Eastern religions include Indian religions and Taoist religions, with many sects and smaller groups. Indian religions share common traits and have rich ascetic traditions, while Taoist religions have strong philosophical leanings. Animistic traditions are also present in Asia, with beliefs centered on natural phenomena caused by spirits.
Eastern religions are a family of religions originating in Asia. In addition to several major religions, religious orientals also include a number of cults, along with the animistic religions of native Asian peoples. Unlike Western religions such as Abrahamic religions, Eastern religions often blend religious philosophy and practice. Followers of Eastern religions are quite numerous and can be found all over the world.
Among the Eastern religions it is possible to distinguish two large families: the Indian religions and the Taoist religions. Within these two large families, there are a number of sects and smaller groups that practice very specific versions of major religions, much like the sects of Christianity in the West. Besides these two groupings, there are Southeast Asian adaptations of Indian religions, especially Buddhism, and animist religions that are still practiced in isolated regions of Asia.
Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism are all closely associated with India. You can also find Zoroastrianism, a religion that originated in the Middle East, India. Many people consider Zoroastrianism to be a bridge between Eastern and Western religious concepts. Indian religions share a number of common traits, including a strong emphasis on personal duty and natural law, and many of these religions have a rich ascetic tradition, along with an array of prophets, teachers, and gods.
Taoist religions include Confucianism, Shintoism, and Taoism itself. All of these religions share the concept of the Tao and tend to have strong philosophical leanings. When people think of Eastern religions, they often think of Taoist religions, which have become very popular in the New Age community in the West, due to their philosophical focus. East Asia has also come up with its own distinct flavor of Buddhism, which is markedly different from that practiced in India and heavily influenced by Taoism.
Animistic traditions in Asia are heavily concentrated in Japan and Southeast Asia. Animist beliefs center on the idea that natural phenomena are caused by spirits and often include a complex tradition of philosophy and personal beliefs. Some people feel that animist traditions aren’t technically religions, because they have a more magical and philosophical bent, and people can identify themselves both as animists and as members of various world religions.
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