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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D1

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Department of Education- National Capital Region


Schools Division of Pasay City

MODULE IN INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS


AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
Second Quarter/ Week 7/ Day 1

OBJECTIVE:
Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism

LESSON FOR TODAY:


In this module, the students will be able to identify the uniqueness and similarities of
Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism

LET’S HAVE A RECAP FIRST!

In the previous module, we discussed that the primary concern of Shintoism


is with humanity’s life on earth than on the afterlife. Therefore, human beings need
to ensure that they continue to become part of the natural world, human nature is
pure and in the natural state of existence, and people need to continuously purify
themselves through rituals so as to maintain this purity. Today, we will discuss the
similarities of the Daoic religions. Are you ready?

Activity 1: Everything Around the Sun!


Direction: Think about ideas or concepts about the Daoic religions. Write these on the
space provided, after that, answer the follow-up question.

Daoic
Religions

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D1

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Why did you come up with these ideas?


__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Uniqueness of the Three Daoic Religions

Vocabulary:
Warring States:
refers to an era of
division in ancient
China (475-221 BC).
East Asia: The
region consists of
China, Hong Kong,
Macau, Japan,
Mongolia, North
Korea, South Korea,
and Taiwan

Map emphasizing the location of East Asia countries

The Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism known as the Daoic Religions are all
originated from East Asia. These religions are also known as the East Asian religions.
Confucianism and Taoism came from China during the Age of Warring States that was
happened during the Chou dynasty while Shintoism which is regarded as an “indigenous
religion” that is hard to trace its origins, came from Japan.

What are some of the Uniqueness of the Daoic Religions?

The character beside means “Dao” or in English translation, “The Way.”


It is impossible to describe the Dao with words, but it can only give us clues that will help
us get a glimpse of what the Dao is. It is often described as the life force, the essence,
the energy, the flow of the universe. Take a look at the diagram below to see the
uniqueness of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism.

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D1

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Religion/Belief/

Philosophy Characteristic

• Referred to as “optimistic humanism.”

• Confucianism was profoundly impacting on the life, social

structure, and political philosophy of China.

• Confucianism has never existed as an established religion with

Confucianism a church and a priesthood

• There is a belief that the family that works together makes a

happier household and a better society. In Confucianism, the

most important duty is to honor your parents.

• Success of society depends upon the moral quality of its

leaders

• Good government comes from educated, courteous, and

virtuous officials who people can follow

• Confucian philosophers set up strict rules for people’s behavior

in their society

• Each believer’s goal is to become one with the Dao.

• The concept of a personified deity is foreign to them.

Taoism • They do not pray because there is no God to answer them.

• They seek answers to life’s problems through inner meditation

and outer observation.

• The balance between opposites (yin, yang) in the universe.

When they are equally present, all is calm, when one is

outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray

• The ancient religion of Japan that stresses purity and

perfection. Shinto means “Way of the Gods.”

Shintoism

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D1

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

• Believes that daily life is influenced by millions of gods (kami).

These kami reside in objects, shrines and natural phenomenon.

• No sacred scriptures or unchanging beliefs, there is also no

regular service, they can worship at shrine whenever they want.

Activity 2: Think-Write!
We have discussed the uniqueness of each East Asian philosophy/religion/belief. Let
us now do this activity by writing at least 3-5 sentences answering the question inside
the box.
Consider the Filipino culture, choose one of the Daoic religions that you think is
visible in our community. What do you think its impact to you as a student?

__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

The most significant thing I have learned


What I have today is ____________________________
learned today? ___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
The ideas and concept I learned today can
help me in my everyday life as a student and
citizen because ______________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
_

Page 4 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D1

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

EVALUATION
Short Essay. Direction: Write an essay discussing the significance of Confucianism, Daoism, and
Shintoism in Filipino culture. Use the rubric as a guide.

Rubric for Short Essay


CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED
Organization The concept was clearly 10
and creatively
conveyed.
Content The similarities and 5
differences were clearly
discussed.
Presentation The idea was clearly 5
presented based on the
words used.
Total Score: 20

References for Further Enhancement:


Online:
• HRETA (2013) Religions in East and Southeast Asian (Interactive Website) Retrieved from
https://orca.hampton.k12.va.us/WorldGeography/mod11/top6/content.html
• Slideplayer.com (2020) East Asian Traditions Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto Retrieved from
https://slideplayer.com/slide/9189992/

Books:
• Cornelio, J et.al. (2019) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. 2nd edition. Rex Book Store Inc.
• Ong, J et.al (2016) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Vibal Group Inc.

