Does Mazu belong to Taoism or Buddhism?

It cannot be said which side they all belong to. The spread of Mazu belief has resulted in the phenomenon of mixing Mazu belief with various religions.

Students have pointed out that Mazu evolved from the shamanistic beliefs in the Fujian and Yue regions of China, and absorbed other folk beliefs during the development process (clairvoyance and ears). With the expansion of influence, elements of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism were also incorporated. Finally, it gradually stood out from many sea gods and became an important element of the marine culture of Fujian and Taiwan and the marine culture of East Asia.

In Thailand, Mazu belief is integrated with the local Hindu belief in Mahavatar. Chen Tanghua wrote "The Myth of Mazu in Thai Classics", which records the story of Mazu and the great freedom heaven rescuing the Chinese.

In Southeast Asia, people often worship Mazu together with Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Mazu’s companion gods Clairvoyance and Wanlier are obviously based on the Buddhist “Heavenly Eyes” and “Heavenly Ears” as the basis for sculptures. Many Buddhists believe that Mazu is the incarnation of Guanyin, and even Mazu herself is a Buddhist goddess. In Thailand, Mazu belief is integrated with the local Hindu belief in Mahavatar. Chen Tanghua wrote "The Myth of Mazu in Thai Classics", which records the story of Mazu and the great freedom heaven rescuing the Chinese.

At present, scholars at home and abroad generally believe that Mazu is not a fabricated idol, but a sacred historical figure who came out of the people. Lin Moniang's identity as a "witch in the middle" is the original form of Mazu belief. Mazu belief emerged in a special ecological environment and is closely related to marine fishery production and maritime activities. Since countless fishermen have died at sea, they hope to be protected by a patron saint of the sea.

Mazu’s identity as a witch just meets people’s wishes. Her ability to tell the world's misfortune and blessings, to help those in need, to cure diseases and eliminate disasters complied with people's wishes, so a temple was built to offer sacrifices to her after her death. After that, her miracles came one after another and shaped her into a perfect goddess. Therefore, folk belief in witchcraft is the ideological basis for the formation of Mazu culture.

Mazu, a sea god belief centered on the southeastern coast of China, is also known as the Holy Mother of Heaven, the Queen of Heaven, the Queen of Heaven, the Concubine of Heaven, the Concubine of Heaven, the Empress of Meizhou, etc. The main body of this belief is said to have evolved from real people and real events. An investigation into Mazu’s life revealed that this belief comes from folklore. First it was a legend, then it was the historicization and deification of the legend, and finally the universal belief in Mazu was formed.

Reference materials: Mazu Baidu Encyclopedia