Eastern Philosophies

According to Moore-Bruder (2005) Lao Tzu believed that a wise person would not try to change anything but simply observe the natural way of things. He also had philosophy that concurs with Socrates. This was that no person was without ignorance. This being true it would be unwise to follow anyone. Lao Tzu's idea was that if humans forced change they would only hurt themselves. Instead, one should follow the natural order of the universe. This order or way is called the "Tao". By trying to understand and follow the Tao a wise person follows a life of peace and balance without selfish desire. Like water, he or she follows the path of lease resistance.

Confucianism

Confucius

"The human being can be perfected"

Moore-Bruder (2005) states Confucius also believed that the Way or Tao was what happened naturally. Confucius believed that once a human being understood the Tao that human beings life would be of great worth as a matter of course. He also believed like Buddhism that one should not live a life of extremes. Long before Christianity came into being Confucius put forth the principle that it is a give and take world and that in order to have harmony one has to consider the needs of others and treat them, as you would want to be treated. In addition, he believed that a person should think and act correctly. In other words, not just speak of wisdom but live that wisdom. Christians would term it "practice what you preach". Confucius believed in the wise man should be so virtuous that everyone could trust them completely, and this included the rulers of country and government. In this, the author agrees with Confucius, if the wise man remains wise and does not become corrupt. Then that wise person can be a good advisor. Practically speaking Confucian Philosophy lives in reality and Lao Tzu's way does not. (Moore-Bruder 2005)

Buddhism

Siddhartha

Moore-Bruder (2005) wrote that like Confucius, Siddhartha paid his dues in study. In this, both young men learned and examined the sages of the past. All true philosophers follow this pattern. Siddhartha sought to find the source of human's suffering and found that suffering is the result of Karma. In addition, fear of change causes suffering but fear comes from Karma so they are the same. To overcome this suffering caused by selfish desire an attachment to one's life and individual must become enlightened to the fact that ones life and consciousness is not the true self. This enlightenment brings about a peaceful existence free from fear and suffering of birth and death. (Moore-Bruder 2005)

Comparison

Moore-Bruder (2005) contends Taoism is an attractive philosophy in that it is a practice without strife. This is however a mistake. Life is strife and through this strife, humans evolve. True Buddhism does not separate itself from daily life. It also adheres to the belief that desires are enlightenment. In other words, desires are what motivate one in life. The want is motivation. Then it follows that the achievement of the desire is what teaches the wisdom of whether that desire was correct. No one fully understands the nature and danger of fire until burned. Taoism is far from this idea and thus far inferior. Confucianism follows closely to Buddhism in that it teaches to enter into daily affairs as a wise person. The problem with Confucianism is that it fails to realize Karma. Without understanding Karma, it is impossible to understand thoroughly how governments and human beings within them are functioning. Since whole countries have Karma Confucianism falls far short of Buddhism in its ability to bring about lasting good change. (Moore-Bruder 2005)

Reference

Moore-Bruder (2005), The McGraw-Hill Companies, Philosophy: the power of ideas, Sixth Edition, I. 15. Eastern Influences