China experienced massive philosophical growth that began in the 6th Century B.C. It was during this time that two most influential spiritual teachers of China's history lived. Confucius and Lao-tzu became the leaders of conflicting living styles that attracted countless followers simultaneously for the past 2500 years. Lao-tzu is the author of Daoism (also Taoism) which is basically a way of living in which there were not many rules and beliefs in the dialectical philosophy of inaction (Renard, 10). Through nature and harmony, Lao noted, one can find happiness. Confucius on the hand, believed in setting a good example for others to follow in 5 basic relationships: ruler and subject, wife and husband, older and younger sibling, father and son, friend and friend. Their philosophies, though parallel and conflicting, have stood the taste of time.
Confucius and his followers' intention was to change and improve the world to a better habitat. They wanted to plan, educate, renovate, develop, construct, interfere and provide solutions to existing problems. With alterations, they wanted to create thoughts into reality, master, understand and control the society. Daoists believed in leaving things the way they are rather than interfering with the natural way of situations. Such endeavors, Lao explained, are the source of human frustrations (Tang, 9).
Sharp contention arose from philosophical ideas such as the hierarchy of structured society and existence of numerous gods. Confucius lead his followers to believe that only one God existed and man was superior to woman while Lao insisted on numerous deity, life was easy and women should be treated with equality.
Jen proposes humaneness and empathy to other people thereby motivating them to exhibit concern, care and benevolence toward others. If people are not educated, observed Confucius, they become undisciplined, impolite and hateful. The presence of superior human beings is therefore vital to help in molding the moral character of others.
Believing in the conservation and preservation of traditional practices and rituals became a strong aspect in restoring order and hierarchy in society. This preservation of rituals enhanced the Li principle which implies that all of life is sacred and should be ritualized.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India. In fact, Buddhism originated from Hinduism 2,500 years after its birth and was inspired by Buddha, a former Hindu Prince (Prince Siddhartha). One fundamental principle initiated by Buddha was that life entailed suffering unlike the Hinduism belief that life is full of joy and all things are united as one glorious divinity (Ambaa, 1).
All four religions grow as time goes by. As they grow, conflicts among themselves result in divisions and sects. Some practices and doctrines, however, remain constant: for instance, in Hinduism and Daoism, women are free to indulge in responsibilities equally as their male counterparts; they can become priests or nuns. Buddhism and Confucianism, on the other hand have definite duties and obligations mentioned for specific genders. Such duties include roles of husbands in comparison to wives, leaders over subjects and vice versa.
Buddhism prescribes the Eightfold Path as a way of escape from suffering (which is inevitable) as Confucianism teaches humanity and empathy towards fellow humans. Hinduism, however, lays emphasis on eternal laws and like Daoism (which insists that believers should let natural laws run the course), followers of Hinduism has neither a hierarchy of clergy or social classes.
In the issue concerning belief in a God, Buddhists do not believe in a Supreme Almighty creator as do the followers of Confucius. Hindus and Daoists have numerous gods to be worshiped. In fact, Hindus are believed to acknowledge millions of gods.
Hinduism, without a specific known founder, is the oldest of the religions (beginning 3000 B.C). With Daoism and Confucianism beginning in the 6th Century (550 B.C), Buddhism is the youngest religion originating in 563 B.C. Of the four ancient Principles of life, only Buddhism lacks a goal of philosophy. It dwells on the practical teachings of Buddha and nirvana. Hindus seek salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and reincarnation, Daoists to gain balance in life and Confucius' followers; social harmony.
Work cited
Altobello, Robert. Meditation from Buddhist, Hindu, and Taoist Perspectives. New York: Peter Lang, 2009. Print.
Mangla, Dharam V, and Raju Gupta. Buddhism Vs Hinduism: A Comparative Study. Delhi, India: Published by Academic Excellence, in association with Geeta International, 2010. Print.
Renard, John. 101 Questions and Answers on Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto. New York: Paulist Press, 2002. Print.
