A Comparison Of A Bodhisattva And Junzi - 870 Words

Exemplary Persons: A Comparison of a Bodhisattva and Junzi In reviewing the Asian religions, I found Buddhism and Confucianism to be interesting subjects. Specifically, I found their notions of what makes a superior or accomplished person to be engaging. The equivalent of an accomplished religious figure in Buddhism is a bhodisattva, or one who is dedicates his life to attaining complete enlightenment for all living beings. A superior person in Confucianism is one is â€Å"worthy of high station by virtue of moral achievement† (Hagen). These figures parallel each other in terms of action, relationships, and morality. In the following essay, I will compare the relating aspects of the junzi and bodhisattva. In their moral characteristics, the bodhisattva and the junzi have resemblance. The direct translation of the title bodhisattva means â€Å"enlightened being† (190). The key aspects of morality of the bhodisattva are found in the Noble Eightfold Path. This path is taken when individuals have a desire to become a bhodisattva and pledge to the bhodisattva vow. In taking this vow, the bodhisattva is reborn as an individual; his past life is of no consequence. In essence, the bodhisattva has a new life and his intention is to be as close to the Buddha as possible The eightfold path outlines the basic vows that a bhodisattva must incorporate on a daily basis. The eight-fold path includes the following components: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right conduct, right