Buddha and Confucius

Описание: During the period from the 6th to the 5th century BCE, known as the Axial Age, great thinkers emerged concurrently across the globe.

Buddha (c. 563/480 – 483/400 BCE) and His Contemporaries in the Indian Subcontinent

Buddha's era was a time of remarkable flourishing in philosophical and religious thought within the Indian subcontinent.

1. Mahavira
· He was the founder of Jainism.
· He was a contemporary of the Buddha for a significant period. Jainism placed great emphasis on the doctrine of Ahimsa (non-violence towards all living beings). It is believed that this principle also influenced Buddhism.
2. Makkhali Gosala, founder of the Ajivika sect
· This sect believed in the doctrine of Fate (Niyativada), holding that all karma and its effects, good or bad, were pre-determined.
· The Buddha severely criticized this doctrine.
3. The beginnings of Sankhya and Yoga philosophy
· The philosophical ideas concerning the connection between the Atman (Self) and Brahman (Ultimate Reality), found in India's classical philosophical texts, the Upanishads, were already mature during this period.

Confucius (551–479 BCE) and His Contemporaries in China

Confucius's era corresponded to the late Spring and Autumn Period in China, marking the initial phase of the "Hundred Schools of Thought", a period renowned for the emergence of numerous intellectuals.

1. Laozi - Founder of Taoism
· According to historical records, he was likely an older contemporary of Confucius, or lived around the same time.
· Taoism emphasized the "Tao" (The Way), advocating for harmony with nature and the rejection of artificiality. Its tenets offered a contrasting perspective to the social rules and norms promoted by Confucianism.
2. Mozi - Founder of Mohism
· Although he emerged slightly later than Confucius, his philosophy is considered part of the same intellectual landscape.
· In opposition to Confucius's concept of "graded love", which involved distinctions based on relationships and status, Mozi promoted the idea of "Universal Love" (Jian'ai). He was also skilled in defensive military technologies.

Contemporaries on a Global Scale

Remarkably, other great thinkers also emerged concurrently in different parts of the world during this period.

· Persian Region: Zarathustra (Zoroaster) - Founder of Zoroastrianism (c. 6th century BCE).
· Greek Region: Pythagoras - Greek philosopher and mathematician (c. 570–495 BCE).

Analysis

This "Axial Age" occurred as human societies were transitioning from tribal villages to urban civilizations. Increasing social complexity created a need for new foundations regarding the meaning of life, ethics, and systems of governance. Consequently, in different civilizations across the world, great thinkers emerged roughly simultaneously, seeking answers to fundamental questions for humanity.

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