梁漱溟=Liang Shu-ming; 儒家=Confucianism; 佛家=Buddhism; 儒佛異同=similarities and differences between Confucianism and Buddhism; 亦儒亦佛=combination of Confucianism and Buddhism
Liang Shu-ming is a special figure in the history of modern Chinese thought. He follows both Confucianism and Buddhism, approving both to be human beings’ most valuable spiritual civilization. There are similarities and differences between Confucianism and Buddhism. Does Liang’s thought belong to Confucianism or Buddhism? The academia tends to define it as Confucianism. However, he claimed to be lingering between the two. In his later years, he emphasized that he had stuck to Buddhism without changes. In other words, he followed both Confucianism and Buddhism in his lifetime, but each took advantage in different life stages. This paper will divide his life into four stages: (1) Teenager (14-19): He followed Confucianism with ambition and honor but considered becoming a monk once. (2) Young Adult (20-29): He admired Buddhism wholeheartedly and had the preference for Theravada Buddhism. (3) Prime to Old Years (29-82): He turned to Confucianism and integrated the spirit of Mahayana Buddhism. (4) Later Years (83-96): He returned from Confucianism to Buddhism and followed Mahayana Buddhism. In sum, between Confucianism and Buddhism, he never totally abandoned one for the other. Instead, he made combinations and the two thoughts are inseparable in the development of his life.