Prepared by: Victoria G. De Los Santos


Name of Teacher-Writer
School: Pasay City North High School – MDC

Page 5 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Department of Education- National Capital Region


Schools Division of Pasay City

MODULE IN INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS


AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
Second Quarter/ Week 7/ Day 2

OBJECTIVE:
Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism

LESSON FOR TODAY:


In this module, the students will be able to identify the uniqueness and similarities
of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism

LET’S HAVE A RECAP FIRST!

In the previous module, we discussed that the Confucianism, Daoism,


and Shintoism known as the Daoic Religions are all originated from East Asia. These
religions are also known as the East Asian religions. Confucianism and Taoism came
from China during the Age of Warring States that was happened during the Chou
dynasty while Shintoism which is regarded as an “indigenous religion” that is hard to
trace its origins, came from Japan.

Activity 1: Acrostics. Based on the previous lessons, Create an acrostic


of the word DAOIC

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

The character beside means “Dao” or in English translation, “The


Way.” It is impossible to describe the Dao with words, but it can only give
us clues that will help us get a glimpse of what the Dao is. It is often
described as the life force, the essence, the energy, the flow of the universe.

In this lesson, we will compare and give similarities of the three Daoic religions—
Confucianism, Doaism, and Shintoism—by emphasizing their similarities, and by showing
that despite the differences in certain beliefs and practices, they share common traits,
especially with regard to how they view nature and humanity’s relationship with it.

Similarities of the Daoic Religions

The main objective for knowing the similarities of the three Daoic religions is to
understand that Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism have similarities in viewing nature,
ancestors, and the importance of self-cultivation to achieve a harmonious society.

The civilization of China is one of the oldest in the world, dating back for nearly
4,000 years. Since early times, Chinese were deeply concerned with achieving good
government. Following the ethics and ideals of the great philosopher Confucius, they
developed a system in which government officials chosen by merit. It endured for hundred
of years, surviving the rise and fall of many ruling houses and the constant threat of
invasion. The brilliant culture of the Chinese empire was a model for all Asia. Japan
borrowed many ideas from Chinese culture but developed them in a distinctive way.

Both Japan and China preserved their traditional cultures well into the 19 th century
by deliberately isolating themselves from foreign influences. The Daoic religions believed
in highly rituals, however, their reasoning is different. For Confucianism, ritual is a way of
ordering society and a way of reflecting “Heaven’s” virtue, but Shinto places rituals as
having a direct contact to their kami or gods. See the diagram below to see the similarities
of these religions.

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Confucianism Taoism Shintoism


• All people have mutual • Man should live a • The ritual upon visiting
respect for one another. simple and peaceful life. the shrine is always the
In other words, treat • Do not act in anger same, first, one bows
people the way you • It is possible for man to upon entering, then one
want to be treated. attain immortality. washes hands, feet and
• Honor the five bonds of • Worshiping the rinses out one’s mouth.
relationships, these are: ancestors is a key belief Next, one rings a bell
o The ruler to the ruled and leaves donation,
o Father to son before leaving, one
o Husband to wife completes a sequence
o Elder brother to of bows and places their
younger brother hands in front of the
o Friend to friend heart. Shoes are never
• Worshiping the worn inside the shrine.
ancestors is a key belief Daily offering to the
shrine includes food,
salt and rice.
• At certain holidays,
ritual dances are
performed in the shrines
• Worshiping the
ancestors is a key belief

Try This!
The three religions that are commonly practiced or worshipped alongside
Buddhism are Shinto, Confucianism, and Taoism. Today, these religions are
found in the East and Southeast Asian region of the world. Let’s have fun
SCAN ME!
investigating these religions in more details and play the interactive game by
visiting this link https://orca.hampton.k12.va.us/ WorldGeography/mod11/top6/content.
html or you may scan the QR code beside this for a quick access. You may also have
fun with your parents or siblings in playing this game. It will be a great bonding!

