The Lives of Confucius and Guatama Siddhartha
The Life Of Confucius
Throughout the time span that man has lived on earth, there have been
many religions in existence. Two very important and influencing religions that
have been around for over two thousand years are Confucianism and Buddhism. The
founders of these two religions, Confucius and Buddha, respectively, lived
different lives and had different thoughts. Although this made two totally
different religions, they both had one common goal. That common goal was to
assist the human population and improve their lifestyle.
Confucius was a sage in China and also it's greatest philosopher. He
was one of the most prominent figures and is respected throughout all of China.
He was born at Tsou, in the state of Lu, known today as the Shandong province,
in the year 551 B.C. He was named Ch'iu, meaning ‘hill', because he had a very
large bump on his head. This name has rarely been used because of the Chinese
way of showing “reverence by avoidance”. (Encyclopedia Americana, v. 7; 540)
K'ung Futzu was what was used. The name got Latinized and it became Confucius.
Ever since Confucius' birth, he was a great student. All throughout his
childhood Confucius liked to play religious and cultural roles. By the age of
15, Confucius began to take his studies very seriously. He was a diligent and
studious learner and put forth his whole effort on his studies. Nothing is
known about his educators or his education.
Confucius started work at an early age, due to the fact that his father
died. By the age of seventeen, Confucius received a job in the public service.
Most likely this job was being a keeper of fields and cattle, a town governor,
or a court arbiter of ritual. Confucius, because he loved to learn and he loved
his studies so much, became a very educated man and in turn was highly respected.
In 529 B.C. Confucius' mother died and observed the standard withdrawal
from life of three years. This included the withdrawal from his duties as a
public worker. After this long observance, Confucius returned home and opened
his house up to students and began teaching. This became his full time job and
he took it seriously. At one point, Confuc...
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... These two major
philosophers have/had a major impact on society. Even though these religions
are very different they are also very the same. They wanted to help society and
help the individuals in the society. They were two very smart individuals that
have affected the world when they were alive and will affect anyone who follows
their religions in the future.
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Americana; 1994; S. v. “Confucianism”
Encyclopedia Britanica; 1991; S.v. “Confucianism”
Creel, H.G., Confucius and the Chinese Way, New York: Harper and Bro. Publishers,
1960.
Legge, James, The Philosophy of Confucius, New York: The Peter Pauper Press,
1976.
McNeill, William H., A History Of The Human Community Volume I: Prehistory to
1500, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1992.
Nakamura, Hajime, Gotama Buddha, Los Angelos: Buddhist Books International, 1977.
Smith, Huston, The World's Religions, New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1991.
Starr, Frederick, Confucianism, New York: Covici-Friede, 1930.
Takakusu, Junjiro, A Life of the Buddha, Japan: Mitsutoyo Mfg. Co., Ltd., 1964.
Yamamoto, Kosho, The Buddha, Japan: The Okazakiya Shoten, 1961.
"On the great journey of life, if a man cannot find one who is better or at least as good as himself, let him journey joyfully alone." The story of Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse makes this point true. The main character Siddhartha dealt with the Samanas and Gotama Buddha, the second with Kamala and then the ferryman. The three parts correspond to the three stages though which Siddhartha passes on his journey to enlightenment: The stage of the mind; the stage of the flesh; the stage of transcendence.
Siddhartha and Gandhi strove for different goals during their lives. Siddhartha's goal was very personal, while Gandhi's goal encompassed the world. This was shown by their spiritual development throughout their journeys. Siddhartha evolved from an inexperienced spiritual being to a man, returned to spirituality, and ended with nirvana. Gandhi traveled a much straighter path, originally being a worldly man merely seeking his correct place in life, when his spiritual development unexpectedly produced a great world leader; in Gandhi's own words, a politician trying to be a saint. Siddhartha and Gandhi's main goals were always different, but they traveled similar paths at times.
Territory. On his ranch he led the life of a cowboy. He would round up cattle
with long hair and an old torn loin cloth come to me. Many young men come to me,
Bohdidharma who traveled throughout China. He is also known as Da Mo in China, or Daruma
“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” (“Quotes by Buddha”) The Buddha went through many trials and tribulations to reach enlightenment. But, he persevered and once he reached this state, he shared his spiritual knowledge with countless others (Editors of Biography.com).
doctor, a journalist, and most of all, he was an adventurer. He was not the quiet type of person, and he thoroughly
Siddhartha, written by Herman Hesse, is a novel about a man's progression towards his goal to center his life with a combination of peace and balance. Many of the displayed philosophies can be applied to today's world. Through my reading, I noticed many similarities between my life and Siddhartha's. First, Siddhartha felt a need for independence, that to truly be happy with his success, he must attain his achievements in his own way, and not others. Even though, he feels he must acquire this by himself, he tries to be as removed from his human side as possible. Only later does he learn that individuality and freedom from necessity must be united to procure his objectives and free him from his imperfections. Second, Siddhartha discovers that things and riches do not bring happiness. They are only temporary. No matter the extent of wealth a person has this never satisfies the insatiable need for possessions. Lastly, Siddhartha found that balance is the key to peace and happiness. Although a simplistic teaching, it is very complex to learn and apply. In my life, I can relate to his path and lessons, because I feel the same struggles and battles with attaining serenity.
boats, and selling coal from a cart. On his off times he would go around to
named Kung Fuzi. Which is latinaized as Confucius, he lived from 551 to 479 b.c.e.
A large amount of ancient texts contain themes relating to violence, power, and war, while others, such as The Bhagavad Gita and Confucius’ Analects, focus on individual and collective development through a series of selfless acts. The two texts provide an in-depth system of duties and learning created to provide direction for the betterment of the self, as well as society as a whole. The Bhagavad Gita places a greater focus on the duties of individuals that must be fulfilled to achieve an enlightened state with the divine forces. Contradictory consequences are presented for those who choose to act in an egotistical manner and deny their duties. Confucius’ Analects, on the other hand, places its main focus on collective development and responsibility
in the name is pronounced ?Satay-wan? since the Th. is not pronounced in the Japanese
he makes a number of choices, "turns", that put him on a path of his
noble birth and he had a lot of responsibility in his kingdom. He is looked up to by most for leadership and guidance.
Socrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha have many similarities; they both believe in the importance of justice and good, and a simpler way of life. However, they have different goals: Socrates concerns with worldly meanings and codes, he deals with truth and morals. Buddha concerns with attaining the outer-worldly through mastering the worldly. Socrates relinquishes sensual desires in hopes of spiritual rebirth after death and achieving enlightenment in life. Buddha relinquishes the same ideas, but in hopes of living an enlightened life on earth. (The Dhammapada: Socrates & Buddha Vs. Desire) My contention is to compare Philosopher Socrates from Plato and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha, and I will demonstrate their similarities and differences based on their practices and beliefs.