Buddhism-Daoism

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the factors that facilitated the introduction of Buddhism into China. The author explains how philosophies of China at that time, Confucianism and Daoism, helped create some of the structures for the understanding of the philosophical and spiritual principles of the Buddhist philosophy. The paper also discusses how Buddhism itself also went through some adaptations to become part of the Chinese culture.

From the Paper:

"There are many factors that facilitated the introduction of Buddhism into China. In some ways the groundwork was being set for Buddhism in the prior religious philosophies of China at the time. Confucianism and especially Daoism (Taoism) created some of the structures for understanding and even necessitating the philosophical and spiritual principles of the Buddhist philosophy. There did, however, exist a common thread of awareness, of collective insight that gave the Chinese culture at the time and appreciation, almost a need for Buddhism. In fact the Sanskrit word, Sutra, literally means thread and is a antecedent of the word suture. The Sutras not only bound Buddhism together but sutured together the philosophies of China with itself as well. Much like the appreciation of a new art form, Buddhism was not only accepted by the Chinese culture, but Buddhism itself also went through some adaptations to become part of the Chinese culture. In a sense a new Buddhism arose from the act of understanding Daoism and Confucianism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aubin, Francoise. "China: A down-to-earth hereafter." UNESCO Courier, 51.3 1998: 10
• Hodous, Lewis. Buddhism and Buddhists in China. New York: Macmillan, 1924.
• Ikeda, Daisaku. The Flower of Chinese Buddhism. Trans. Burton Watson. New York: Weatherhill, 1986.
• Kohn, Livia, and Michael Lafargue, eds. Lao-Tzu and the Tao-Te-Ching . Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1998.
• Roberts, Dexter. "China's Spiritual Awakening." Business Week, 4067 1/21/2008, 50-51

More papers on Buddhism-Daoism:

• Essay # 137530 : "Daoism, Zen Buddhism & Western Ideas of Self & Socialization"
• Comparison Essay # 94141 : "Zen (Chan) Buddhism & Daoism (Taoism)"
• Essay # 137442 : "Self and Socialisation in Daoism & Zen Buddhism."

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