Confucianism and Taoism: The Yin and Yang of Chinese Religion

Chinese religion has a long and complex spiritual tradition, with references to a great spiritual being referred to as “Lord-on-High,” dating back at least 2500 years.  Complimenting this ethereal personified concept is the ancient idea of ch’i, an impersonal life-force encompassing two opposing but equal aspects, yin and yang.  From these concepts two distinct religious traditions rose from China at approximately the same time--the sixth century BCE--which today are considered two halves of the same philosophical whole: Confucianism and Taoism.  From the Eastern mindset, these two spiritual traditions represent the yin and yang of the totality of Chinese religion.  Read more . . .