Taoism vs Buddhism

Taoism vs Buddhism

The systems of Asian beliefs are not closely linked to the Christian mindset. Their words sound mysterious and foreign to us. However, Asia has many different worldviews with sin, life, and death, grappling in its unique way. Taoism and Buddhism are among the most famous religions. They are strongly linked to Asian history. However, if we look more deeply, those theories may have shaped our perception of the world.

Other than what we usually get from popular TVs, who else do we learn about Asian ideology? We naturally have some vague ideas of Asian religion— the significance of mindfulness practice and the beneficial effects of meditation. It is not shocking that Buddhism and Taoism, the most popular Asian faiths, are often intertwined because both operate similarly. But, these are, in reality, two very distinct trees that only have branches intersecting each other. After all, what ideology isn't concerned about immortality?

So, what are the differences between Taoism and Buddhism? Let's take a look at their history. Although both religions came into existence around the 5th and 6th centuries B.C, they developed in various contexts and areas in China and India, respectively.

Lao Tzu, a highly distinguished philosopher, is regarded as the founder of Taoism by the Chinese lore. This honorable man worked and lived as a librarian in the state between the fifth and sixth centuries B.C. Lao Tzu was keen to learn about human existence and natural forces. As time went past, he became mindful of the value of peace and equilibrium in our world. Egoism, arrogance, and hypocrisy of men are destructive since they ruin everything. Researchers today believe that Tzu isn't Tao's real founder; Tao Te Ching identified some already well-known values utilizing lovely poetry titled ("The Book of the Way"). (Robinet, 1997). Taoism gained popularity very rapidly. During the Tang Dynasty, Taoism stood at its highest heights. It later had a descending influence. The war between Taoism and Buddhism started as Buddhist monks moved to the city. However, Taoism still has a substantial cultural impact in China today. For a layperson, it's clear— see some original Chinese Television series.

Buddhism also appeared around the fifth century in India, and a prince founded it. He was Gautama Siddhartha. He's a descendant of Rajah, a small state in East India. Since unexpectedly discovering the universe and fate, his life had a drastic change–he abandoned his kingdom to become a traveling tutor and gained followers not long after. His main goal, Heaven after death, is said to be achieved. His followers, therefore, started to call him Gautama Buddha.

After the father of Buddhism died, there was the establishment of several different forms of Buddhism. They rapidly spread, dominating India, and South-East Asia. The two religions became influential in their varying ways. These religions coexisted comfortably in some nations, while in others, they were often targeted; for example, Buddhism was persecuted during the Joseon dynasty of Korea. In other countries, the rivalry between Buddhism and Taoism hasn't subsidized.

In Chinese, the Tao word refers to the way. The objective of Taoism is to attain Tao, which implies that we can find the right direction while in existence, and we will become immortal by so doing. Tao is often called the source of everything that exists and guides the whole planet and all its functions before the creation of the universe (WowEssays, 2004). The emphasis in Taoism is on the moral or individual theory since it emphasizes more on how one's Tao, peace and equilibrium can be accomplished and doesn't encourage people to come up with solutions and seek ways to support and better the world as each person ought to do it themselves (EduBook, 2008). It is often claimed that everything is easy, reasonable, and helpful in the universe, that existence is complicated when people want to live life in a complicated way (WowEssays, 2004).

In Buddhism, life is misery, which differs as opposed to Taoism, which maintains it is about happiness. Buddhists think that having sickness and pain is the reality of life we can't avoid. The natural cycle in life is birth, oldness, illness, and death. According to Buddhism, the only way to put suffering in life to an end is to understand the four noble truths of life and practice the noble eightfold path which are the right knowledge or understanding, right intention, right speech, right behavior or action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration (Buddhist Temples). The first eightfold path, which is the right knowledge, applies to the proper comprehension of life and of the four truths. The second, which is the right intention, is to refrain from lust, to develop a sense of security from negative feelings including anger and hate, and not to promote or be a part of violence. Right speech, the third noble path, means not to utter a word that is harmful or bad, and know to be conscious of our words by selecting the proper words and tone. The fourth, which is the right action, includes the five(5) major Buddhism rules, do not kill, do not plunder, do not consume alcohol, do not commit sexual crimes, and be honest. The fifth, which is the right means of livelihood, involves gaining legal wealth. The sixth is the right effort: right will, self-control, and thirst are to be practiced by every individual. The seventh, which is correct mindfulness, is the opportunity to see situations without being distracted by others or the surroundings. The eighth, which is the right concentration, concerns the mental power of concentrating on Buddhism's ultimate objective and includes practicing meditation to calm your nerves and cultivate the appropriate concentration.