An overview of major philosophical systems

This section provides an overview of the systems of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Chinese Folk Religion. A summary and comparative perspective is provided in the East Asian Doctrines table.

'The Three Teachings'

To speak of 'East Asian cultures' is somewhat of a misnomer since each of the cultures included in East Asia differ greatly from each other. However it is the sharing of philosophical traditions that forms the basis of the generalisations made in this resource.

East Asian cultures (and to some degree, Southeast Asian cultures) have been greatly influenced by Chinese Confucianism and Taoism, and Indian Buddhism. These three philosophical systems arose much around the same time and so each has had some influence on the other. The systems are viewed by some as religions, by others as philosophical systems, and by some as quasi-religions.

Some knowledge of the core principles of these systems is useful for health practitioners to develop a deeper understanding of their East Asian clients, and of their beliefs, expectations, practices and needs in healthcare. Some of the terminology and concepts from these systems are familiar to many Westerners (e.g. acupuncture, yin/yang, feng shui, chi) however the principles are often oversimplified, or misinterpreted, or not necessarily understood within a health context.