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Humss11 - Intro - q2 - Mod15 - Comparative Analysis of Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism
Humss11 - Intro - q2 - Mod15 - Comparative Analysis of Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 2 – Module 15:
Comparative Analysis of
Confucianism, Daoism and
Shintoism
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 15: Comparative Analysis of Confucianism, Daoism and
Shintoism
First Edition, 2020
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Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems for Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Comparative Analysis of Confucianism,
Daoism and Shintoism.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.
For the learners:
Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems for Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Comparative Analysis of Confucianism,
Daoism and Shintoism.
This module will let you know about the brief history, core teachings, fundamental
beliefs, practices, and related issues of Comparative Analysis of Confucianism,
Daoism and Shintoism. And it is designed to provide you fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner. Your academic success lies in your own hands!
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:
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You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:
What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate
to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
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What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
know the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related
issues of Comparative Analysis of Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism. The scope
of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The
language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are
arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you
read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
What I Know
Based on what you have learned in the previous lessons, try to fill out each column
with the information about the three Daioc religions. Use separate sheet of paper.
Religion Symbol/s Population Believer Sacred Relevant
Texts Figures
Confucianism
Daoism
Shinto
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Lesson Comparative Analysis of
15 Confucianism, Daoism
and Shintoism
What’s In
Before we proceed to the new lesson, let us go back to the previous lesson by
answering the following questions below.
Critical Thinking
Directions: In 2-3 sentences explain the following questions about the three Daoic
religions. Use separate sheet of paper.
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What’s New
Concept Map. Surround with the appropriate words and phrases to explain your
understanding of the word’s Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism by writing
concepts related to them. Use separate answer sheet for your answer.
CONFUCIANISM
DAOISM
SHINTOISM
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What is It
According to Ong and Jose (2016), the three Daoic religions --- Confucianism,
Daoism, and Shintoism--- all originated from East Asia, thus they are also called
East Asian religions. Confucianism and Daoism both came from china during the
Warring State Period (Zhou dynasty) while Shintoism, which is also regarded as an
“indigenous religion,” thus it is hard to trace its origins, came from Japan. Let us
now take a look at the similarities and differe nces among the three religions in terms
of origin, morality, purpose, destiny, and views on women.
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In Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism---by emphasizing their uniqueness
and similarities, and by showing that despite the differences in certain beliefs and
practices, they share common traits, especially with regard 1to how they view nature
and humanity’s relationship with it.
ORIGIN
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emphasizing the need for a strict ethical control and with
Daoism advocating the “go with the flow” attitude.
While Confucianism became extremely relevant in
Chinese society when it was adopted by the Han dynasty,
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). Later it was attributed to Laozi, who
was among those, together with Kung Fuzi and other scholars,
who participated in the “hundred schools” debates during the
Warring State period. Zhuangzi was another major contributor
to Daoism by writing a book which also tackled the Dao.
Despite the existence of these sacred scriptures in the said
period, it took many centuries before Daoism would secure its
rightful place in China’s religious and philosophical life.
Shintoism 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 of the
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 religion;
thus, it is very common for Shintoist to identify themselves as
Buddhists as well. Shintoism is believed to have provided the
people with their daily needs while Buddhism take care of the
afterlife (Ong and Jose, 2016).
MORALITY
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cultivation, or the need to cultivate oneself through wisdom.
Maximizing ren (concern for others) by performing the
necessary rituals (li) would lead to de (virtue) and would
produce the ideal person according to Confucianism. The
cultivation of oneself would eventually lead not only to person
cultivation but to social and even cosmic cultivation as well.
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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.
PURPOSE
The three Daoic religions basically share the same view regarding the purpose
of existence. Confucianism and Daoism both espouse / adopt 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 (Ong and Jose, 2016).
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illness will occur. That is why acupuncture is very important
among the Chinese, for it helps adjust the flow of qi and tends
to balance yin and yang. They also believe that the body is
inhabited by the gods, and that organs are governed by the
gods, that is why it is necessary to perform the necessary
rituals that are meant to welcome the gods to enter the body.
Daoist also believe that one way to become a mortal is by
merging the yin and yang within, leading to the creation of an
embryo even among males (Daoist believe that Laozi was able
to achieve this). Thus, in Daoism, to ensure that the body
functions well is very important since what happens to the
body is reflected outside, so that the purpose of existence is
to cultivate the self in physical, mental, spiritual, and
emotional aspects so that harmony and order will prevail.
Shintoism Shinto shares with Daoism the belief that the natural state
of existence should be maintained. 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. Hence, avoidance of pollution or anything
that they consider impure (death, blood, or disease) is seen
as a way to maintain purity. Pollution is inedible but can be
washed away by misogi or purification rituals. In Shintoism,
maintaining the pure and natural state of existence is the
purpose of life, and one should start with oneself.
DESTINY
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Daoism Among all Daoic religions, Daoism is often
criticized for espousing fatalistic 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 encourage 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-cultivated is also
needed so that one may develop oneself to the extent that
one’s actions are naturally 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 effortless with the way of the universe
Shintoism 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. Just like in
Confucianism and Daoism, what happens in heaven should
reflect the affairs of human beings, hence in Shintoism,
humans are affected by the pattern of the universe,
specifically under the guidance of the sun, moon, and stars.
Thus, performing the necessary rituals at the shrines will
help people purify themselves and unfold the destiny they
are meant to fulfill.