Page 8 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Activity 3: Complete the Venn Diagram


Direction: Think of the similarities and differences between the philosophies,
culture or ideas of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism. Give at least 3-5 facts each.
Write your answer inside the Venn Diagram

Confucianism

Shintoism Taoism

The most significant thing I have learned


What I have today is ____________________________
learned today? ___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
The ideas and concept I learned today can
help me in my everyday life as a student and
citizen because ______________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
_

Page 9 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

EVALUATION
Double Jeopardy. Direction: Formulate a question using the following words. You may start
creating your questions using what, when, where, which, why, how, who etc.
1. Planting of trees in urban areas in Japan.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Do not act in anger
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. Filial Piety
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Worshipping and respecting the souls of ancestors
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
5. Daoic religions
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

References for Further Enhancement:


Online:
• HRETA (2013) Religions in East and Southeast Asian (Interactive Website) Retrieved from
https://orca.hampton.k12.va.us/WorldGeography/mod11/top6/content.html
• Slideplayer.com (2020) East Asian Traditions Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto Retrieved from
https://slideplayer.com/slide/9189992/

Books:
• Cornelio, J et.al. (2019) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. 2nd edition. Rex Book Store Inc.
• Ong, J et.al (2016) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Vibal Group Inc.

Prepared by:Victoria G. De Los Santos


Name of Teacher-Writer
School: Pasay City North High School – MDC

Page 10 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Department of Education- National Capital Region


Schools Division of Pasay City

MODULE IN INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS


AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
Second Quarter/ Week 7/ Day 2

OBJECTIVE:
Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism

LESSON FOR TODAY:


In this module, the students will be able to explain the beliefs of Confucianism,
Taoism and Shintoism and compare them in the aspects of origin, morality,
purpose, destiny, and views on women .

LET’S HAVE A RECAP FIRST!

In the previous module, we discussed that the three Daoic religions originated
in East Asia—with Confucianism and Daoism originating in China during the Warring
States period while Shinto started as an indigenous religion of Japan. Today, we will
discuss the first part of comparative analysis of the three Daoic religions in terms of
their origin, morality and purpose. Are you ready?

VOCABULARY
1. Dao De Jing – sacred scriptures in Taoism, believed by some as a reaction to
Confucianism. It is a compilation of several hundred years of writings about the
Dao.
2. Han dynasty – first dynasty in China to embrace Confucianism after the Chou
dynasty.
3. Morality – principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good
and bad behavior.
4. Wu Wei – Chinese term often translated as “non-doing” or “non-action.”

Activity 1: Activating Prior Knowledge


Direction: Based on what you have learned in the previous lessons, try to fill out
each column with information about the three Daoic religions.

Religion Symbol/s Population Sacred Texts Relevant


Figures

Confucianism

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Daoism

Shinto

Comparative Analysis of Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism


(Origin, Morality and Purpose)
1. Origin

Confucianism may have started during the


time of Kung Fuzi during Zhou dynasty, but his
ideas became popular only after his death, with
the initiatives of Mengzi, and later of Xunzi.
However, it was not until the reign of the Han
dynasty during the 3rd century B.C.E. that
Confucianism secured a very significant place in
Chinese society. With the initiative of Dong Zhongshu, Confucianism was adopted by the
Han dynasty as an instrument for its political Western Zhou dynasty was the first half of the Zhou
dynasty of ancient China. The dynasty was successful
legitimacy. With the initiative of Dong Zhongshu, for about seventy-five years and then slowly lost
power.
Confucianism was adopted by the Han dynasty as
an instrument for its political legitimacy. Confucian thought became mandatory for it
served as the basis for civil service examinations, hence those who wanted to serve in
the government should be well-versed with Confucianism, and in effect Confucianism
became the official religion/philosophy of the state.
Daoism also started in China at almost the same period when Confucianism
developed. Daoism believed that nature should be allowed to take its natural course for
the attainment of social order. Daoism’s importance began upon the collection of writings
of unknown origin during the 3rd or 4th centuries B.C.E. This collection of writings became
known as the Dao De Jing, a compilation of several hundred years of writings about the
Dao (the way) and De (virtue)..
Shintoism, which originated from Japan, is considered an animistic folk religion
and its origin is hard to trace, but what is clear is that it started as an indigenous religion
with utmost importance given to spirits (or kami) in nature. Later it was used by the
imperial family to legitimize their rule and it was even declared as a state religion for a
long time. It emphasized the core values of family, tradition, nature, ancestors, purity, and
ritual practices. With the spread of Buddhism in Japan, it became linked with the new

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

religion; thus, it is very common for many Shintoists to identify themselves as Buddhists
as well. Shintoism is believed to have provided the people with their daily needs while
Buddhism takes care of the afterlife.

