Religion in Taiwan:
            Due to the excellent freedom of religion, allowed by the ROC government which is guaranteed to the Taiwanese people, there is truly a wide variety of religions within Taiwan. It is evident through research and statements that Taiwan is graciously acceptant of foreign religion’s ideas while still honoring their own traditional beliefs. Some of the most commonly practiced religions are Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Together, they make up 93 percent of the population. In addition, however, religions such as Christianity (4.5%) and even Bahaism, Islam, and Tienlichiao are present in Taiwan. Many of the Taiwanese people believe in a large combination of religions, along with their traditional folk beliefs. For example, between the dates of 1895 and 1945, during Japanese rule, the Taoist people began secretly worshipping their deities in Buddhist temples. Over the many years, the two religions were blended. By the end of Japanese rule they were not separated any longer. Most Taiwanese worship a variety and combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and folk deities, in a single temple.

 In Taiwan, freedom of religion is an important value; however, the importance of actual religion varies. In 1985, thirty percent of Taiwan’s population actively participated in organized religion and eighty-five percent adhered to folk religion. It has been stated that worship is slowly but steadily growing from the suppression of Japanese rule.
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Buddhism:
    Buddhism, originally introduced from India, involves the worship of a figure, the Buddha. From 563 to 483 BC, a man named Siddhartha lived. When he was born, it was pronounced that he would "conquer" the world by renouncing it and becoming a Buddha. His father preferred the more tangible kind of conquest and tried to shield Siddhartha from all the evils of life that might tempt him into spiritual reflection. This strategy backfired; for when he was about thirty, Siddhartha finally did experience evils, by encountering a sick man, an old man, a dead man, and a wandering ascetic. He determined immediately to renounce the world and seek enlightenment. After years of fasting and other ascetic practices, Siddhartha ceased the pain and sat under a tree; now the Bodhi Tree. In 527 BC, after resisting the attacks of Mara, king of demons, he became the Buddha. It is now believed in the Buddhist religion that by living with five basic Precepts: not to kill, not to steal, not to be unchaste, not to drink intoxicants, and not to lie, along with practice and Enlightenment, one leads to Nirvân.a.
         Also in the religion of Buddhism, there is a belief in Karma. Karma is the rebirth and continual cycle of life after death, which is based upon one's previous physical and mental actions. One’s actions in this life can determine one's destiny in future incarnations.
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Both of these pictures are of the founder of Confucianism, Confucious

Taoism:
Taoism, which began as a combination of psychology and philosophy, was founded by Lao-Tze in 440 CE. Lao-tze developed Taoism because he thought that it would end the constant feudal warfare. They believe in Tai Chi which is the technique of exercising using slow deliberate movements. This is thought to equal out the energy or "Tai Chi" of your body. Taoists also believe that all people are good by nature and that everyone should be kind to each other just because such treatment will be reciprocated. There are around 7,000 Taoist temples in Taiwan.  The goal of this religion is to become one with Tao.
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Folk-Religion

      Finally, almost all adults in Taiwan practice a form of Chinese folk religion. Home altars burn incense to gods, heroes, or even ancestors. The families worship ancestors and often add new gods from other religions to their existing folk beliefs. Many people confuse or consider Folk religion to be Taoism. However, it is not. Folk religion involves the worship of many more gods, the most important being the God of Heaven. Through actions and accomplishment in life, one may reach the status of a god. Apparently, in the Folk religion, relationships between gods and people, as well as gods with other gods are of vital importance.
 

Bibliography and Weblinks:

"Buddhism/Confucianism" [Online] Available
   www.omsakthi.org
    April 2003

"Religion" [Online] Available
   www.cwcmf.org/Taiwan/html/Chap 12 religion.html
    April 8, 2003

Stalcup, Ann "Gods and spirits: the many religion of Taiwan." Faces: People, PLaces, and Cultures Jan. 2003: 18

Taiwan. Lindon, Utah. Culture Grams, 2002.

"Taiwan's Religion/Philosophy" [Online] Available
    www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/taiwan/pro-religion.htm
    April 8, 2003

"The Basic Teachings of Buddhism" [Online] Available
   www.friesian.com/buddhism.htm
    April 20, 2003
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