Buddhism and Taoism - Similarities and Differences

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Taoism, where there is no one path to take in order to understand the true ‘Tao.’ The path chosen is on one’s own term. Rather than learning the definition of Tao, it is how your feelings respond to your own true human nature, and how it accepts the true nature of your existence.

The difference between Taoism and Buddhism are its views on the human condition and how we deal with it. With Buddhism, part of the enlightenment process is coming to terms with pain and suffering, where Taoism focuses more on living in the society we are in and finding the harmony and balance within it. In Taoism, the concept of suffering is non-existence, rather it promotes followers to live and enjoy life; to accept what is, is. Laotse speaks of the doctrine of wu-wei or “in-action,” (module):

“One reaches doing nothing, by doing nothing everything is done. He who conquers the world often does so by doing nothing,” (Book of Tao, Verse XLVIII) best describes the doctrine of “in-action” and remaining close to the natural state. To truly understand the true rhythm of life in the Taoist belief, one must accept what is and remain peaceful and calm, “Who is calm and quiet becomes the guide for the universe,” (Book of Tao, Verse XLV.)

The concept of rebirth in the Buddhist philosophy is non-existent in the Taoist belief. As Buddha once mentioned to Ananda in the Surangama Sutra, “…since beginningless time have formed a succession of deaths and rebirths, life after life, is because they have never realized the true Essence of Mind and its self-purifying brightness.” The elimination of desire and suffering brings relief from the cycle of reincarnation (module.) Buddha was concerned with ceasing the cycle of rebirth to reach Nirvana. Instead, Laotse was more concerned about the present.

In conclusion, I found that Buddhism and Taoism are similar in their peacefulness and moderation of things. Buddha taught the importance of sacrifice and acceptance of suffering as part of reaching Nirvana and Laotse emphasized the idea of remaining close to the simplicity of human nature and going with the rhythm of life.

References

Lin Yutang. (ed) The Wisdom of China and India. New York, NY: The Modern Library, 1955

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