Confucianism And Buddhism Similarities

Confucianism and Buddhism originate from two different cultures, but have many similarities. One resounding similarity between the philosophies of these two is the idea of avoiding the extremes. Confucius refers to it as the mean, while Buddhism refers to it as the middle path. However, achieving the middle path is approached differently and also results in different destinations, or rewards, within their respective philosophies. An important aspect of Buddha’s teachings is the Eightfold Path, where the middle path is introduced. Followers are advised to “avoid the extremes of sensual pleasures and self-mortification” (“What Buddhists Believe”). The life of sensual pleasures is described as “vain and fit only for the worldly minded” and the life of self-mortification is described as “painful, useless and unprofitable” (Carus). When they achieve the middle path, they can further their mind by abstaining from evil and respecting morality. Paul Carus’ text states that the middle path leads to “full enlightenment, Nirvana.”
Confucianists believe that human beings are capable of unlimited self-improvement by pursuing a virtuous life.
To achieve a virtuous life, followers must pursue a life without extremes, similar to the Buddhists. It is important that they do not stray from the path, because, as Confucius states, “If it could be left, it would not be a path” (Confucius). Similar to Nirvana for the Buddhists, there is Harmony and Equilibrium for Confucianists. Equilibrium is achieved when there are “no stirrings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy” (Confucius). The state of Harmony will then result from the pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy stirring. Harmony and Equilibrium coexist while Equilibrium is the “great root from which grow all human actings in the world” and Harmony acts as the “universal path which they all should pursue”
(Confucius). Within Buddhism, the approach to following the middle path has differs from the approach of the Confucianists. The first goal for Buddhists while seeking the middle path is to develop one’s own morality. They do this by abiding by the principles of abstaining from killing, stealing, slandering, lusting, and intoxicating oneself. Once their morality is developed, they will develop concentration, and wisdom will arrive with it. Confucianists follow more of a guideline that Confucius determines what a superior man does. An example being, “…a superior man is quiet and calm, waiting for the appointments of Heaven” (Confucius). Confucius also tells his followers how to treat others in certain situations. He says, “In a high situation, he does not treat with contempt his inferiors. In a low situation, he does not court the favor of his superiors” (Confucius). Excerpts from the Doctrine of the Mean help reveal how structured their culture is. There is a set standard for how a superior man carries oneself, and how he acts within certain situations. The middle path within Buddhism brings to light the importance of oneself and the inward journey to Nirvana. The Eightfold Path reveals to us their understanding for the individual’s journey and the acceptance that it is not achieved in one fell swoop.