Expert: Joe McSorley - 9/25/2006

Question
I don't understand something. The heading you have states "taoist philosophy" and Zen Buddhism. While Buddhism speaks a great deal of "compassion" Taoism (if I understand it) talks a great deal about going with Nature.  But Nature can be vicious (survival of the fittest, etc).  If Buddhism speaks of compassion and Taoism speaks of nature,which is not compassionate how can they be compatible?


Answer
Hi Marc,
 I don't believe I've said Taoism and Buddhism are the same, though they share similarities at their apex.  Also, Zen does not have the emphasis on compassion that other forms of Buddhism have, especially Tibetan Buddhism.  My area is Zen Buddhism and not Buddhism in general. I studied the two philosophies independently and I do not offer a blend of the two.
 I hope this answers your question.
            Joe