Why is the status of dragons so different between Taoism and Buddhism?

China is a farming culture, and dragons are closely related to agricultural water conservancy. For example, in the Book of Changes, the dragon can symbolize the farming season.

"Day 9: Hidden Dragon, no need." At the beginning of winter solstice, the first sun moves, which is represented by the first sun. Hidden dragon, the dragon is still underwater and it hasn't rained yet. Don't use it. Don't work in the fields at this time. My wife and children are hot at home.

"92: Seeing dragons in the field is good for seeing adults." Shocked, the first spring rain fell in the field, and the so-called Longquan broke up and ascended to heaven. At this time, it is beneficial to have big talents. Why? It is difficult to grasp the farming season, spring sowing is early, and the cold spring will freeze the spring seedlings to death; Spring sowing was late, which delayed the farming season and harvest for one year. Difficult, you need experienced adults to seize the opportunity.

"Jiusan: A gentleman works all day long, if it is too late. There is nothing to blame. " Planting crops, the harvest of that year depends on whether the people who grow crops are diligent or not. The so-called one-year plan lies in spring. At this time, we should weed and fertilize frequently, otherwise the grass will grow taller than the wheat seedlings, and it will be sad if the grass is green and yellow next year. Take good care of crops and don't take it lightly, so as to "forgive the past".

"94: I still jump deep, no wonder." Yue Long is out, and it rains heavily in summer, which is not a bad thing. Busy for a spring, take a breath, save some rations, save strength and prepare for the autumn harvest.

"Ninth Five-Year Plan: the flying dragon is in the sky, which is beneficial to meet adults". Flying dragons are in the sky, and the clouds and rain are impermanent. Don't miss the autumn harvest when the weather is fine, lest the autumn rain rot all the crops in the field. At this time, adults should have self-control, and they will be relieved when they see that the crops are getting better in a year. It doesn't seem important to start harvesting tomorrow or today. If you are careful, if you wait a day or two, the risk of this autumn rain will be great. Adults must take the lead in harvesting crops quickly.

Serve wine: Kang Long, have regrets. Winter is coming, and the dragon is back in the water. It is necessary to keep the grain for a long time after harvest.

Dragon is an important worship closely related to production and life in agricultural society. But after all, this is to live, not to solve why to live. Tathagata is spiritual and worships Buddhism. Dragon is the worship of economic foundation, and Tathagata is the worship of superstructure. Spiritual worship gives life meaning.

The Journey to the West is one of China's four classical novels, which can be said to be the most romantic fantasy novel in the world. It has a strong flavor of China culture and contains many philosophical thoughts of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The novel especially worships Buddhism. Some friends I know worship the Monkey King's fighting Buddha. He told me himself that his parents believed that he was sheltered by the Monkey King. Therefore, Tathagata is the highest position in The Journey to the West.