Compare And Contrast Confucianism Daoism And Buddhism

Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism are three teachings that are interdependent on each other. Each philosophy takes various characteristics from the others embellishing it to fit its own specific view on life and the world creating the basis of China’s culture. Confucianists believed that the Dao (the will of heaven and the unity and togetherness in harmony of all the things) was found by humans through human relationships, human societies, and human rituals/traditions. They focused on politics, morals, rules, establishment and believed in a good society. Confucianism came from the teachings of the philosopher Confucius, he believed in social harmony between people and society. Daoists thought differently and believed that Dao was found through
being alone and the non-establishment of things because to them society was corrupt. They were also concerned about the health of the human body. Buddhism, not native to China but imported from India, was concerned on the mind and the psychological view on life. The Buddhist taught that life was characterized by suffering which is formed by hatred and allusion and an individual could be liberated of those delusions through enlightenment. Very few practitioners of these religions consider themselves specifically Confucian or Daoist or Buddhist because aspects of all three faiths would take place in their lives. The Chinese believed that the people and nature work together and are controlled by the same rules. Both Confucianism and Daoism have a strong belief in Yin-Yang, which is everything or the way (Dao) divided into two forces, Ying forces and Yang forces. These forces are neutral and they both interact in a balanced way in order to keep going. Confucianists say that they must have action to move forward in life while Daoists say no action is required for nature to continue. These three faiths make up the spiritual world of East Asia and China. They highlight the unity of things and the relationship between nature as well as with family and society. Ancestrism has also been very important, especially in Buddhism. Buddhism focused on meditation and nature, trying to rebirth in paradise through having faith in Amida. The thing that these three teachings strongly believe in is the Dao. Both Daoism and Buddhism have many supernatural beliefs unlike Confucianism. The three teachings of China are very important throughout history becoming a major part in China’s legacy today.