Daoist sage, Confucian and bodhisattva are religious ideas and beliefs established by Tao, Confucius and Buddha respectively. Firstly, Daoist sage has a semi legendary figure that is traditionally credited to its founder of Daoism known as Lao Tzu or Laozi. He lived between 16th and 14th centuries BC. The text is said to be rich because it is composed of various paradoxes and mystical insights. It is made of various Chinese cosmological beliefs such as the harmony and Yin or Yang. Daoist has its Golden age which is referred to as the period before the rise of ancient emperors when no government existed. The decline in this age was contributed by increased differentiation between various players by the time. Individuals had to adopt themselves in response to nature. They had to pursue quietism and mystical union with the Dao. Daoist sage is also referred to as someone who is believed to have left his society with the aim of pursuing self cultivation in harmony with the prevailing conditions in nature. This is referred to as the ideal identity of the Daoist himself. Dao means a way. This refers to the way that demonstrated by the ancients who founded the Zhous dynasty among other legendary rulers. Daoist was developed mostly by teachers of sage who religious beliefs and analysis formed the basis for the religion.
Confucian owes its origin from its founder Confucius. Confucius existed between 551 and 479 B.C.E. He was born in Qufu, the state of Lu Kong Qiu. Confucius is believed to have to have written various conversations that formed the basis of the religion. He used to lecture these conversations to his pupils. He also advised rulers in addition to other people. His teachings are based on two major teachings which include the Great Learning and the Doctrine of the Mean. Confucius wrote various books referred to as Confucian classics which includes, the Books of changes, rites, songs, history, music as well as the spring and autumn annals. Confucian also involves analysis of the main elements of the relationship in the cosmic and the hierarchical relationship. He emphasized the need to unite hierarchy and harmony. As opposed to other divinations Confucius wrote various books in addition to giving his commentaries to the written books on various issues about nature.
Confucius is always referred as a great teacher. He had capacity to evoke the legendary rulers such as Yao, shun among others. He is also referred to as an informer. His believe in the natural order and moral order makes him one of the greatest reformists. He had superior character especially in his behavior. Be believed that moral order was important than even the individual position in birth. This is because out of good moral order, individuals’ behaviors will be in line with nature. Confucius was also able to foresee things that would happen. For example, he was seeing the insights of Lu-liang where water was falling from a height of thirty fathoms. He highly believed in nature and fate. For instance, Confucius says, “A good cook changes his knife once a year because he cuts. A mediocre cook changes his knife once a month because he hacks” (Tzu 47). His teachings are based on analysis of nature and various forms such as trees, heaven and forests, for example he writes about his dream in which an oak tree appeared to him and said, “What do you compare me with? Are you comparing me with those useful trees?” (Tzu 60). He concludes that the results of nature were made by the spirits.
Bodhisattva also involves religious ideas and philosophies. It is believed to be beyond the motive of love and compassion. It is aimed at achieving the highest degree of being to reach the level of Buddha. It is based on the need to help others. Unlike other forms of religious ideas that focus on self cultivation, Bodhisattva is based on love for others and compassion. In fact, he is closely related with Jesus Christ who according to Christians suffered for the sins of human beings. Therefore, generosity is the main virtue and moral order. His teachings involve helping others to help themselves and also others. The culture of Buddhism gained root in china after a long period of assimilation. Establishment of these thoughts was seen as a period that would usher in new thoughts that would contribute to enrichment of the existing philosophy in china. Buddhism gave great focus and explanation on the sorrow of life something that Confucianism and Daoism did not analyze in detail. As a result, Buddhism was more successful in china as compared with the tow religion and beliefs. For once, Buddhism was highly based on faith as opposed to other forms of religion that were mainly based on teachings. Buddhism gives faith to deliverance that made it of great interest to Chinese. It had a powerful attraction to its followers.
Another major difference between the three forms of religion is that Buddhism is the only one that is not mentioned in the Chinese classics. It is not in the book of Odes and book of History. In fact, Buddhism was more composed since it had monks who were the teachers. The Chinese church was a reflection of the Chinese society. Therefore, the practices of Buddha were different with those of Taoism and Confucianism (Louis 132). For instance, Monks were not required to marry, they were required to shave their heads as opposed to Confucianism which treated the body as gift from parents and interfering with them was like defaming them.
Similarities
The major similarity is that daoist sage, Confucian and bodhisattva are religious ideas and beliefs developed by superhuman beings. These teachings were famous in ancient China, which made them to become major forms of religion. The three teachings include ideas about nature, cosmic powers among others. Developed by these superior characters, the teachings are highly based on self cultivation and moral order. The three forms of religion entails the belief that self cultivation or development only takes place in social contexts. This implies that they cannot take place in individual contexts.
Daosim, Confucius and Buddha are believed to have been superhuman, spiritually immortal as well as being celestial beings. Their philosophy or cosmology entails deep analysis of the nature and what is entails. As a result, they create harmony between life and nature. However, Buddha is believed to have notable teaching that reflected the Chinese society. Their teachings made them to be recognized even after their demise. Their teaching and standing about nature impacted a religious significance. Moreover, the three religious figures form the basis of their individual religion that had a large number of followers with distinct teaching and believes. They also came from humble backgrounds and eventually rose to greatness due to their teaching about nature (Tzu 60). Just like Confucian, Daoist sage is believed to have a gentle but superior character. He also maintained that the behavior of an individual is crucial more than the position one at birth. This is because when one practices the right behavior, then, it follows that one will perfect the social order. This is the same case with Buddhism who also insists on the need for love and compassion not only for persona benefit but also for others. It is true to state that the three are based on faith and beliefs that individuals possess.
Conclusion
The three forms of religion have major differences as well as similarities. However, Bodhisattva is believed to be more pronounced as compared to the others. Its ideas are more connected with Chinese society. It entails teaching on social life. However, Daoism and Confucian also entail great analysis of the relation between life and nature. However, it is worthy to note that the three religions were developed in ancient China.
Works Cited:
Tzu, Chuang. The Secret of Caring for Life. New York: Columbia University Press, 1998. Print.
Louis Komjathy. The Coming of Buddhism to China. Berkeley: University of California, 2004. Print.
