Taoism vs. Buddhism and Shinto
What are the Differences Between These Three Eastern Religions?
Understanding Buddhism and Shinto is important for Taoists, because many people across Asia practice Shinto, Taoism and Buddhism side by side.
Buddhism vs. Taoism: An Introduction
Even though Buddhist beliefs are sometimes intertwined with Taoism, there are strict differences between the two religions.
Dukkha and Tao
One of the main concepts of Buddhism is "Dukkha," or "suffering." Metaphorically, Buddhists believe life itself is suffering. Taoists on the other hand, believe life is good.
In order to overcome Dukkha, Buddhists strive to reach "Nirvana," or Enlightenment. Enlightenment is obtained through non-selfish behavior, following the 8 fold noble paths of Buddha and stopping the process of rebirth. When one ceases to be reborn, they lose all form, self and conscience. They return to the nothingness out of which everything is made.
Buddhist Enlightenment is equivalent to the Taoist concept of Ultimate Transformation. In Taoism however, Ultimate Transformation implies that the soul survives after death, and that it can travel throughout space and the world of the Immortals.
Ko Ch’ang-Keng
Ko Ch’ang-Keng is the Buddhist version of Taoism. It incorporates elements of Taoist alchemy. Buddhist-Taoism became popular among Chinese scholars, mainly because of its connection to traditional medicine.
Ko Ch’ang-Keng was first introduced in the 13th century B.C.E. It was practiced by the Buddhist meditation sect known as the Ch’an. The Ch’an believed the human body could produce certain elements found in nature, such as lead and mercury. If one could "extract" these elements from the human body, it could lead to the secret of immortality.
Shinto and Taoism: A Brief Overview
What is Shinto?
Shinto is the native religion of Japan. "Shinto" means "The Way of the Gods," and refers to the indigenous spirits of Japan known as Kami. Understanding Shinto is important for Taoists, because many Japanese practice Shinto, Taoism and Buddhism side by side.
Kami
The concept of Kami differs from Taoist deities. Kami are viewed as powerful beings who reside on earth. They are said to possess unimaginable amounts of power. Some Kami are good; while other Kami are bad. Anything out of the ordinary, such as a genetic mutation, or a strangely shaped object in nature, was believed to hold large quantities of Kami spirits.
Taoist deities are only found in the teachings of "Religious Taoism," opposed to "Philosophical Taoism."
Condition of the Soul
In Shinto, purity and perfection are the most important qualities a worshipper must posses. This concept is similar to Religious Taoism, where purity of the body is necessary to gain immortality. Rather than focusing on strictly their health however, followers of Shinto also believe they must rid themselves of greed, desire and lust. "Tsumi" is a modern term to describe crime or sin, and to commit Tsumi would be distasteful in the eyes of Kami.
Death
Worshippers of Shinto also believed it was necessary to bathe after funerals. This would prevent evil Kami from entering their bodies. Death was seen as something vile, and brought with it cursed spirits and pollution of the soul. Philosophical Taoists would argue death is not evil, but is part of life and should be embraced. It is not something to be feared or despised.
