirits and thereby cleanse a person or an object. Participating in ceremonial worship and cleansing constitutes the totality of the faith. Another aspect of Shinto is that, although it is a vital part of Japanese people’s lives, many do not identify as Shinto followers of religious people (Cogito, 2021). The last element of Shinto that many other religions lack is that both men and women can become Shinto priests, marry, and have children.
Daoism
Daoism is an indigenous Chinese religion noted for its concern for the environment and for maintaining harmony. The first component of this religion states that the Universe was created and transformed by the Dao. Life emerges from the soil, develops, matures, decays, and finally returns to the earth. All of this occurs without the use of force, instructions, or effort. The only constant changes, yet this change is regular, identifiable, and ultimately beneficial.
Language, which is restricted and dependent on human perceptions, is an essential aspect of Daoism (Cogito, 2020, 5:32). Language confines thoughts, while Daoism cannot be contained. Another aspect of this religion is its goal, which is to enable individuals to sense the Dao, perceive it in nature, and walk in accordance with it. Furthermore, Daoists believe that Language, imposed morality, and selfishness have carved humankind.
They were transformed from a simple raw material with boundless potential into a product molded by their surroundings. The religion’s final aspect is that Daoists sense order in the Universe through patterns such as Yin and Yang. These patterns demonstrate that nothing in the Universe is constant (Philosophies for Life, 2019). The cycle continues indefinitely; neither can exist without the other, and everything must be in balance.
Confucianism
Confucius is a well-known Chinese philosopher who founded Confucianism. Many of the components of Confucianism appear minor now, but they serve an important function in philosophy. Confucius thought that adults should educate their children as early as possible in order to inculcate reasonable beliefs in them (The School of Life, 2015). The first Confucian guideline is based on the significance of the ceremony. We recognize that prepared, purposeful, and valuable gestures elicit strong emotional responses from us. Rituals clarify our goals and help us understand how to behave. Another religious guideline concerns the respect of parents. Confucius believed that people should obey them and look after them when they are elderly.
Furthermore, Confucius felt that people should be submissive to respectable persons. According to the philosopher, everyone has a function to play, and certain people are deserving of respect. One of Confucianism’s beliefs is that trained knowledge is more important than creativity. Confucius emphasized the value of universal knowledge gained through years of hard work and reflection. The religion’s last tenets are five constant virtues: “benevolence, righteousness, integrity, ritual property, and wisdom” (Religion for Breakfast, 2021, 4:08). The philosopher felt that in order to become genuinely accomplished, intelligent, and wise, people needed to focus on their habits.
References
Cogito. (2020). What Is Taoism?[Video]. YouTube. Web.
Cogito. (2021). What Is Shinto?[Video]. YouTube. Web.
Now This World. (2017). What Is The Ancient Japanese Religion Shinto?[Video]. YouTube. Web.
Philosophies for Life. (2019). 10 Life Lessons From The Taoist Master Lao Tzu (Taoism)[Video]. YouTube. Web.
Religion for Breakfast. (2020). What is Shinto?[Video]. YouTube. Web.
Religion for Breakfast. (2021). Intro to Confucianism[Video]. YouTube. Web.
The School of Life. (2015). Eastern Philosophy – Confucius[Video]. YouTube. Web.