Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings

[byHisGrace]

Neverland:

Buddhism is beautiful. One of my best friends is a Buddhist. And the teaching, I don’t think is contradicting Christian’s teaching.

For a long time in my “wanderings” I spent time with Zen, Buddhism, and some attempts at understanding Hindu thought.
I, like you, Neverland, thought Buddhism to be beautiful because it appealed to where my thinking/feeling was at the time. I will tell you clearly, though, while some practitioners of Buddhism will claim that it is not in conflict or contradiction with Christian teaching, it most assuredly is, and is profoundly so, particularly in the very fundamentals of our faith regarding personhood, and God’s calling to us. There is a fabulous book I would encourage both you and Ahimsa to read called “Truth and Tolerance” by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger copywright 2003 which deals with this very subject. Regardless of your point of view, you will come away acknowledging the very premises of these non-Christian religions are incompatible with Christianity & Catholicism. I was again amazed at the tremendous gift our Pope Benedict is to us. In other words, you cannot finish this book, and not, in good conscience , be forced to choose your path.
May God Bless you!

 

[ahimsaman72]

Ahimsa:

Buddhism and Christianity would appear to have little in common. One is non-theistic for instance, the other, theistic. But the sayings of Jesus and the Buddha, whose teachings gave rise to the two religions are another matter. They have much in common in the realms of ethical behavior, discipleship, compassion, materialism and the inner life. The following are some examples.

Reprinted from “Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings” edited by Marcus Borg, published by Ulysses Press

Jesus: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
Buddha: “Consider others as yourself.” Dhammapada 10:1

Jesus: “If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.” Luke 6:29
Buddha: “If anyone should give you a blow with his hand, with a stick, or with a knife, you should abandon any desires and utter no evil words.” Majjhima Nikaya 21:6

Jesus: “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” Matthew 25:45
Buddha: “If you do not tend to one another, then who is there to tend you? Whoever would tend me, he should tend the sick.” Vinaya, Mahavagga 8:26.3

Hello Ahimsa!

People like Thomas Merton and Thich Nhat Hanh have always gotten my attention as well. They are both monks, one Christian: the other Buddhist. But, they are like brothers. Merton said that he and TNH were more similar than people of his own kind in that they see things in exactly the same way.

I don’t think either would be called into question as to moral character or intentions. The fact that these two monks from different spiritual traditions can agree on basic truths (which are beyond basic morality) is something to consider. Of course, Merton has no “authority” to speak on behalf of all Catholics, but he had profound insight into the nature of the world.

To get back to the point - I’ve said before that these two traditions have much in common. If we will remember the words of John the Baptist (referring to Jesus), “He must increase, but I must decrease”. That has always been a powerful statement for me. Others would look over it easily. This is a profound teaching. It boils down to letting go of this “ego” that we all have. It’s getting back to the root of existence.

For Mahayana Buddhists this involves getting back to our own true natures (which are Buddha nature). For Catholics I would say that getting back to our own natures involves seeing deeply the existence of God and his goodness. Although Buddhists refer to Buddha nature and Catholics to divine nature, there is great similarity in this respect.

TNH wrote a book which I treasure, “Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as brothers”. He laid down a foundation of understanding between these two traditions that I’ve yet to see be equaled. I was never the same after reading this book.

While Catholics may shun this kind of synthesis of spiritual traditions (and many Buddhists would too), I for one can appreciate both traditions and both founders without blinking an eye.

Peace…

 

[ahimsaman72]

Neverland:

Buddhism is beautiful. One of my best friends is a Buddhist. And the teaching, I don’t think is contradicting Christian’s teaching.

I have to agree (of course ) that Buddhism is a beautiful faith. And I’m glad you see the value in your friend and the faith they have chosen. It’s important to keep an open mind and at the end of the day remember that your friend is your friend, regardless of religious faith.

When you delve deeply into Buddhism you see some fundamental differences, but you will also see many similarities. It is noteworthy to us all that we can have meaningful dialogue and be spiritual friends without resorting to coming out of our corners after the bell rings with harsh intentions.

Peace…

 

[Ahimsa]

byHisGrace:

Regardless of your point of view, you will come away acknowledging the very premises of these non-Christian religions are incompatible with Christianity & Catholicism. I was again amazed at the tremendous gift our Pope Benedict is to us. In other words, you cannot finish this book, and not, in good conscience , be forced to choose your path.
May God Bless you!

Hello byHisGrace,

I agree that the Holy Father’s book Truth and Tolerance is very insightful, even though I may not agree with his characterization of Hinduism and Buddhism. Be that as it may, I certainly wouldn’t encourage anyone to mix Buddhism with Christianity, but to say that they are incompatible (that is, totally and completely antagonistic to one another) does not describe the whole story.

 

[byHisGrace]

Ahimsa:

Hello byHisGrace,

I agree that the Holy Father’s book Truth and Tolerance is very insightful, even though I may not agree with his characterization of Hinduism and Buddhism. Be that as it may, I certainly wouldn’t encourage anyone to mix Buddhism with Christianity, but to say that they are incompatible (that is, totally and completely antagonistic to one another) does not describe the whole story.

Ahimsa,

I humbly submit that while it might not be the “whole story”, they are inded incompatible. There is no way to reconcile the Church’s teaching on the personhood of God, the personhood of man, and who Christ claimed he was with Hinduism and Buddhism. While there may be many things in common with Christianity re: how we are to live our lives, (which can be a good thing) these things are coincidental. For example, a devout Christian and a moral athiest may live in very similar way but in NO way are their beliefs compatible. My point was that in the area of faith, one has to choose, because God does call us to truth. One is free to choose what they will, but they cannot do both and try to synthesize two different truths and keep any integrity.
May God bless you!