Taiwan’s checkered history of colonization has caused a variety of religions to develop there over the centuries. When considering the size of this island, the predominant attitude of tolerance that prevails amongst so many different religious sects, is all the more impressive. This is especially the case when comparisons are made with other countries in the world where only intolerance is evident..
The Presence of Temples
When visiting Taiwan for the first time, the traveler quickly becomes aware of the existence of numerous temples, frequently jammed incongruously in amongst the modern day plethora of everyday life. The Taoist temples, often very old, appear as brightly colored birds of paradise amongst the more subdued tones of the buildings that surround them. The colors and the ornate carvings used to decorate them, make them a distinctive feature. They contrast sharply with the less obtrusive Confucius temples, which are constructed in muted colors with basic interiors, although still distinctively carved on the outside.
The Yin and Yang of Life
Evidence of varying Christian religions is demonstrated by the existence of churches, representing most denominations, in the major cities. Such beliefs and more, brought to the island by the various colonizers who have travelled to its shores over the centuries, have become absorbed into the cultural fabric of life there. The ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism which dates from the 6th Century BC, has become the second most popular religion on the island; harmony with nature and with one’s inner feelings is advocated. The yin and yang of life, the bad and the positive forces, complement each other and enable believers to accept everything as it is.
Riotous Displays of Worship
Taoism is perhaps the most flamboyant of all the religions that exist in Taiwan. Both colorful and noisy, and therefore perhaps rather intrusive, festivals and religious celebrations are celebrated frequently, accompanied by the ubiquitous firecracker which is used on every occasion to ward off evil spirits. This can cause the unwary traveler moments of alarm as the peace is suddenly broken by a riot of sound. Gongs, bugles and chanting also rent the air as processions are frequent sights in busy thoroughfares. Images of various deities are paraded to and from different temples in a noisy cacophony of sound. Yet, accepted as the norm, such disruptions of the peace are received with equanimity by those around.
An Assimilation of Values
Similarities with Buddhism, the most popular of all the religions on the island since its arrival in the late 16th Century, may be drawn with the Taoist philosophy. Both beliefs are based on a philosophical acceptance of the order of things. Buddhists believe that desire is the root of all discontent, inevitably leading to a lack of harmony.
The Taiwanese do indeed equate the two beliefs of Buddhism and Taoism as being one, believers calling themselves Taoist Buddhists and attending temples where various deities are worshipped. However, in Taiwan there exists various branches of Buddhism, such as the international ones of Tzu Chi and Fo Guang Shan. In these world organizations, only images of Buddha are worshipped, while the temples themselves are more in keeping with those of Confucius; they are much less ornate than those of the Taoists, while their gracefully curved, grey stone exteriors tend to emanate a sense of peace and tranquility.
Peace and Harmony Prevails
It is probable that the increase in the predominance of Buddhism in Taiwan indicates a growing need for peace and calm in this turbulent world in which we live. The apparent acceptance by the Taiwanese of the yin and yang of life, can be seen to promote peace and goodwill. It is a doctrine that is surely proven as, despite the existence of many different kinds of religious beliefs throughout Taiwan, freedom of worship is respectfully maintained.
Sources:
- TaiWanderful.net, "Life’s Taiwanderful." Accessed October 2011.
- TaiwanReview.nat.gov.tw, “The Road to Enlightenment: Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan.” Accessed October 2011.
- Marimari.com Experience It!, “Religion” Accessed October 2011.
- McDougal Littell, World History – Ancient Civilizations, USA 2006, Ch.8 "Ancient China", Lesson 2 "China's Ancient Philosophies" ClassZone.com. Accessed October 2011.
Carol Elvidge - Having gained an MA in historical studies, Carol was able to broaden her horizons and has been living and working in Taiwan as a teacher ...
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