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Far Eastern Religions
Far Eastern religions are also referred to as East Asian religions, Chinese or Taoic religions. These religions are based on the philosophies, which focus on the East Asian concept of Tao. These religions are usually polytheistic or nontheistic but other beliefs exist such as henotheistic, monotheistic, pantheistic and agnostic. Despite these many variations of belief, these many religions are recognized as a distinct religious family. These beliefs originated between 200 BC and 220 AD and originated in China during the Han Dynasty. Within the family of these religions, it is often difficult to distinguish individual faiths. This group of faiths includes Caodism, Chen Tao, Chondogyo, Confucianism, Jeungism, Shinto, Taoism, I-Kuan Tao and Mahayan Buddhism.
Tao can be understood to be the flow of the universe or the actual force behind the natural order. Tao is associated with nature and the flow of qi is the essential energy of action of the universal order. De refers to the proper attitude, morality and lifestyle that mankind should adhere to. De is in fact virtue.
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