What are the major differences between Buddhism and Taoism?

I'm having a very hard time telling the two apart!

Once there in federal prison who cares.

Fundamentally, there isn't much difference. The only real difference in doctrine is semantic.

Here are some good websites. There are quite a few differences.

In very general terms...

Buddhism is the notion that our attachment to ourselves causes an endless cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth, and that the solution is to overcome the self through Enlightenment

Taoism is the notion that there's a "Way" that pervades all of the universe, and that our actions should be in accord with that Way.

In practical terms, you probably wouldn't notice a big difference in the actions of a Buddhist and a Taoist. But their motivations are a bit different.

This is a long answer, I know, but hopefully it will help you distinguish between these two ancient traditions.

Buddhism appeared in India around 450 B.C.E. as a result of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Buddhist practices cultivate compassion, wisdom, generosity, and creativity.

Taoism appeared in China around the same time as Buddhism developed in India. However, unlike Buddhism, Taoism generally lacks an organizational structure or a unified body of teachings. Taoist practices cultivate peacefulness, "non-action," harmony with circumstances, longevity, and spontaneous action.

Although Taoism and Buddhism are distinct spiritual traditions, they meet at one point: Zen Buddhism (Ch'an).

When Buddhism was first introduced to China in the 1st century CE, the Chinese referred to it as "Indian Taoism" because of the apparent strong affinity between the two traditions.

Taoists took the Buddhist concept of emptiness to mean the same thing as the Taoist notion emptiness. This was an error, since the Taoist notion of emptiness refers to qualities such as restraint, patience, frugality, simplicity, and lack of worldly desire; in Buddhism, emptiness refers to the never-ceasing flux of the universe.

Probably the two most important Taoist concepts to influence the development of Zen Buddhism are:

- "Wu Wei," or 'not doing.' This doesn't literally mean passivity. It means acting in accord with a situation. Ch'an internalized this concept as "correct function" -- perceiving how to function correctly, from moment to moment. However, in Ch'an correct function means acting for the benefit of all beings (Bodhisattva action) -- a concept that existed in Taoism but didn't occupy a major focus.

- "Pu," or 'natural state.' Taoist training cultivated "Pu," a mental state not confused by thinking, ideas of right/wrong, good/bad, beautiful/or ugly -- just pure awareness. This concept first appears in the writings of the 3rd Ch'an patriarch, Seng-Ts'an, who wrote, "The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences. If you wish to see the truth then hold no opinions for or against anything."

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On practice:

Both traditions have a great many practices, more than can be easily described here. But here's a summary:

Buddhism: Seated meditation, chanting, bowing (prostrations), study, koans (Zen only), visualizations, and mantra repetition.

Taoism: Seated meditation, chi Jung (energy work), ritual activity and ceremonies, dietary management (!), astrology, and various internal and external martial arts.
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Good sources of introductory information for each:

Buddhism: "It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein
Taoism: "Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu, Stephen Mitchell translation

I'd say the main sticking point between the two is Karma.

Buddhism (and I'm talking VERY broadly) deals with ending the suffering of cyclic existence (Samsara). Buddhism believes in purifying and training the mind and heart. Then we will awaken to the realization of the truth and achieve liberation (Nirvana).

Taoism (on the other hand) is focused more with this life, and living in complete harmony. In other words, not reacting to events around us, but having the ability to foresee future events from observing activities around us today. With consideration, we should then be able to take the necessary steps to avoid situations of conflict (IE action instead of reaction).