Confucianism and Buddhism: Which has greater potential to become a global mainstream philosophy?

Why does Buddhist philosophy seem more aligned with the core values of the modern world? The key to Buddhism's contemporary appeal lies in its universality and cross-cultural flexibility. For example, concepts such as "Life is suffering," "Desire, anger, and ignorance are the roots of suffering," "The practice of the Eightfold Path," and "Compassion and emptiness" do not rely on specific languages or cultural backgrounds. These core ideas can be understood and applied across various civilizations, making them more capable of transcending religious, regional, and ethnic boundaries. Additionally, Buddhism does not emphasize the concept of a singular deity or salvation, making it more accessible to followers of other faiths and even atheists. Buddhism's dialogue with modern science Modern psychology and neuroscience have begun to intersect with Buddhism. "Mindfulness meditation" has been validated by numerous studies as an effective method for alleviating anxiety, stress, and insomnia, and has become a key approach in psychological therapy. Prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, and MIT offer courses related to Buddhist studies or mindfulness. Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama have long collaborated with neuroscientists to explore the positive effects of meditation on brain structure and emotions, deepening the tangible connection between Buddhism and modern science. A methodology rather than a mandatory belief system Unlike traditional religions that emphasize "faith," Buddhism offers an operational methodology: - Zen meditation can be seen as a form of focus and mental training. - Emptiness serves as a philosophical reflection. - Karma represents a logical relationship between actions and consequences. This openness and flexibility make Buddhism a thought system that resonates in multicultural societies. The limitations of Confucianism While Confucianism is a foundational philosophy of East Asian culture, it is often perceived as a traditional ethical system that struggles to align with modern concepts of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Its context remains heavily rooted in the Chinese cultural sphere, making it a regional mainstream philosophy that is difficult to expand globally. In an era that values diversity, cross-cultural, cross-religious, and interdisciplinary connections, only philosophies that truly transcend boundaries and foster understanding and empathy have the potential to become global mainstream ideologies. In this regard, Buddhism has clearly made greater strides.