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Daoism (literally, the way) from China has also
influenced Japanese thought and has a special affinity for Zen Buddhism.
Zen's praise of emptiness, exhortations to act in harmony with nature, and
admonitions to avoid discrimination and duality all are parallel in Daoist
beliefs. The lunar calendar, the selection of auspicious days for special
events, the sitting of buildings, and numerous folk medicine treatments also
have origins in Daoism and continue as customs to varying degrees in
contemporary Japanese society. Daoism has also influenced native shamanistic
traditions and rituals.
Also associated with Taoism and developed in China, the
yin-yang symbol of balance also represents Daoism.
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