Taoism vs Shintoism: Similarities and Uniqueness
What is the basic difference between Shintoism and Taoism?
Also called simply as ‘Shinto,’ Shintoism is an ancient religion of Japan. ‘Shinto’ means the way of the gods.
This religion, which is also called ‘kami-no-michi,’ began at least as long ago as 1000 B.C.E. but is still practiced today by multitudes of people, especially Japanese.
Shinto believers hold that spiritual powers are existent in the natural world. They believe that spirits called ‘kami’ live in natural places such as in animals, plants, stones, mountains, rivers, people, and even the dead. (Read: What is Kami in Shintoism (and the Importance of Worshiping these)
In other words, the spirits of the ancestors and the forces of nature are seen as kami in Shintoism. (For more info, read: Shintoism 101: What You Need to Know About this Eastern Faith)
On the other hand, Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a religious, philosophical, and ritual tradition which began in China and which highlights living in harmony with the ‘Tao’ (also ‘Dao’) (literally ‘Way’).
Tao is also a central idea in Taoism. Tao, in Taoism, stands for the principle that is both the source and the design of development of all that exists.
Taoism does not accentuate rigid rituals and social order. Stereotypically, a Taoist attitude toward life can be viewed in the jubilant and carefree sides of the Chinese character.
Alse read: Taoism 101: What You Need to Know about this Eastern Tradition
Taoism vs Shintoism: Difference in the core teaching
The core teaching of Shintoism is to worship the ancestors and forces of nature to achieve harmony in all dimensions.
For this reason, Shintoism focuses on ritual practices to be performed diligently, to establish a connection between present-day Japan and its ancient past.
Shintoism provides a social framework, justifies various Japanese public festivals, and causes the creation of numerous shrines, including each family’s private shrine.
On the other hand, the core teaching of Taoism is becoming one with ‘Tao.’ The chief Taoist philosophy is that becoming one with the Tao, or the life force of the universe, brings peace and harmony to them.
Becoming one with the Tao in Taoism has been the counterpart of other religions’ concepts about enlightenment, reaching Nirvana, and ultimate understanding.
Taoism teaches that suffering and sorrow happen when people live their lives against the Tao. To become one with the Tao, to live a life of peace and harmony, is thus the goal of the Taoist.
Taoism vs Shintoism: Uniqueness in Other Doctrines
The following is a simple comparison between Taoism and Shintoism:
| TAOISM | SHINTOISM | |
| Founder | Lao Tzu (604 B.C. – ?) | Prehistoric Animists of Japan |
| Sacred Texts | Tao Te Ching, Book of Chuang Tze | Kojiki and Nihongi |
| Doctrines | Wu-Wei, Law of Reversion, Following nature | belief in kami, divinity of emperors |
| God | Tao as the Origin of all Beings, unnameable and eternal | Kami (animist and nature spirits) |
| Issues | Inaction, Superstitious practices, Environmentalism | Shrine visit |
Related: What is the Kojiki (and its Difference from Nihongi)
Read also: The uniqueness and similarities of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism
Activity
Answer the following questions.
1. The core teaching of Taoism is becoming one with ‘Tao’ to attain peace and harmony. What, do you think, is the core teaching of Shintoism?
2. Taoists believe that suffering and sorrow happen when people live their lives against the Tao. Is this also the case with Shintoism? Why do/don’t you think so?
3. Taoism believes that we are part of an interconnected whole, and so we need to listen carefully within, as well as to our surroundings. Does Shintoism subscribe to this belief? Why do/don’t you think so?
For other free lectures like this (especially for students), visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Copyright © by Jens Micah De Guzman
Also Check Out: The Worldview of Atheism by Jensen DG. Mañebog
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