2. Morality

In Confucianism, the concept of morality is based on loyalty to one’s superiors and


elders, parents, and respect for others. Proper ritual observance, including rituals
performed for the ancestors, is also considered moral action, as well as self -cultivation
through wisdom and trustworthiness. Doing the right thing at all times is also considered
meritorious. While Confucianism had very few moral guidelines, Daoism initially
advocated the idea that society should not be regulated with morality, but should be
allowed to exist according to the natural laws. Doing so would lead to virtuous behavior.
Later on, Daoist masters advocated the idea th at one should perform good deeds that
would be known only to the gods. Gradu ally, they started to regulate morality by
confessing one’s sins and ask for forgiveness from the gods.

Unlike other religions, Shinto morality is not based on definite standards of right
and wrong. Since Shintoism is focused on following the will of the kami or spirits, anything
that is not in accordance with the will of the kami is considered bad. Shintoism has
provided the Japanese with a way of life that revolves around the worship of the kami,
while Confucianism from China provided them with ethics. Hence, Shinto morality is
based on having purity not only in the physical sense but also in a spiritual an d moral
sense. Human nature is basically good according to Shintoism, hence evil comes from
external forces. And when people let evil guide their actions, they bring upon themselves
impurities and sin which need to be cleansed through rituals. Impurities also disrupt the
flow of life and the blessings from the kami that is why purification rituals are needed to
be able to return to the natural state of cleanliness not only of the people but of the
universe as a whole. In general, things which are considered bad in Shintoism involve
disrupting the social order, the natural world, the harmony of the world.

3. Purpose

The three Daoic religions basically share the same view regarding the purpose of
existence. Confucianism and Daoism both espouse the importance of self-cultivation for
the benefit of all while Shintoism emphasizes the need to return to the original state of
nature by observing purity in everyday life.

Page 13 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

LEARN MORE!

While Daoism and Confucianism both emphasized the importance of self-


cultivation to achieve this goal, Shintoism emphasized the importance of
purification rituals to maintain the natural state of existence. Visit This link Visit
www.patheos.com/Library/Taoism/Beliefs/Human -Nature-and-the-Purpose-of-
Existence and explain Daoism's concept regarding humanity's purpose of
existence.

Confucianism Daoism Shintoism


1. Advocates the idea that 1. the purpose of existence 1. Shinto shares with
the ultimate goal of is to ensure that order and Daoism the belief that the
everyone should be to harmony are maintained by natural state of existence
reach one’s highest being aligned with nature should be maintained.
potential as a person, and 2. Thus, like in 2. Avoidance of pollution or
this can be achieved Confucianism, self- anything that they consider
through self-cultivation. cultivation is also needed impure (death, blood, or
2. To become virtuous, one because it is the only way disease) is seen as a way
should be mindful of all the to return to the natural state to maintain purity. Pollution
senses (sight, hearing, of existence. The goal of is inevitable but can be
speech, and action) and every person is to make the washed away by misogi or
make sure that every body capable of reacting in purification rituals. In
action, thought, and feeling a natural and spontaneous Shintoism, maintaining the
should be in accordance way. Doing physical pure and natural state of
with li (ritual). exercises may help the existence is the purpose of
3. For Kung Fuzi, the ideal body achieve that goal. life, and one should start
person is called a junzi, a 3. They also believe that with oneself.
person who exemplifies the the body is inhabited by the
quality of ren or concern for gods, and that organs are
fellow human beings and governed by the gods, that
manifests the quality of yi or is why it is necessary to
righteousness. perform the necessary
rituals that are meant to
welcome the gods to enter
the body.

Activity 2. Complete the Table


Direction: Supply/write the appropriate words or phrases that describe the following
categories. You may attach extra sheet/s if needed.
Category Confucianism Daoism Shintoism

Origin

Morality

Page 14 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D2

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Purpose

The most significant thing I have learned


What I have today is ____________________________
learned today? ___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
The ideas and concept I learned today can
help me in my everyday life as a student and
citizen because ______________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
_

EVALUATION
A. Modified true or false. Write the word TRUE if the statement is true. If false, write the
word FALSE and change the underlined word to make the statement correct.
1. Confucianism started as a philosophy that would provide a solution to
China’s chaotic society during the Shang dynasty.
2. Confucianism was adopted by the Han dynasty as an instrument for
its political legitimacy.
3. Daoism believes that nature should be allowed to take its natural
course for the attainment of social order.
4. Shintoism emphasized the core values of family, tradition, nature,
ancestors, purity, and ritual practices.
5. Laozi believed that what makes us human is our feeling of sympathy
for other’s suffering, but what makes us virtuous is our cultivation of this
inner potential.

