During the 100s CE, Chinese tended to equate the Buddhist concept of nirvana with dao.
Dao (also spelled Tao) is a complex concept in Chinese philosophy, but it roughly translates to “the way” or “the path.” It refers to the underlying order and principle of the universe. There are many interpretations of dao, but it often encompasses ideas like:
Early Chinese Buddhists, looking for ways to translate the unfamiliar concept of nirvana (liberation from suffering), found dao to be a suitable equivalent. Nirvana emphasizes achieving a state of perfect peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and dao resonated with similar ideas of achieving harmony and unity.
This association helped Buddhism gain traction in China during the early centuries. By linking it to familiar philosophical concepts, it made Buddhism more accessible and understandable to the Chinese people.
During the 100s CE, Chinese tended to equate the Buddhist concept of nirvana with dao.
Dao (also spelled Tao) is a complex concept in Chinese philosophy, but it roughly translates to “the way” or “the path.” It refers to the underlying order and principle of the universe. There are many interpretations of dao, but it often encompasses ideas like:
The natural order of things
Balance and harmony
The flow of life
Unity with nature
Early Chinese Buddhists, looking for ways to translate the unfamiliar concept of nirvana (liberation from suffering), found dao to be a suitable equivalent. Nirvana emphasizes achieving a state of perfect peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and dao resonated with similar ideas of achieving harmony and unity.
This association helped Buddhism gain traction in China during the early centuries. By linking it to familiar philosophical concepts, it made Buddhism more accessible and understandable to the Chinese people.