It’s important not to conflate surface-level similarities in language/word or concepts with actual doctrinal or practical unity.

Yes, various systems may use similar words — “mind,” “balance,” “well-being” — but that doesn't mean they point to the same goal or method. In buddhism, the ultimate aim is liberation from saṃsāra — the cessation of dukkha (unsatisfactoriness, suffering). This is fundamentally different from Taoism, psychology or feng shui, which do not concern themselves with transcending rebirth or attaining nibbāna.

The Buddha made this clear:

“This is the Noble Truth of the Path leading to the cessation of suffering: it is this Noble Eightfold Path...”
— Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, SN 56.11

Buddhism does not present a lifestyle enhancement or a psychological framework. It presents a path to complete liberation from the cycle of becoming — something the Buddha realised and taught after seeing that no other system (spiritual or worldly) led to that cessation.

So while it may seem tempting to group teachings together because they talk about the “mind” or “energy,” such an approach ultimately obscures what is unique and profound about the Buddha’s teaching — that it’s not about adjusting to the world, but going beyond it.

But of course, if you think it benefits you positively/deepens your understanding to conflate these ideas, sure, by all means.

This post has been edited by hotjake: May 22 2025, 02:34 PM