References for Further Enhancement:


Online:
• Religion Library (n.d) Human Nature and the Purpose of Existence Retrieved from
https://www.patheos.com/library/taoism/belief s/human-nature-and-the-purpose-of -existence

Books:
• Cornelio, J et.al. (2019) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. 2 nd edition. Rex Book
Store Inc.
• Ong, J et.al (2016) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Vibal Group Inc.

Prepared by:Victoria G. De Los Santos


Name of Teacher-Writer
School: Pasay City North High School – MDC

Page 15 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D4

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Department of Education- National Capital Region


Schools Division of Pasay City

MODULE IN INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS


AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
Second Quarter/ Week 7/ Day 4

OBJECTIVE:
Explain the uniqueness and similarities of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism

LESSON FOR TODAY:


In this module, the students will be able to explain the beliefs of Confucianism,
Taoism and Shintoism and compare them in the aspects of origin, morality,
purpose, destiny, and views on women

LET’S HAVE A RECAP FIRST!

In the previous module, we discussed that the three Daoic religions originated
in East Asia—with Confucianism and Daoism originating in China during the Warring
States period while Shinto started as an indigenous religion of Japan. Today, we will
discuss the second part of comparative analysis of the three Daoic religions in terms
of their destiny and views on women. Are you ready?

VOCABULARY
1. Dao De Jing – sacred scriptures in Taoism, believed by some as a reaction to
Confucianism. It is a compilation of several hundred years of writings about the
Dao.
2. Han dynasty – first dynasty in China to embrace Confucianism after the Chou
dynasty.
3. Morality – principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good
and bad behavior.
4. Wu Wei – Chinese term often translated as “non-doing” or “non-action.”

Activity 1: Activating Prior Knowledge

Modified True or False. Direction: Write the word TRUE if the statement is true.
If false, write the word FALSE and change the underlined word to make the statement
correct.

Page 16 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D4

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

1. Confucianism started as a philosophy that would provide a solution to


China’s chaotic society during the Shang dynasty.
2. Confucianism was adopted by the Han dynasty as an instrument for
its political legitimacy.
3. Daoism believes that nature should be allowed to take its natural
course for the attainment of social order.
4. Shintoism emphasized the core values of family, tradition, nature,
ancestors, purity, and ritual practices.
5. Laozi believed that what makes us human is our feeling of sympathy
for other’s suffering, but what makes us virtuous is our cultivation of this
inner potential.

Comparative Analysis of Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism

1. Destiny

For Confucianism, reality has two spheres: the inner sphere and the outer sphere.
Destiny (or ming) is considered the outer reality which is outside the control and concern
of people. Self-cultivation should be the goal of everyone, thus the focus should be on the
inner sphere—the cultivation of oneself—for what happens inside reflects what happens
outside.

Among all Daoic religions, Daoism is often criticized for espousing a fatal istic
attitude in life, with emphasis on wu wei, often translated as “non-doing” or “non-action.”
This is interpreted by critics as a proof that Daoism encourages people to live by leaving
everything to the universe and not taking action at all. An analysis of the Daoist concept
of destiny, however, would reveal that just like in Confucianism, “non-action” does not
mean not taking any action at all. Instead, self-cultivation is also needed so that one may
develop oneself to the extent that one’s actions are naturally in accordance with the flow
of the universe. Thus, destiny or fate can only be achieved when one has cultivated
oneself to the highest potential that one’s actions go effortlessly with the way of the
universe.

Shintoism advocates the idea that every person has a destiny to follow, a mission
to fulfill which will make one’s life worthwhile. However, not everyone is able to realize his
or her destiny or mission, for it is impossible to discover destiny when one has lost natural
purity. Thus, misogi or purification is important to regain the natural purity one once had.
Only when one is truly purified can one discover his or her mission in life. Shintoism
believes that humanity’s natural greatness can only be achieved by returning oneself to
the state of natural purity.

Page 17 of 20
Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D4

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

2. Views on Women

Among the three Daoic religions, Daoism can be considered as having the most
positive view of women, with its emphasis on the significance of balancing the masculine
and feminine qualities in every individual to achieve harmony not only of the body but the
world as well. Confucianism emphasized hierarchy, and in that hierarchy women are
expected to become subservient to men. Similarly, in Shinto men are placed at a more
advantageous position in society than women.

