Since ancient times in China, religions have not existed in the form of a single church. Thus, the religion of China is a mixture of various beliefs and philosophical teachings, which were united by some learned people into one whole. Today, it is customary to distinguish between three main philosophical teachings representing the main religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. All three religious groups have the right to publish books and other printed publications, as well as distribute them both in the country and abroad.
If we compare all three religions, then in many books they are considered separately as independent religious movements, but in some cases they are combined into a single whole, called the "religion of China."
During the revolution, religious groups were persecuted, temples were destroyed, and rituals were prohibited. With the death of Mao Zedong, the restoration of the right to freedom of religion began.
We can say that the official religion of China originates in the first millennium BC, its founder is Lao Zi, who presented a picture of the world where everything goes as it should, so you can’t intervene in its development. This movement was called Taoism, and forbade the manifestation of activity to change the existing structure of life. All philosophical teachings of Taoism are interpreted in the book "Tao de jing", the main idea of which is the principle of inaction. It is believed that the ideology of Taoism reflects the thought of the ancient priests who sought to maintain order in society. Thus, the main religion of China is based on the principles of complete inaction in the processes of development of life and society.
At the same time that the main book of Taoism appeared, another religious community formed in China, under the leadership of Kun Dzu, that is, Confucius. This religious teaching was called Confucianism, and interprets the rules of conduct and the right way of life. Today, Confucianism is a teaching that represents the legitimization of various traditions and rituals that have come into culture since ancient times.
In the first century AD, Buddhism came to China, who practiced meditation. The main principles of this religious belief are: the correct aspirations, thoughts, speech and behavior of a person, as well as his lifestyle, and the desire to improve through meditation is considered necessary. Today, this religion of China is very common.
It should be noted that all three religions peacefully coexist with each other, however, before there was some political struggle between them, as representatives of all three religions sought power and high positions.
We can say that the religion of China is peculiar, it does not have religious fanaticism and asceticism, the connection of man with the other world. Religion involves the maintenance of traditions and rituals that have come down from ancient times, and these rituals are restrained and devoid of religious enthusiasm. Thus, Chinese religious teachings do not imply the presence of the main God and faith, as such.
Today in China there are several religions that are significantly different from each other. Nevertheless, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism exist together peacefully and calmly, in some cases, services are held in the same temple. Confucianism teaches a person’s responsibility to other people, Taoism preaches about personal improvement, Buddhism develops the concept of a spiritual principle. There are also other religious teachings and views in China, and worship of deities and forces of nature also remains. In any case, in this country, everyone is free to choose which religion and which views to adhere to.