Taosim vs Buddhism (quotes, religion, religions, differences)

[Chowhound]

I am trying to get an understanding of the differences of some of the eastern religions or philosophies.

Came across the article.

Comments??


My Reading Corner: Taoism vs. Buddhism

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by Chowhound

I am trying to get an understanding of the differences of some of the eastern religions or philosophies.

Came across the article.

Comments??


My Reading Corner: Taoism vs. Buddhism

There are a few statements just in the first 3 paragraphs that indicate that the writer does not have an in depth understanding of either Buddhism or Taoism.
I just read a little but this is not a good way to begin to build a foundation of understanding either Buddhism or Taoism imo.
I recommend, for starters, that you read "The Way of Zen" by Allan Watts.
The focus is on Zen Buddhism but there is also a good overview at the beginning of the book that will help you to get a sense of the consciousness of the Taoists and then Buddhists in China over time.
And there's a book called "The Water Course Way" by Allan Watts that you might appreciate.
Or get a sense of him first by listening to him on YouTube.
AllanWattsYouTube
This is just to give you a good beginning and then you can take it from there.
Allan Watts may not be your cup of tea .. but it's a good way to introduce yourself to both Buddhism and Taoism.

[coyoteskye]

And i would to a library or bookstore so that you can find the best reading material.
There is so much on the web and so much of it isn't of much value imo.
It's too easy for just anybody to write just anything and there are very few "checks and balances".
Better, imo, to seek out those who have truly immersed themselves in the teachings (and perhaps ideally are practitioners) and aren't just looking at something like Buddhism or Taoism from the outside as a academic or academic wannabe.
This is not to say that there isn't any good information about both Buddhism and Taoism on the web.
But if it's so new to you and you have little awareness about it, best, imo, to seek out sources that are tried and true.
Here are some quotes on Taoism.
Some of them, i liked, for what it's worth.
http://www.taopage.org/quotes.html