Taoism v Buddhism

Taoism and Buddhism, two of the great philosophical religions that are still practiced widely in Asia today were born in the same century; Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism reached enlightenment in approximately 535 B.C, the teachings of Lao Tzu were first recorded around 500 B.C. Taoism and Buddhism have many similarities, the most central being the belief in life after death. The similar beliefs in reincarnation are found in both faiths, but are by no means standardized across the religions; there are also a few key differences in the beliefs that separate them.

Tao refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. Tao cannot be represented as an image or a particular thing. The Tao that can be expressed in words is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the real, the absolute name. (A History of the Worlds Religions, David S. Moss, pg 259) Tao represents the harmony of opposites; there would be no light without dark, no male without female.

Tao literally means ‘a way’ or ‘a road’. The Chinese believe that the way the universe runs must have existed before the universe itself began. Tao is a way of co-operation and integration; its natu

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7) Do not look on at dancing, singing, or dramatic spectacles.

The purpose of both Taoism and Buddhism is to achieve the ultimate goal. The path towards enlightenment for the Buddhist was defined by Buddha and can only be attained by following the Precepts laid down by him; the path to Tao is individual, it comes from within. The ultimate goal for both religions is immortality.

6) Eat moderately and not after noon. Karma determines a Buddhists actions and position in life. (A History of the Worlds Religions, David S. As is the karma so is the will of the man. To transcend life on earth as a physical being, and to achieve harmony with nature and the universe. For Buddhists to achieve the ultimate goal the above precepts must be followed; but there is also another factor which affects the attainment of Nirvana. Both Taoists and Buddhists believe that birth is not a beginning and death not the end; however, while Buddhists believe in reincarnation, Taoists do not.

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