Religion: Buddhist and Legalism Way of Life

In ancient china there have been many belief systems which have pushed china to how they are today. Both legalism and Buddhism maintained social and political harmony using there philosophy. They also had two different beliefs in what a good ruler should be.

The philosophies Buddhism and legalism both have very different ideas of how a good ruler should act. Buddhist leaders should act kind, make fair decisions and protect the people. A good ruler treats his relatives with kindness and respect and practices good moral. Legalist beliefs in a good ruler however are very different than Buddhist beliefs.

The characteristics of a good ruler in legalism are showing no doubt in giving awards and give no pardon in administering punishment. In other words the ruler should be very strict and never doubt his decision. Buddhist leaders reach out with kindness while legalism leaders act with authority. Both Siddhartha Guatama's (Buddhist leader) and Hanfeizi's (legalist leader) philosophies have made china how it is today.

Buddhism and legalism both maintained social and political harmony. Hanfeizi maintains social and political harmony in the Han dynasty by threatening people with the death penalty. It teaches people not to break rules or you will be punished. Hanfeizi also does this by beating people who steal with strokes, this makes people not steal again and it make others aware of the consequences of one who steals or trespasses on other people's property.

By doing so the message was spread to obey and listen to their leader or they will be punished. In order to maintain social and political harmony in Buddhist communities Buddha spread the message to his people that you should be kind to everyone and conquer evil with kindness. Many Buddhist people believed in the forces of nature so they were very peaceful people. Buddha also got the message to his people that they must conquer themselves and get rid of all their desires.

Buddhism and Legalism helped make up ancient china. Two very different philosophies have worked in creating an ancient society that today is looked upon as what can be called a golden age. Both Buddhism and legalism were used in creating a stable community which eventually led to cultural achievements. By using two very different things, peace and violence many great things can be achieved. Our world would be very different today without legalism and Buddhism.