NOTES:

Notes on Final Topics

1. Zhuangzi and the Goddess:

Daoism and Mahayana Buddhism

The Butterfly and the Exchange of Gender

Similar core philosophy: Z: Wordless Dao vs G: Emptiness; Z: Live in the world of Things vs G: Form

Differences in themes: Z: Nature vs G: Beings; Move away from society vs Create ideal society (bodhisattva)

2. Shinran (Shin Buddhism) and Laozi (Daoism)

    Similar core philosophy: 

Live close to the earth, in rhythm with nature (Both Shinran and Laozi: Farmers)

Live simply, in body-mind balance (let go of too much thinking, live in rhythm with the body)

Differences in philosophy and social vision:

Laozi: The Daoist easily slips into the wordless Dao, blends in harmony with nature; blend with the Dao

Shinran: The Shin Buddhist carries a heavy burden of (evil) karma; relies on Other Power Compassion; emptiness/oneness

Laozi: Harmony with Nature and the Dao

Shinran: The single practice of the Nembutsu - Chanting the Name of Amida Buddha - Great Compassion

3. Shinran (Shin Buddhism) and Dogen (Soto school of Zen Buddhism)

Similar core philosophy: single, simple, core practice (seated meditation and chanting Nembutsu)

Based on Mahayana Buddhism: Two-fold truth of form and emptiness

Differences: Dogen: Retreat into the Monastery to cultivate elite monks in the monastery

Shinran: Live and practice among the farmers, entrust self to Amida, Boundless Compassion

4. Wonhyo and Shinran

Shinran: married, had a family; Wonhyo: went into the brothels - embraced the prostitutes

6. Krishna in the Gita Govinda (story of milk maidens) and Wonhyo: Hindu and Buddhist

Bhakti - Hindu Devotion without attachment; Path of Compassion without attachment