Taoism, originated in China around the sixth century B.C.E. and Buddhism, came to China from India around the second century of the common era, Together have shaped Chinese life and thought for nearly twenty-five hundred years. One dominate concept in Taoism and Buddhism is the belief in some form of reincarnation. The idea that life does not end when one dies is an integral part of these religions and the culture of the Chinese people. Reincarnation, life after death, beliefs are not standardized. Each religion has a different way of applying this concept to its belief.

The goal in Taoism is to achieve tao, to find the way. Tao is the ultimate reality, a presence that existed before the universe was formed and which continues to guide the world and everything in it. Tao is sometimes identified as the Mother, or the source of all things. That source is not a god or a supreme being, as Taoism is not monothe

4. Right Behavior involves reflecting on one's behavior and the reasons for it. It also involves five basic laws of behavior for Buddhists: not to kill, steal, lie, drink intoxicants, or commit sexual offenses.

The similarities between Taoism and Buddhism in the belief of life after death far outweigh the differences. Both religions believe the individual must focus on the self to achieve the ultimate goal. To focus on oneself, all desires and personal ambitions must be forsaken. One

Buddhist must progress through a hierarchy to achieve Nirvana. The Taoist has no concept similar to karma, and no mention of the soul migrating to an animal form. The determining factor to one's life is contained in the individual behavior for the Taoist. By forsaking personal desires in life, by concentrating of the self, a longer life is prolonged. Eventually, by following the inner light, immortality can be achieved.

There exist so many different religions, and a lot of them are the basis of people's culture and belief. They seem to provide various tpyes of beliefs and principle. People worship numerous "gods" for different occasions. In ultimatum, the religion can be anything a person makes of it.

individuality" (Humphreys,1991, p15).

In the writings of The Tao Te King, tao is described as having existed before heaven and earth. Tao is formless, stands alone without change and reaches everywhere without harm. The Taoist is told to use the light that is inside to revert to the natural clearness of sight. By divesting oneself of all external distractions and desires, only then can one achieve tao. In ancient days a Taoist that had transcended birth and death, achieved tao, was said to have cut the Thread of Life(Schipper, 1978).

3. Right Speech involves both clarity of what is said and speaking kindly and without malice.

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Approximate Word count = 2422
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)