TAOISM AND BUDDHISM

TAOISM AND BUDDHISM
Introduction
One dominant perception within Taoist and Buddhist is the belief in some form of reincarnation. The idea that life does not end when one dies is an integral part of their religions and the culture of the Chinese people. Each religion has a different approach or pathway to this ultimate goal and of applying this concept to its beliefs. This paper will describe a brief history of each religion, the beliefs, teachings or pathways to obtain this goal and the concept of reincarnation as they apply to Taoism and Buddhism.

History
Scholars believe that Taoism began as a way of thinking around the sixth century B.C.E. But the roots of Taoist thought are much older than that. They are as old as the oldest legends and beliefs of the Chinese people. For many Taoist believers, Taoism can be traced to the great and wise ruler Huang Di, also known as the Yellow Emperor. (Hartz 16) Like the Yellow Emperor centuries before him, the man on whose teachings...