ABSTRACT
Chinese religion is a diverse and complex system of traditions that were developed throughout 2,000 years. Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and popular folk religions are the four main traditions that have formulated the core of Chinese thought, cosmology, religious beliefs and practice. Confucianism served as an ordering ethical principle to shape Chinese social roles and responsibilities. As a mystical religio-philosophical tradition, Taoism pursued longevity in interaction with nature. Buddhism, though a foreign import, expanded and deepened traditional religious beliefs and spiritual practices. The popular folk religions embraced diverse aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism and provided a practical guideline to promote prosperity and happiness in this world. Chinese religion is composed of practical and mysterious traditions that laid the foundation to create relational harmony between heaven and earth, between human beings and nature, and between the past and the present.
