Confucius and the Buddha (ritual, tradition, Buddhism, spiritual, philosophy)

[Green Gaia]

Is there any evidence to suggest that these two great teachers, who were alive at the same time, knew of each other and were influenced by the others teachings?

[Master Vigil]

I've never heard of Confucious meeting Buddha, but I have read that he met Lao Tzu. But since Buddhism didn't come to china until Bodhidarhma brought it there, I think it doubtful that they met.

[Engyo]

I must concur. I am aware that many Chinese and Japanese forms of Buddhism incorporate quite a bit of Confucian principles, due to the fact that these were widespread in China when Buddhism took root there, and Buddhism always adapts itself to the culture where it is practiced to a greater or lesser degree.

[Green Gaia]

They wouldn't have had to meet to be aware of each other and each other's teachings, however....

[Master Vigil]

I still would say no, because even the chinese style of buddhism is a little different than the original tradition that buddha taught. Correct me if I'm wrong. But confucious seemed to have a different outlook on life. Very centered on mankind, and civilization. Humans shape and form the tao, seems to be a difference than the buddhist ideas.

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

I still would say no, because even the chinese style of buddhism is a little different than the original tradition that buddha taught. Correct me if I'm wrong. But confucious seemed to have a different outlook on life. Very centered on mankind, and civilization. Humans shape and form the tao, seems to be a difference than the buddhist ideas.

Agreed, Confucianism is the philosophy of bureaucrats and patriarchs, not monks and hermits. Confucius was very concerned with tanglible results, ritual for it's own sake, and order, order, order. Granted, there was a fairly strong spiritual aspect to it but there was almost no discussion of consciousness which is a paramount subject within Buddhism. The two traditions complement each other nicely though, even if they're on very different wavelengths.