Comparison On The Ethical Views Between Buddhism And Confucianism

In terms of ethics, Buddhism and Confucianism can be compared. This paper attempts to analyse the similarities and differences between the both from three aspects: spiritual feature, practical pattern and target. Benefiting other people as well as oneself is the fundamental spirit of the Zen Buddhism and the value of its religious ethics. In Confucian thoughts, loyalty and leniency are the kernel to deal with the relations among people. The similarity between the ethics of Buddhism and Confucianism lies in that, the subject practising moral manners is indivindical, but the beneficiary covers oneself and other people. Of course, Buddhism is different from Confucianism in a way: The former wants to help all living creatures and even non-sentient beings whereas the latter stresses ethics from the angle of society. In practical pattern, both depend on internal consciousness and external binding. Buddhism attaches much importance to postnatal training through the theory of heart and nature with the aim of voluntarily observing discipline. Confucianism integrates Heaven, Earth and Human Beings through humanity courtesy. Humanity is integral whereas courtesy is external. Humanity is the ultimate realm of courtesy whereas courtesy is the way to fulfill humanity. Both Buddhism discipline and Confucian courtesy have double binding forces and give great leed to filial obedience. The former is based on voluntary consciousness whereas the latter is a coercive measure which results in two levels, namely, gentleman and Villain. Both attach importance to reach ultimate target by oneself based on different reasons. Buddhism thoughts develop from the other world to internal heart whereas Confucianism is out of historical reason and its own limits. Buddhism is after spiritual freedom and eternal nirvana which are at the expense of reality whereas Confucianism stresses reality From the train of thought, both start from "self in logic to reach ethical ideal. In addition, Buddhism has constantly assimilated Confucian thoughts when it spreads in China, showing more and more concern about reality.