Taoist influence of Japanese Taoism

Taoist theology has a great influence on the belief of the Japanese emperor; Sword and mirror are regarded as the symbols of the emperor's status, which originated from the Records of Ancient and Modern Sword by Taoist master Tao Hongjing. The Japanese royal family worships purple, which stems from the Taoist concept of "purple gas coming from the east"; The emperor declared that his ancestors were descendants of God and were influenced by Taoist myths. The message of wishing the emperor a long life comes from Taoist information; The emperor worshiped the ceremony in the court and quoted Taoist etiquette intact.

Shintoism in Japan is also deeply influenced by Taoism, and the word "Shinto" comes from the Book of Changes. Among the many schools of Shintoism, the Jiankendo School is a religion that combines the religious concepts of esotericism, Shintoism and nationality with China's Taoism-centered beliefs and customs. Its purpose is to practice in the mountains and become immortal. Many methods of Taoist practice, such as the method of crossing the valley, the method of adjusting interest, alchemy, not burning in the fire, etc. , as well as their prayer, divination, blessing, prediction, exorcism, pinching, positioning and watching Feng Shui, are closely related to Taoist methods. In addition, Yin-Yang Taoism and Yoshida Shinto are also deeply influenced by Taoism, and the Yin-Yang division is a Japanese alchemist.

Many Japanese folk beliefs and customs originated from Taoism in China, or were deeply influenced by Taoism. Japan's three-corpse belief and the custom of keeping Geng Shen come from Taoism; Japanese folk beliefs such as Mount Tai, Mazu, Kitchen God, Zhong Kui and Guandi all come from Taoism. Many customs of Japanese Dragon Boat Festival and China Valentine's Day come from Taoism.