Confucianism Daoism
1. Places women at the bottom of 1. Daoism espouses a positive view of women, or
the hierarchy both in family and qualities associated with women. In fact, the Dao
society. is considered as the “mother of all things” and
2. They are expected to exhibit playing the feminine part is a constant theme in
proper behavior and utmost obedi- Daoism.
ence. 2. Since balancing the yin and yang is important in
3. A woman’s life revolves around Daoism, men are encouraged to perform female
obeying men—her father, her roles and vice-versa. Androgyny, or the
husband, and grown-up son. combination of masculine and feminine
Women are expected to be loyal characteristics, can be achieved by developing a
to their husbands even when divine embryo (even among males), ritual sexual
widowed. In fact, widows are intercourse, and internal alchemy.
expected not to remarry, for it is 3. The high status accorded to women is
considered a disgrace for widows manifested by the fact that women are allowed to
to remarry after the death of their become priests in Daoism, and by the existence of
husbands. numerous female deities

Shintoism initially started with a high regard for women especially in the religious
aspect. Historical developments, however, have brought considerable changes to the role
of women in Japanese religion and society. We can see how the status of women in
religion and in society have changed in the three periods of the development of Shintoism
in Japan.

Period Characteristics/Views on Women


• Women had a significant role in religion as the medium
Primitive Shinto between the gods and the people, with the message of the
period (from early gods being revealed to them, while the implementation of this
history to the end of will was entrusted to men. Thus, religion was the domain of
the 2nd to 7th both women and men, usually brothers and sisters. Upon the
century C.E.), rising importance of religion in the lives of the people, women
gained power as proven by the rising number of female
shamans (or miko) who were deified, and the numerous
female rulers mentioned in the an cient chronicles.
Organized Shinto • The status of women in Japanese society continued to
(from Taika Reform change
to the Meiji • religion became the government’s responsibility, when rites
had to be performed by provincial governors an d priests,

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D4

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Restoration 645- usually males. During that time, only the shrine at Ise was
1867) led by a priestess.
• The role of women in society continued to decline, abolishing
the mystical elements of Shintoism often associated with
women, thus deterring women from participating in official
Pure Shinto priesthood.
(Meiji Restoration in • Since World War II, women were again accepted in the
1868 up to the priesthood but only as substitutes for male priests. Since
present day) then, two issues continued to pose a threat to the low status
of women in Japanese religion and society: one, the limited
role given to women in high ranking shrines such as Ise,
which was previously led by a priestess; and two, the
emphasis given by Shintoism to blood being one of the
causes of impurity, hence limiting women’s role in
priesthood. The miko or female shamans remained active as
fortune tellers, founders of new sects, and as healers.

Trivia: Shintoism is believed to be influenced by Daoism and Confucianism, such as


Daoism's concept of dualism (yin-yang) and Confucian elements in a new school of Shinto
known as Juka Shinto.
Activity 2. Complete the Table
DIRECTION: Supply/write the appropriate words or phrases that describe the following
categories. You may attach extra sheet/s if needed.
Category Confucianism Daoism Shintoism

Destiny

Views on Women

Activity 3. Deepening of Knowledge. Direction: Answer the following questions in a


brief and concise manner.
1. Why does Shintoism consider anything associated with death, blood, and pollution
impure and a potential source of sin?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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Module Code: PASAY-IWRBS-Q2-W7-D4

Name: ____________________________________________________ Track/Strand: _______________


Teacher: ___________________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

2. In what ways are self-cultivation and purity important in attaining one’s highest potential
in Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3. How similar are Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism in terms of belief in the purpose
of existence? Defend your answer.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What I have The most significant thing I have learned


learned today? today is ____________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

EVALUATION
Modified True or False. Direction: Write the word TRUE if the statement is true. If false,
write the word FALSE and change the underlined word to make the statement correct.
1. In Shinto, pollution is inevitable but can be washed away by proper
meditation.
2. In Confucianism, destiny can only be achieved when one has
cultivated oneself to the highest potential that one’s actions go
effortlessly with the way of the universe.
3. The Dao is considered as the “mother of all things” and playing the
feminine part is a constant theme in Daoism.
4. A normative interpretation of Ming sees destiny as a distant force
beyond human control.
5. In Confucianism, a woman’s life revolves around obeying men ---her
father, her husband, and her brother.

References for Further Enhancement:


Online:
• Religion Library (n.d) Human Nature and the Purpose of Existence Retrieved from
https://www.patheos.com/library/taoism/beliefs/human-nature-and-the-purpose-of-existence

Books:
• Cornelio, J et.al. (2019) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. 2 nd edition. Rex Book Store Inc.
• Ong, J et.al (2016) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Vibal Group Inc.

Prepared by:Victoria G. De Los Santos


Name of Teacher-Writer
School: Pasay City North High School – MDC

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