 Although Confucianism was cast in stark contrast to the perceived alien and morally inept Buddhism by those such as Ouyang Xiu , Confucianism nonetheless borrowed ideals of Buddhism to provide for its own revival . From Mahayana Buddhism , the Bodhisattva ideal of ethical universalism with benevolent charity and relief to those in need inspired those such as Fan Zhongyan and Wang Anshi , along with the Song government . In contrast to the earlier heavily Buddhist Tang period , where wealthy and pious Buddhist families and Buddhist temples handled much of the charity and alms to the poor , the Song government took on this ideal role instead , through its various programs of welfare and charity ( refer to Society section ) . In addition , the historian Arthur F. Wright notes this situation during the Song period , with philosophical nativism taking from Buddhism its earlier benevolent role : 
