Exploring the Core Common Principles in the Practical Cultivation of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism

Abstract

When any culture is first introduced to a foreign country, friction and conflict inevitably arise due to differences in national character, political ethics, religious beliefs, customs, and habits. In order to reduce such conflicts, the introducers of the culture must find common ground between the two, facilitating its acceptance and development. Buddhism is no exception. When Buddhism was first introduced to China at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was introduced in the form of Taoist practices. During the Wei and Jin dynasties, with the rise of metaphysical thought, Buddhism further aligned itself with metaphysics. In order to survive, Buddhism continuously sought to reconcile its teachings with traditional Chinese culture. As Buddhism took root in China, debates regarding the merits and shortcomings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism emerged. Scholars studying the similarities and differences between these three schools gradually increased, and it became widely acknowledged that Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism had many areas of overlap and integration. This paper mainly analyzes the commonalities of the three teachings in aspects such as "detachment from form," "respect for life and cherishing life," and "moral cultivation," emphasizing their similarities in views on life, morality, and the relationship between humans and nature. The research method employed is textual analysis, comparing the classic teachings of the three schools to reveal their similarities and differences in philosophical thought and ethics. The results show that Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism share significant commonalities in their respect for life, emphasis on moral cultivation, and advocacy for the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.