Buddhism and
Confucianism
By: Ryan Simpson and Martin Williamson
The origins of Buddhism
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Founded by Siddhartha Gaumtama
(563- 483 B.C.E)
Grew up in Nepal, as a Hindu prince.
Relinquishes his wealth and begins
searching for the meaning of human
suffering.
After meditating under the Bodhi tree,
becomes Buddha (“Enlightened one”).
Key beliefs of Buddhism
• Follow Four Noble Truths:
- All life is suffering
- Suffering is caused by desire
- One can be freed of desire
- Must follow Eight Fold Path
• Eight Fold Path:
- Right views
- Right aspirations
- Right speech
- Right conduct
- Right livelihood
- Right endeavor
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Meditation
• No Supreme being in
Buddhism.
Beliefs continued
• By following the Four
Noble Truths and in effect
the Eight Fold Path, one
moves closer to the
destination of Nirvana.
• Nirvana is considered a
place of peace and
harmony.
• Buddhists believe that the
goal in ones life is to reach
Nirvana, though it may
take many lifetimes, so
they also believe in
reincarnation.
• Buddhism preaches that
Nirvana can be reached by
anyone, no matter what
their caste or social
standing.
The somewhat of a great Schism
• After Buddha’s death in
483 B.C.E, Buddhism split
into two sects.
• Theravada (Hinayana) and
Mahayana.
• Theravada:
- Strong emphasis on meditation,
simplicity, and personal
interpretations on Nirvana and
the human conscious.
- No belief in a supreme being.
- Theravada means “the Way of
the Elders” and Hinayana means
“the Lesser Vehicle.”
• Mahayana:
- Means “the Greater Vehicle.”
- More complex rituals, more so
then Buddha had originally
specified.
- Buddha is a godlike deity.
- Believe that some people have
already reached Nirvana and
choose to stay on Earth to help
others reach Nirvana, called
Bodhisattvas.
- Also rely heavily on priests and
scriptures.
The spread of Buddhism
• Appealed strongly to the
lower classes especially in
India.
- This was because it did not
contain a social structure and did
not advocate the caste system.
• Spread far beyond the
borders of India.
• Spread was aided by
conversions of some key
political leaders.
- Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor
converted after a series of bloody
battles.
Directions Buddhism spread
The origins of Confucianism
• Confucius (551 to 479 BC) was
born into an aristocratic
family, he spent most of his
life trying to obtain a high
position in the government.
• But because is ideas and
morals often conflicted with
the governmental standards of
the time, he was never hired.
• Later, he would manage to
become an educator and a
political advisor.
• Through his advice he became
a very prominent figure
during his time.
Key beliefs of Confucianism
• Followers created a
collection of his thoughts
and sayings in the
Analects.
• These thoughts and
sayings would later shape
Chinese political and
cultural structures.
• Note: Confucianism is not a
religion, but rather a
political and social
philosophy on how to
restore political and social
order.
Beliefs continued
• Five fundamental
relationships for order:
- Ruler and the subject
- Parent and the child
- Husband and wife
- Older brother and younger
brother
- Friend and friend
• If all relationships follow
structure then society will
be orderly and predictable.
• Confucianism focuses on
the creation of Junzi, or
superior individuals to lead
society.
• Ren- sense of humanity,
kindness, and benevolence.
• Li- a sense of propriety,
courtesy, respect, and
deference to elders.
• Xiao- filial piety.
• Believe that Junzi
individuals must lead by
example to better society as
a whole.
• Under Confucianism
women have lower status.
Confucianism’s impact abroad
• Confucianism was often
practiced with other
religions, as it was not a
religion itself.
- Often practiced with Buddhism.
• Extensively used in
governmental jobs.
- Civil service examinations
tested Confucian ideals.
• However, did not spread
far beyond the borders of
China, due to the fact it
was integrated with
Chinese culture itself.
Neo- Confucianism
• During Tang and Song China
(618-1279 C.E), Buddhism
was formally introduced to
China via Silk roads
• Note: Buddhism was
introduced earlier during the
Han Dynasty, but not
significantly.
- During this period, Buddhism began
grabbing the attentions of many
Chinese as it preached of salvation, a
term unknown to Confucianism.
• After a period of time new
syncretic faiths began to
emerge. Primarily:
- Chan Buddhism: Buddhism with
Chinese values.
• And Neo-Confucianism
- Example of how Confucianism can be
practiced at the same time with other
religions, in this case Buddhism.
- Transformed Confucian thought from
dealing with politics and morality to
thoughts on logic and metaphysics.
- Zhu Xi (1130-1200 C.E) well known
Neo-Confucian scholar.
• However, not all Confucians
liked Buddhism, often
persecuted followers.
• Neo - Confucianism would
later spread to Korea and
eventually Japan.
- Tokugawa Shogunate
Document one: In defense of Buddhism
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•
The questioner said: If the way of the Buddha is the greatest and most
venerable of ways, why did Yao, Shun, the Duke of Chou, and Confucius
not practice it? In the seven Classics one sees no mention of it. You, sir
are fond of the Book of Odes and the Book of History, and you take
please in rites and music. Why, then, do you love the way of the Buddha
Compares
and rejoice in outlandish arts? Can they exceed the Classics and
Buddhist values
commentaries and beautify the accomplishments of the sages?
to Confucian
Mou Tzu [a Chinese Buddhist] said: All written works need not
necessarily be the words of Confucius, and all medicine does not
values
necessarily consist of the words of the formulae of [the famous
physician]. To compare them to the Buddha would be like comparing a
white deer to a unicorn, or a swallow to a phoenix. Yao Shun, the Duke
of Chou, and Confucius learned even from such teachers as these. How
Here, Chinese
much less, then, may one reject the Buddha, whose distinguishing
Buddhist
marks are extraordinary and whose superhuman powers know no
describes the
bounds! How may one reject him and refuse to learn from him? The
records and teachings of the Five Classics do not contain everything.
close
Even if the Buddha is not mentioned in them, what occasion is there for
relationship
suspicion?
between the two
ideologies.
Anonymous Chinese Scholar, “The Disposition of Error,” China, Circa 500 C.E.
Themes: Development and interaction of cultures
Document two: Memorial on Buddhism
• Now the Buddha was of barbarian origin. His language
differed from Chinese speech; his clothes were of a different
cut; his mouth did not pronounce the prescribed words of the
Discredits
Former Kings, his body was not clad in the garments
Buddha, does
prescribed by the Former Kings. He did not recognize the
believes he is
relationship between prince and subject, nor the sentiments significant
of father and son. Let us suppose him to be living today, and
that he come to court at the capital as an emissary of his
country. Your Majesty would receive him courteously. But
Points out
only one interview in the audience chamber, one banquet in the obvious
cultural
his honor, one gift of clothing, and he would be escorted
differences.
under guard to the border that he might not mislead the
masses.
Says that the
Emperor
Han Yu, Confucian Scholar, 819 C.E
would , if he
Theme: Development and interaction of cultures
met Buddha,
most likely
banish him.
The End