How Does Buddhism Integrate With Confucianism?

With the spread of Buddhism into China, Buddhism successfully merged into Chinese culture and become an inseparable part of it. Chinese culture is featured by its encompassing nature of richness and Confucianism is a determinant. Both Buddhism and Confucianism share the basic concept that one is encouraged to abandon personal interest for the sake of others.
  • Filial Piety: Filial piety plays a central role in Buddhism and Confucianism, which acknowledge the respect and devotion of a person for his/her parents and teachers. It is regarded as a primary merit to promote world peace.
  • Education: In Buddhism and Confucianism, it refers to the realization of the meaning and the value of human life. Confucian teaches speech, virtue and skills for living and arts. Confucian and Buddhist virtue teaches morality and proper conduct.
  • Peace: Buddhism advocates unconditional compassion that surpasses space and time for all living beings, stating that the universe is an entity. Confucianism is similar in that it teaches filial piety which is a foundation of the world peace.
Buddhist Practice and Confucian Practice
  • Human beings are superior to animals by advocating human relationships and moral principles. Confucianism teaches sincere and proper thoughts, correct conduct and a well-organized society. Buddhist enlightenment is identical to this.
  • The basic Confucian moral principles include loyalty, compassion, love, filial piety, trust-worthiness, peace, equality and responsibility. There are equally important in Buddhist belief.
  • Buddhist karma teaches the cause and effect of one's deeds. It is similar to Confucianism in that the latter suggests that one's happiness is based on one's good deeds.

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