Basic Philosophical Differences between Zen, Buddhism and Taoism
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This is a 4 page paper describing some of the basic differences and relationships between Buddhism, Taoism and Zen. The differences between Buddhism, Taoism and Zen are based on the level of definition allowed within each belief. Buddhism based on the life of Buddha around 500 B.C. and has defined truths, paths, precepts, and jewels in order for individuals to eventually reach Enlightenment through meditation. Buddhism has certain doctrines which take into account individuals’ treatment of others and themselves in order to proceed along the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment. Taoism, is a much more loosely based discipline which is based on writings of Lao Tzu around 600 B.C. and is considered as “The Watercourse Way” or the flowing of nature. The flow of Nature and the ultimate truth, or Tao, cannot be explained in words but does contain certain concepts related to the balance within the universe. For every yin (negative) force which exists, there too is a yang (positive) force. Zen is one step further past defined concepts. The concept of Zen is void of all preconceptions and is not dependent on doctrines, duality or even that those who practice Zen be members of Zen Buddhism as founded by the monk Bodhidharma in the 6th century A.D. Meditation is considered as essential for the basis of all three concepts of Buddhism and the path to Enlightenment; Taoism in the concept of Tao; and essentially for Zen where the practice of sitting meditation (zazen) is devoid of all other concepts and definitions. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TJzenbt1.rtf

Beauty and Harmony in Taoism and the Works of Wordsworth
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A 6 page paper comparing beauty and harmony as approached by Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC and by William Wordsworth 2500 years later. Wordsworth was not a Taoist, of course, but his poetry nonetheless reflects much of the Taoist position on beauty and harmony. Nature is the overriding natural order for each; nature exemplifies both beauty and harmony. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: KSwordsTao.wps

BELIEF IN DEATH: A COMPARISON BETWEEN HINDUISM AND ISLAMIC RELIGIONS
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This 5-page paper compares and contrasts beliefs on death and the afterlife in the Hindu and Islamic religions. The essay also discusses basic core tenets of both faiths and touches on ritual following death. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: MThinisl.rtf

Bhagavad Gita
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A 5 page research paper that, first of all, summarizes the structure of the ancient Hindu religious text. Then the writer critically examines the book and concludes that there is a great deal in the Gita that concerns the maintaining the societal status quo. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khgita.wps

Buddha by Karen Armstrong
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This is a 5 page paper which provides a brief review and analysis of the book Buddha by Karen Armstrong. The bibliography has 1 source.
Filename: JHBudd.rtf