History: East Asian Civilization - Essay Example

f Buddhism on Zhu Xi, Mencius and the school of practice of Buddhism and discuss its part that is a composition of Zhu Xi, the distinction of Zhu Xi from Confucianism, and lastly, Mencius’ influence on Zhu Xi. Confucianism and Buddhism, together with their respective protagonists, played key roles in laying the foundation of East Asian Civilization in all aspects of the economy, social life, and politics. Buddhism, despite being perceived mainly as a religion, can be described as both a philosophy and religion, founded about two and half millenniums ago by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

Buddhism entails living life morally upright, being mindful, and thoughtful of one’s actions, understanding and wisdom. These scenarios can be described as an awakening, something that Buddhism tends to define its origin, and a state in which Buddha himself came into being at the age of 35 when he discovered Buddhism (Holcombe, 71). A scripture, The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch (De Bary, 273), explains vital Buddhist principles. The scripture follows teachings by one of the last patriarchs of Chan Buddhism, Master Huineng, and brings out the wisdom he imparts.

“Good Friends, purify your minds and concentrate on the Dharma of the Great Perfection of Wisdom” (De Bary, 273). It also goes ahead to acknowledge the troubles that Huineng, from a poor background, went through in search of this knowledge. “…I am Lingnan, a commoner from Xinzhou. I have come this long distance to make obeisance to you…” (De Bary, 274). In the same way, this was a connotation to show devotion and thus foster the same in the current crop of Asians to pursue knowledge the same way.

Confucianism, brought about by Confucius, is a philosophy majorly in China describing emphasis on the rightness of social affiliations, morality in the way the government acts, honesty, and justice. “Confucianism is commonly considered to be the mainstream of Chinese, and East Asian, tradition.”