Mystery Text Confucian or Buddhist
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The “Mystery Text” is questioned as to whether it expresses Confucian or Buddhist
teachings. I believe the poem exerts ideas and beliefs of Buddhism because many of Carrithers
statements and Buddhist teachings in his book are also mentioned in the poem as well.
In the 5th stanza of the poem the writer says no matter what characteristics you hold,
physically or mentally, “may all beings gain inner joy”. This is an idea that was taught and
practiced by the Buddha. Carrither also mentions this in his book and quotes a passage from
early Buddhist poetry that is fairly similar to what is written in the poem. “Whatever beings may
exist – weak or strong, tall, broad, medium or short, fine material or gross, seen or unseen, those
born and those pressing to be born – may they all with exception be happy in heart” (pg. 89). The
idea of this “loving-kindness” no matter what type of person you were was strictly Buddhist and
not Confucian. Buddhism didnt focus on social status where as people who studied
Confucianism believed social status to be very important and if you were higher socially you
should be happier and have better benefits.
Buddhism also believes in the idea of Nirvana which is further described in Carrithers book as, “a state beyond human thought, beyond life and death and reincarnation” (pg 74). This is
described in the final line of the poem, “And he shall never again be born of the womb.” This
refers to the man finally being virtuous and full of knowledge, so he as a Buddhist will
reach Nirvana and never have to be reborn again.
By reading Michael Carrithers “Buddha” and learning ideas and teachings of the
Buddha himself, it is clear that the “Mystery Text” poem is an example of Buddhism.
Carrithers goes into great detail about many of the Buddhas practices and the ideals behind the
religion which are also present in the poem as well.