Report on Buddhist Mythology of different religious teachings

In Buddhism, myth is utilized at several intellectual levels for giving a quasi-historical and symbolic expression to different religious teachings. Buddhism, as explained above, is accepted in its terms and is a supernatural religion in such a way that without the teachings of Buddha, the truths wouldn’t be recognized or known by people. In the early schools, the teaching was explicit in which this revelation was recognized as related historically to the mission and objective of Shakyamuni in the world. With time, the idea of gracious assistance and continuous revelation of the Buddha was developed by some Buddhists. Therefore, the Buddha’s simple myth was developed into a thorough tradition.

 The acceptance and recognition of mythology have been a significant factor in Buddhism's development. It can be said that without the mythology related to the Buddha, most of the important material is eliminated from the religion. Myths are used for bolstering the primary stories about the Buddha. For instance, these subsidiary forms of myths include stories associated with the Buddhist canon’s recitation after the decease of Shakyamuni, explanations of the rebirth six spheres, and explanations of the Buddha’s previous lives.

            Actually, it is mainly from the archaeological and artistic remains that researchers have been capable of tracing the spread of mythology associated with the Buddha. The main destinations of this departure were Bengal and India. The early developments of this religion also influenced Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and South India (Harvey, 2012).

For the ancient Chinese, the Taoism was a philosophical and religious tradition. It is also known as Daoism. This religion was mostly adopted by the Tao people. Also, it can be noted that the Tao is the fundamental idea that is mostly used in Chinese philosophical schools. Moreover, it is denoting the main principle of pattern, substance and the source of anything that exists. This religion is totally different from Confucianism. But on the other hand, it contains some similarities like it gives information related to different disciplines for the sake of gaining perfection. They are creating a person with unplanned rhythms, and it is known as the way.

 It can be noted that the ethics of Taoist can vary, and it is dependent on the schools. The main thing is that they emphasize on such activities that are taken without any intention. The roots of Taoism were gained from the 4^th century BCE, and this religion was gaining cosmological notions from Naturalist school, and that school was considered as one of the oldest in the Chinese culture. Everything in their religion is totally different and unique from others. In this article, there is comprehensive information about Taoism and its symbolism, mythology, sculptures, and architecture in detail (Wong, 2011).

Symbolism and mythology in Taoism

There are many Taoists that are involved in conveying their ecstatic insights in the form of parables and images. The point is that the Dao is low and considered as soft as the water. Many of them considered it as the mysterious female. They had the belief that it is the main source of all lives on earth and also a mother of more than 10000 things.

They have a proper belief about the nature of human beings. They know that whenever the human overcome the hard time they take the lower ground and then according to that they make their own male and female sides. According to that, they always prefer femininity. Moreover, the Dao is basically the ridgepole, the axis the empty center, and the pivot point of the main hub. On the other hand, sage is known as the tree that has no meaning. In their religion, there are many skilled artisans that are not pondering their actions but contain union on different things like their work is always full of passionate things (Mou, 2012).

Also, it can be noted that the Daoists were involved in preserving Chinese mythology in ancient times. There are many Taoists that were explaining their views about this mythology. According to this, hundun myth was considered as the main symbol for the primal unity. Then after some time, the mythical emperors were celebrating the sensible Taoist rule, and through this, there was the introduction of harmful civilization. As time passes, these Daoist were transforming and also adapting some past myths and converted them into beliefs. Then according to their beliefs, the Queen Mother of the best was considered as the main mountain sprit, tigress ad pestilence goddess, and it is also known as Fairy Queen.

Architecture of Taoism

Their architecture of Taoism was extremely unique and different from other cultures. It can be observed from their different temple buildings. These buildings were extremely unique and represented a masterpiece. These temples mostly consisted of the divine hall, the room that contains different sculptures and also some reading materials for the practice of asceticism, the living room where there are different pictures and sculptures that are giving information about the past, the alter, proper reception room and a huge park for the visitors. At this park, they are able to take rest and enjoy. The layout of the temple was adopted by the old Chinese traditions. In their layout, the divine hall is present in the mean axis with the reception room and the living room for the Taoists. If we make together these parts properly, then there is a park that gave a complete view of the main temple (Kaltenmark, 1969).

The building for Taoist is extremely unique, and it is also reflecting the culture in a strong way. It is showing the pursuit of longevity, happiness, and immortality. In the time of Ming and Qing, there were many Taoism building built. In their history book, there is proper information about the building architecture and how much time it took to make such a huge art. There are some buildings that are present in China are listed as provincial and national key cultural. All of these buildings are under huge protection from the authorities. The design of Taoism temples is still one of the most worthy and precious for modern architecture.

The four main principles of Taoism

If someone is not a believer in Taoism, then there it is quite beneficial for him to follow these key concepts from their books so it will help them to navigate their life in a proper way for the future.

Their first principle is related to patience, simplicity, and compassion. In their book, there is comprehensive information about the importance of these words. They are known as the greatest treasures. It explains that if you are simple in your actions, then in return, you will receive different sources. Try to follow things with absolute patience; it will help you to grow slowly but gives you huge powers. In the last, if you are compassionate with others, then it will settle all beings of the world properly (Paula Hartz, 2004).

The next principle is related to going with the flow. This shows us if there is nothing in our lives is going well, then it shows that you don’t need to take extra steps that will harm you more in a bad way. In that case, you just need to allow different things in your lives and wait for the right time.

Moreover, their next principle is related to letting go of everything that creates problems. This principle teaches us that if you think that there is nothing in life is going good, and also you are trying too hard to achieve it but it is still out of reach. Then you just have to accept all the facts and figures properly and let it go. This will give you freedom and relaxation.

Their last principle is related to harmony. This is also an important principle, and it teaches us that if two persons are together with each other, then they are able to understand the problem and also creates a balance bridge where they can easily pass without any difficulty. Everything will be changed with time. There is just a need for proper balance and a sense of harmony to pass through it with perfection.

Taoists sculptures

It can be seen that Taoism had a huge inspiration for their art. They are involved in making different paintings, objects, calligraphy, sculptures, and clothing. They are making objects according to the different themes. These themes may include rituals, mountain, and cosmology. Moreover, the painting of Chinese is mostly influenced by Taoism. The reason is that their religion is completely based on the principle that was based on the rhythms of nature for reaching towards heaven. Their traditions are involved in making different sculptures on different occasions (Mou, 2012).

Conclusion of Buddhism and Taoism

            Overall, it can be said that Buddhism is considered a religion and the founder of this religion is the Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama over 2,500 years. Meanwhile, Taoism is also referred to as Daoism. At first, it was a philosophy which can be attributed to Lao Tzu and it became a religion understanding the dynasty of Tang. Both of these philosophies have a significant amount of symbolism within them and different images or symbols are utilized for representing different events and concepts.

References of Buddhism and Taoism

Harvey, P. (2012). An introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, history and practices. Cambridge University Press.

Kaltenmark, M. (1969). Lao Tzu and Taoism. Stanford University Press,.

Liang, H. (2012). Jung and Chinese Religions: Buddhism and Taoism. Pastoral Psychology, 61(5-6), 747-758.

Mollier, C. (2008). Buddhism and Taoism face to face: Scripture, ritual, and iconographic exchange in Medieval China. University of Hawaii Press.

Mou, Z. (2012). Taoism. BRILL,.

Paula Hartz, R. (. (2004). Taoism: The Enduring Tradition. Psychology Press.

Swearer, D. K. (2010). The buddhist world of Southeast Asia. Suny Press.

Wong, E. (2011). Taoism: An Essential Guide. Shambhala Publications.