A Comparative Study of Laozi’s Philosophy and Original Buddhism

　　ABSTRACT: There are similarities and dissimilarities between Laozi’s philosophy and original Buddhism. The latter paid no attention to the matter of abstract worldview while the former did. The common point of the two is their way of thinking in tracing the source of the phenomenal world and describing the course of the generation of life phenomena. In terms of values, Laozi and original Buddhism both pursued spiritual transcendence. Their difference lies in that Laozi affirmed realistic life whereas original Buddhism denied its value.