Buddhism vs Confucianism
The following is a simple comparison between Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism:
| ELEMENTS | MAHAYANA BUDDHISM | CONFUCIANISM |
| Founder | Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.) | Confucius (551-479 B.C.) |
| Sacred Texts | Sutras | Confucian Classics |
| Doctrines | Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Path, The Six Perfections to become a Bodhisattva (generosity, morality, patience, perseverance, meditation, and insight) | Mandate of Heaven, T”ien, Human nature as originally good (Mencius) or evil (Hsun Tze), Rectification of Names, The Moral Way consisting of five cardinal virtues, Filial Piety, and Ancestor Worship Heaven |
| God | non-theistic | Heaven |
| Issues | Tibet invasion, Engaged activism | Gender inequality, Authoritarianism |
Activity:
Answer the following questions:
1. The ideal of Mahayana Buddhism is to become a ‘bodhisattva’ who endeavors to release all beings from the cycle of birth and death. Is this also the case in Confucianism? Why do/don’t you think so?
2. It is said that Mahayana Buddhism does not believe in a personal God. Does Confucianism believe in a god? Why do/don’t you think so?
3. The Mahayana Buddhism’s central doctrine is to seek complete enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings through insight and compassion. What, do you think, is the core teaching of Confucianism?
Read also: The uniqueness and similarities of Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism
For other free lectures like this, visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Copyright © by Jens Micah De Guzman
For other free lectures for students like this, visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
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