Taoism Vs Buddhism

Taoism also spelled Daoism and Confucianism are both ancient religions of Chinese, as well as their style of living. Taoism is known to be a philosophical as well as a religious tradition that started in China in 400 B.C., but most of the central ideas, as well as values, began around 1100 to 1200 B.C.( Cline, 2017). The religion has had a lot of influence on Chinese as well as other East Asia, on art, literature, medicine, philosophy as well as religion. The word Tao means road or way, which means “way of life” (Voorst, 2013). Founded by Lao Tzu, which the name means “Old Master”, but some historians say that there is no real evidence that Lao ever existed. It is also said that he may have just stayed hidden so people would wonder about him. He was also known to be an older contemporary of Confucius, which both are said to be a disappointed government official that become a wandering teacher (Voorst, 2013).

Taoism is an Eastern religion/philosophy with perhaps 225 million followers. Although it is more accurately referred to as a philosophy, books on world religions inevitably include it with other religions from Buddhism to Zoroastrianism. Taoism was thought to be created by a Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu, but was actually created by Fu Hsi (pronounced foo shee).

This idea of coexisting with the good and bad is best explained through Taoism and Kabbalah. Taoism is the Chinese philosophy explained through the Ying-Yang symbol, whereas Kabbalah is a mystical Jewish tradition. Taoism acknowledges that both light and dark, or good and bad, forces are necessary for the well-being of the body. According to this theory, if light is greater, dark is then smaller and vice versa. Taoism states that it is your duty to locate this underlying harmony between the two forces to establish a natural order. In addition to Taoism, Kabbalah still recognizes the existence of these two forces. This theory states that the person has a yetzer hara, or an evil inclination and a yetzer hatov, or a good inclination. The yetzer

Buddhism and Confucianism are both unique religions that have their origins in the continent of Asia. While they both share similarities, Buddhism and Confucianism are also very different from each other and through the elements of religion I will be comparing what makes Buddhism and Confucianism so unique. The elements of religion I will be covering in this essay are founders, history, practices, teachings, scripture, worship, worldview, and ultimate goals. The objective of this essay is to emphasize the qualities these two religions share, as well as to identify what makes them different.

Meditation is very difficult to describe and can only truly be explained once experienced. It is the practice of mental concentration leading ultimately through a sequence of stages to the final goal of spiritual freedom, nirvana. The purpose of Buddhist meditation is to free ourselves from the delusion and thereby put an end to both ignorance and craving. The Buddhists describe the culminating trance-like state as transient; final Nirvana requires the insight of wisdom. The exercises that are meant to develop wisdom involve meditation on the true nature of reality or the conditioned and unconditioned elements that make up all phenomena. The goal of meditation is to develop a concept in the mind.

These effects of mind wandering has been shown to be inefficient towards learning and this is due to the fact that while we are engaged in mind wandering our attention is on our internal thoughts and feelings therefore mind wandering impairs the ability to integrate any new information from the external environment (Smallwood et al., 2007). Relating this principle to myself it was clearly evident to me that meditation serves as an antidote for a wandering mind it is beneficial in gaining wisdom about oneself, experiencing positive emotions and improving day to day learning (Moneyham and Schooler, 2013).

Buddhism and Taoism both originated and influenced most the Asian area. They are not just religions but a way of living life with philosophic principles. They are both seeking equality and moral existence. Buddhism have several branches just like the Hinayana, Mahayana, Esoteric, Pure Land, and the Zen Buddhism. Taoism can also be divided into a few. The main ones are the Southern and Northern Taoism. Taoism got many principles borrowed from the Buddhist one they influenced each other through their history. Taoism in the beginning was rather a mixture of mythology, folk, and philosophy teachings. With the arrival of Buddhism, it was forced to renew and reorganize itself. Both of the religion does their practices in monasteries, temples and shrines and also both of them use statues and pictures expressing their beliefs.

Confucianism and Taoism are some of the major religions in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people as well as their world view. The connection between the two religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connect to influence an individual.

Buddhism and Hinduism are two of the world’s most influential and greatest religions. Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of the awakened one (Abrams), and Hinduism is the oldest of the world’s greatest religions (Rice). Both of these religions arose in South Asia, thus they share similar culture and philosophy; however, they also contrast greatly with each other in many other aspects. By comparing the rituals of worship of the two religions it is proven that Hinduism worships various deities, whereas Buddhism does not worship any. Rituals of worship such as puja and meditation are practiced in both religions, nevertheless the way and purpose of how they are done differ.

Buddhists meditate to improve their physical and mental health, improved relaxation and happiness. Through meditation Buddhists show their reverence and respect towards Buddha. Buddhists express their religious and cultural beliefs through meditation because meditation is one of their central practices. Buddhists express their religious beliefs and culture through meditation because meditation is one of their practices that is key to their beliefs. Through meditation Buddhists express their religion and culture because meditation is one of of their unique practices and it demonstrates their culture and beliefs. Religious expression contributes to community because religious expression helps us express our different beliefs and culture and it creates a sense of identity and acknowledgement within the community. Buddhists believe that through meditation they can achieve enlightenment and with meditation they have something to unify and bring them together. By practicing meditation with a group of people it can create a sense of unity and

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism can co-exist for several reasons, but to begin, the religions are considered to be the “three teachings.” Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist beliefs were collective based on their usefulness in self-cultivation. It can be understood that the three teachings have a mutual influence and certain teaching that could be complimentary of each other. Confucianism is a compound school of thought and Its main concepts are morality, politeness or manners, devotion, along with a strict adherence to social roles. Taoism, or Daoism, is a viewpoint focusing on the idea that life is usually happy, but should be lived with balance and virtue. There is a stress on balance found throughout nature. For example, the yin/yang symbol

Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the most interesting religions in the world. To date, people still practice these religions in varying parts of the world especially in India. Although originating from Ancient India, some have difficulty in differentiating between the two. Hinduism and Buddhism share many similarities and also differ immensely.

Meditation is a practice where an individual focuses on calming the mind by concentrating on their breathing. In the Buddhists tradition, meditation is practiced as a way to be liberated from suffering and to reach enlightenment. This essay will go more into detail about some of the Theravada meditation practices such as Samādhi, Vipassana, and The Four Immeasurables.

Indeed, one of the goals of meditation is the "mindful state," which is awareness of objects, mind-states, and physical states but not attachment to them. Buddhism puts a great emphasis on empirical understanding of the world (3), through meditation and through observation, and the "mindful state" is one which recognizes distractions and attachments, and acknowledges them, in order to achieve awareness of one's true nature. While a person in meditation does not dwell on possible objects of

Hinduism finds Karma to play a viable role in how our spiritual existence cycles out. They believe that whatever you do on earth can affect how nice your next existence will be. In Taoism, they come into a balance with a doctrine of “Tao.” A concept of a natural order within the universe. They believe that once they achieve balance and become one with Tao, they will become eternal and after their earthly death their spiritual existence will find its ways on earth once more. Other differences can be found within their religious texts and scriptures. Through Buddhism they have multiple holy texts which of one includes the pali canon meaning “the word of Buddha,” an instruction and a doctrine given to the buddhist people. One of their texts, The Vedas, is shared with Hinduism and is used to explain meaning behind their philosophies through sacred ideals and text. The Tao Te Ching is used in Taoism as the “Way and the Power” of their religious beliefs which is embodied in their day to day lives and Taoist temples throughout China. Hinduism and Buddhism have the same structures of worship which include churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues.