Question A
The Chinese traditions have several philosophies that influence the daily lives of the Chinese. Daoism is a Chinese philosophical tradition revolving around the emphasis for harmonious living. The Daoism culture has for long had immense influence over Chinese culture with much variance from the vernacular ritual orders of the Chinese and the Chinese folk religion. Confucianism on the other hand denotes the religion, tradition, and philosophy that govern life. Confucianism is seen to develop as a response to Daoism and Buddhism.
Daoism and Confucianism ideologies have been proven by research to have existed even before Laozi and Confucius presented these beliefs. Before the writing of Daoism and Confucianism, the Chinese followed a folk religion that had not been written but was widely accepted. Despite having several differences, Daoism and Confucianism have been used by the Chinese harmoniously. As widely accepted by the Chinese, the universe thrives in harmonious balance. The concept of Ying and Yang is successfully incorporated within Daoism creating a philosophy of harmony in opposites.
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Confucianism differs with Daoism in that Daoism as taught by Laozi seems to promote individualistic pursuit of harmonious existence while Confucianism advocates for harmony among people with personal smooth relationships. Confucianism seeks to further proper conduct among people and thus achieving societal success. The individualistic perspective of Daoism when integrated in proper conduct among people reflects the ideas of Daoism and Confucianism as complementary.
Question B
Shinto as a religion devoted to worshiping a range of spirits. Shintoism and the traditional folk religion are similar in several ways in that both hold rituals and worship many gods. The traditional folk religion acknowledges existence of many gods similar to the view of Shintoism that kami or spirits exist varied as trees, rocks, rivers, places, and animals. Folk Shinto has variety of practices such as divination and shamanic healing. The shamanic healing practices in Shinto have been indicated by scholars to have been largely suppressed by the folk tradition.