Confucianism
What Westerners label "Confucianism" is known by Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese followers as the "Scholarly Tradition." Confucianism does not have a strong institutional presence in Greater Boston, mostly because of the deep connection the tradition has had with the social and political structures of East Asia. For some, however, the scholarly values and symbols of Confucianism serve as important reminders of the cultural and philosophical legacy of their ancestors, and as relevant touchstones for thinking about ethics and modern life in the United States.
Shinto
The Shinto tradition is deeply linked with the Japanese land and people. Spiritual sensitivity to natural landmarks and the reverence for the spirits that reside in the natural world foster appreciation for Shinto practice in America. Shinto priests make offerings to the local kami (deity), and are also called upon to enact purification ceremonies for groundbreakings and businesses. In Greater Boston, the Shinto tradition does not have a large presence, as there are no local shrines.
Taoism
The ancient Chinese sage Lao-Tzu, said to have lived in the sixth century BCE, taught a way of living in harmony with the Tao ("the Way"). Taoist traditions and practices, such as T'ai Chi, have influenced generations in China and now in America. The characteristics and clientele of contemporary associations differ significantly from the earlier folk Taoist establishments, in that they frequently have a large non-Chinese following. In many, such as the Center for Traditional Taoist Studies in Weston, Massachusetts, the students and teachers are Euro-American. Although there are only two Tao centers in Greater Boston, there are many T’ai Chi centers, which draw on Taoist philosophy without focusing on the traditional religious aspects of the Tao.