BUDDHISM and TAOISM: A COMPARISON OF BELIEFS, THEORIES, and
             The belief in some higher presence, other than our own, has existed since man can
             recollect. Religion was established from this belief, and it can survive and flourish
             because of this belief. In Chinese history, Taoism and Buddhism are two great
             philosophical and religious traditions along with Confucianism. Taoism, originated in
             China around the sixth century BCE and Buddhism, came to China from India around the
             second century of the common era, Together have shaped Chinese life and thought for
             One dominate concept in Taoism and Buddhism is the belief in some form of
             reincarnation. The idea that life does not end when one dies is an integral part of these
             religions and the culture of the Chinese people. Reincarnation, life after death, beliefs are
             not standardized. Each religion has a different way of applying this concept to its belief.
             The goal in Taoism is to achieve Tao, to find the way. Tao is the ultimate reality, a
             presence that existed before the universe was formed and which continues to guide the
             world and everything in it. Tao is sometimes identified as the Mother, or the source of all
             things. That source is not a god or a supreme being, as Taoism is not monotheistic. The
             focus is not to worship one god, but instead on coming into harmony with Tao (Watts,
             According to those who believe in the Tao is the essence of everything that is right,
             and complications exist only because people choose to complicate their own lives.
             Desire, ambition, fame, and selfishness are seen as hindrances to a harmonious life. It is
             only when a person rids himself of all desires can Tao be achieved. By shunning every
             earthly distraction, the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the person's
             life, the more saintly the person is presumed to have become. Eventually the hope is to
             become immortal, to achieve Tao...