Philosophy or Religion? Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism – a brief comparison of the 3 systems

January 26, 2024  •  Leave a Comment

There is often debate as to what is a philosophy, versus that which is a religion. I have come to understand that there are fundamental differences between the two, that are rooted in the goals, nature, and methods of each system. Religion seems to focus mostly on spiritual awareness through understanding and moral guidance, whereas philosophy embodies more broad topics such as science, logic, politics, and art. Philosophy looks to find truth in empirical and logical evidence, while religion usually accepts faith as valid evidence. Philosophy can be a broader, and more general field, where religion usually involves specific sets of beliefs and practices within a group. Philosophical aspects often appear within religions and consequently philosophical discussions about religious topics. The relationship between philosophy and religion can be complementary, where each can offer a unique perspective of the human experience. I write about this topic as I have found that individuals who have some type of relationship with either a life philosophy or religion, often have a stronger sense of purpose, meaning and gratitude beyond themselves. This often leads to a healthier and happier life. Also, association with a religion in while aligning with a philosophical system need not be mutually exclusive to one another. In various parts of the world where people are free to worship and live as they may, one can be a Christian, Buddhist and Taoist if they so choose.

Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are three of the most commonly practiced belief systems that are often labeled as philosophies, religions or even sometimes as both. The following is a summary of their origins and tenets:

The 8-spoked wheel is often seen as a symbol for Buddhism.

Buddhism:

Origin:

  • Buddhism was founded in the 6th century BCE by Buddha (563-483 BCE), also named Siddhartha Gautama, in ancient India which is today Nepal.
  • Siddhartha was a prince who gave up his privileged life in order to better understand the nature of human suffering and to seek enlightenment or nirvana.

Core Tenets:

  • The Four Noble Truths define the nature of suffering and a path to reduce its presence:
    • The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Buddhism acknowledges the existence of suffering and dissatisfaction in life. This suffering can be physical, emotional, or mental.
    • The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Buddhism asserts that the root cause of suffering is craving or attachment (tanha) to things that are impermanent. This attachment leads to suffering because everything in the world is subject to change and eventual loss.
    • The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): Buddhism teaches that it is possible to end suffering by letting go of attachment and craving. When one ceases to cling to impermanent things, suffering can be extinguished.
    • The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga): Buddhism offers a practical path called the Eightfold Path that leads to the cessation of suffering. This path consists of ethical and mental practices, such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
  • The Eight-fold Path provides a guide towards ethical and mental development needed to achieve enlightenment (Nirvana):
    • Right views
    • Right aspirations
    • Right speech
    • Right conduct
    • Right livelihood
    • Right endeavor
    • Right mindfulness
    • Right meditation

Goal:

  • The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to attain Nirvana, where there is a state of liberation from the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth also known as Samsara.
The taijitsu is often associated with Taoism and its concept of yin & yang.

Taoism:

Origin:

  • Taoism, or sometimes Daoism, thought to have originated from Lao Tzu and his foundational text of the Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power), in China in the 6th century BCE.

Core Tenets:

  • Main focus is upon trying to live in accordance to the Tao (the Way), which is thought to be the indefinable, fundamental force that unites all and everything in the universe.
  • Another main principle is that of Wu Wei (effortless action), where one strives to live in harmony within the natural flow of the Tao rather than be subject to it.
  • Ying & yang focuses upon the unity and duality inherent in all seeming opposites, such as: night-day, male-female, good-evil, positive-negative, etc.

Goal:

  • Taoist philosophy strives to have the individual exist in a state of balance and harmony with the Tao, in order to align within the natural order of things, rather than imposing one’s own will upon nature and the universe as a whole.
The Chinese character for water is often associated with Confucianism.

Confucianism:

Origin:

  • Confucianism originated in China and was founded by Confucius (also known as Kong Fuzi) (551-479 BCE).
  • Confucius was primarily concerned with understanding of social order and its issues of ethics, morality, and the proper conduct of people living in society.

Core Tenets:

  • Sacred texts of the Wu Ching (Five Classics) include the I Ching (Book of Changes), the Lun-Yu (The Analects)
  • Emphasis is upon a moral code of:
    • Li: A code of moral/social conduct
    • Jen: Compassion/benevolence towards others
    • Yi: Righteousness
    • Te: Virtue
    • Xiao: Filial piety
  • The importance of social harmony and the cultivation of moral character through education and self-cultivation.
  • Emphasis upon the “Golden Rule” of “do not do unto others what you would not desire yourself.”

Goal:

  • Confucianism focuses upon establishing and maintaining a harmoniously functioning, well-ordered society through the virtuous persons who can fulfill their roles and responsibilities for the greater good of all.

From my research, there is no historical evidence that supports that the founders of Buddhism (Siddhartha Gautama), Taoism (Lao Tzu), and Confucianism (Confucius) had ever met one another, crossed paths or had interactions during their lifetimes. All three of these individuals had lived in different times and places. Based upon the geographical distances as well as cultural differences between them, it is quite unlikely that these founders could have shared any direct experiences or even knowledge of each other’s existence.

These traditions often share some of the same philosophical ideas. Similarities in philosophical topics cultivated by these systems are most likely due to common exploration of universal ethical and existential questions during their times, rather than direct interactions or encounters among the founders. These systems do also have unique differences in their goals, teachings, methods, traditions, and approaches to life.

Comparisons between the three systems:

  • Basic Goals:
    • Buddhism: understanding the self.
    • Taoism: understanding the self in relation to all else.
    • Confucianism: understanding the self and the relationship to society.
  • Geographic Origins:
    • Buddhism: India
    • Taoism: China
    • Confucianism: China
  • Founders:
    • Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
    • Taoism: Often associated with Lao Tzu
    • Confucianism: Confucius
  • Central Concepts:
    • Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, nirvana
    • Taoism: Tao, wu wei, yin & yang
    • Confucianism: Li, Jen, Te, Yi, Xiao
  • Ultimate Goal:
    • Buddhism: Nirvana
    • Taoism: Harmony with the Tao
    • Confucianism: Social harmony through moral character and cultivation
  • Perspective on Life:
    • Buddhism: reduce suffering, detach from desires.
    • Taoism: alignment and harmony with the Tao
    • Confucianism: ethical conduct and social responsibilities

________________________

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga).

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses and individuals that see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

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Jim Moltzan

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