Vo, Kiet See all items with this value

2008

Master of Arts in Religious Studies

Locke, Kenneth A.

Confucianism supports the family life. In contrast, Buddhism supports the ascetic life. Clearly Confucianism and Buddhism are two polar opposite teachings. More interesting is the fact that Hoahaoism (Hoa Hao Buddhism) teaches both Confucius and Buddhist teachings. Is there a contradiction here? With one teaching that supports the worldly life and one that supports the renunciant life is Hoa Hao Buddhism able to harmonize the two seemingly incompatible teachings? So, in the end, is there harmony in Hoa Hao Buddhism? I would argue yes. If we take each of these teachings to be a special medicine, then the medicine can be delivered to the appropriate patient. For example, one can prescribe a cold medicine to a person seeking relief form a fever, or a placebo for a person seeking relief from other sufferings. Likewise, Hoa Hao Buddhism can teach Confucianism to those seeking a family life, and Buddhism to those seeking a renunciant life.
The hard work in this research paper is in the collection of data from Hoa Hao’s teachings and using them in the conclusion to show that they do not teach two contradicting practices. But, before the data can be used to show that Hoa Hao Buddhism does indeed teach both Confucius and Buddhist teachings, I must first translate everything from Vietnamese to English. This research paper can be used to introduce some Hoa Hao teaching to the Americans.

Huỳnh, Phú Sổ See all items with this value

Phật-giáo Hòa-Hảo See all items with this value

Criticism See all items with this value

University of the West