VIEWS ON WOMEN
As stated by Ong and Jose (2016), 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 places women at the bottom of the hierarchy both in family and
society. They are expected to exhibit proper behavior and utmost obedience. More
privileges were accorded to men, like having many wives and concubines while
women were allowed to have only one husband and see only their closest male
relatives. A woman’s life revolves around obeying men and her father, her husband,
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and grown-up son. Women are expected to be loyal to their husband even when
widowed. In fact, widows are expected not to remarry, for it is considered a disgrace
for widows to remarry after the death of their husbands. To encourage this, there
were times when the government offered tax exemptions and memorial monuments
to the families of women who were widowed before the age of 30 but did not remarry
until the age of 50. Confucianism advocates the belief that widows who remarry after
the death of their husbands lose their virtue.
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 society have changed in the three periods of the
development of Shintoism in Japan.
During the “Primitive Shinto” period (from early history to the end of the 2 nd
to7th century C.E.), women had significant role in religion as the medium between
the gods and the people, with the message of the gods being revealed to them, while
the implementation of this will was entrusted to men. Thus, religion was the domain
of both women and men, usually brothers and sisters. Upon the 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 ancient chronicles. Upon the subsequent centralization of
the empire, religion gradually came under the control of the imperial government and
as a result, women’s role in religion was relegated to becoming the emperor’s
representative in the religious domain instead. The status of women in Japanese
society continued to change during the time of “Organizes Shinto” (from Taika Reform
to the Meiji Restoration 645-1867), when religion became the government’s
responsibility, when rites had to be performed by provincial governors and priests,
usually males. During that time, only the shrine at Ise was led by a priestess. Pure
Shinto as the national religion was established, abolishing the mystical elements of
Shintoism often associated with women, thus deterring women from participating in
official priesthood. Since World War II, women were again accepted in the priesthood
but only as substitutes for male priests. Since 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 remain active as fortune tellers, founders of new sects, and as healers.
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(Haruko 1993) However, in general women are allowed to commit adultery while
women are expected to be loyal to their husband. Women were also allowed the right
to divorce their husband only in the last century (Ong and Jose, 2016).
CONCLUSION
By comparing the three Daoic religions, we have seen that they share more
similarities than differences. One important aspect that needs to be stressed is their
belief that the state of natured should be maintained for it is the only way to promote
harmony and order to society.
What’s More
Independent Activity 1
FILL IN THE BLANKS. Fill in the blanks with the correct word to complete the
sentences about the views on women of the three Daoic religions. Use separate
answer sheet in answering.
Confucianism places women at the bottom of the (6) _________________ both in family
and society. They are expected to exhibit proper behavior and utmost obedience.
More privileges were accorded to men, like having many (7) ______________________
and concubines while women were allowed to have only one husband and see only
their closest male relatives. Women are expected to be loyal to their husband even
when (8) __________________________.
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Independent Assessment 1
MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE. Read the following statements. Write TRUE if the
statement is correct and change the underlined word or phrase if the statement is
incorrect. Use separate answer sheet in answering.
Independent Activity 2
Directions: In 3-5 sentences, express your thoughts or reflect to the golden rule of
Confucianism. Use other sheet of paper for your answer.
My reflection:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
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Independent Assessment 2
Directions: Complete the Venn Diagram below by writing down the differences and
similarities of Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism. Use separate sheet of paper.
CONFUCIANISM DAOISM
SHINTOISM
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What I Have Learned
“LET’s do the T-M-L PHRASE: Complete the following T-M-L phrases. Use separate
answer sheet in answering.
It Matters because
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
What I Can Do
Directions: Complete the table below by writing the correct words or phrases that
describes the following categories. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Confucianism
Daoism
Shintoism
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Assessment
MATCHING TYPE. Match the Daoic terms in column A with their meanings found
in Column B. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
2. Li b. Ritual
c. Concern for others
3. Ren
d. Perfect gentleman/ ideal person
4. Junzi
e. Female shamans
5. Ming
f. Purification rituals
6. Miko
g. Non-action/ non-doing
7. Misogi
h. Vital energy
8. Wu wei
i. Righteousness
9. Qi
j. Regard for others
10. Yi k. The way
11. Dao l. indigenous religion
12. De m. virtue
13. Kami n. a reaction to Confucianism
14. Dao De Jing o. Spirit
15. Shintoism
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Additional Activities
ESSAY. Write an essay (5-8 sentences) about the similarities and differences of
Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism in terms of Morality. Why do you think do
these Daoic religions not have a specific standard of moral guidelines unlike other
religions? Use separate sheet.
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________.
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What I Know Independent Activity 2
Answers may vary
ANSWERS MAY VARY
What’s IN
Independent Assessment 2
Answers may vary
ANSWERS MAY VARY
What’s More
Assessment
(Independent Activity 1)
MATCHING TYPE
FILL IN THE BLANK
1. DAOISM 1. J
2. POSITIVE 2. B
3. QUALITIES 3. C
4. CONFUCIANISM 4. D
5. SOCIETY 5. A
6. HIERARCHY 6. E
7. WIVES 7. F
8. WIDOWED 8. G
9. DAO 9. H
10. RELIGIONS 10. I
11. K
12. M
Independent Assessment1 13. O
14. N
MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
15. L
1. TRUE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE - CONFUCIANISM What I can do
4. TRUE (Answers may vary)
5. TRUE
Additional Activities
(Answers may vary)
Answer Key
References
Cornelio, J. S. PhD., et. al., Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, for
Senior High School, Rex Bookstore. 2016
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/world-religion-symbols-signs-major-
religious-1715665918
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/354517801888786388/
Ong, J.A., DL Jose, M.J. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, for Senior
High School, Vibal Group, Inc. 2016
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