Practice and Faith in Eastern Traditions

This chapter interweaves personal history with the history of Buddhism, popular bodhisattvas, Confucianism, and Taoism. It covers how these disparate traditions became a syncretic tradition, interweaving their way together into the complex spirituality across East Asia. The chapter discusses how these traditions are at once personal but have had a role in statecraft. Also discussed are the native spiritual beliefs that preceded these beliefs. The chapter ends with some experiences meant to help those in healthcare and mental healthcare better connect to their patients. It discusses the need to help people find freedom in this ever-changing world, to take the traditions that help them, and have the strength and freedom to leave others behind so that they can meet our changing times with resilience and tenacity.