Buddhism and Christianity: Similarities and Contrast
Buddhism and Christianity are both religions that have a rich historyand millions of devout followers throughout the world. In some ways, thetwo religions are similar, being based largely on the teachings of a singleman; the Buddha in the case of Buddhism, and Christ in the case ofChristianity. "How many people have provoked this question - not 'Who areyou''...but 'What are you''...Only two: Jesus and Buddha." (Smith, p82).There are many differences however, in their interpretations of the worldand the afterlife, that make each religion unique. Buddhism was founded upon the teachings of the Buddha, who was born(most likely) in the 5th century BCE, to a noble family in northern India."The infant was born in the royal palace in Lummini, according to thetablet found by the archaeologists in 1896; and there he was namedSiddhartha Gautama." (Gaer, p40). Being of high birth in a Hindu societywith an established caste system, Gautama lived the first decades of hislife in luxury and comfort. A confrontation with an old, sick man leftGautama disillusioned about the nature of life, and he left his life of In contrast to Christianity, Gautama did not become 'the
At the time of Christ's birth, the Jews of Judea were living anoppressed existence and were eager to welcome a Messiah that could leadthem. Unlike the Buddha, Jesus did not acquire his revered status laterin life, Jesus was born divine. The ideal in Buddhism is not God, orheaven, but nirvana. In the short time of his ministry, estimated to be between one andthree years, Jesus drew a following and many supporters. Buddha'until he was in his thirties, after becoming awakened to the nature tolife. The Third Noble Truth states that there is a way for us toescape this perpetual desire that keeps us tethered to this world. Like Christianity, the historical development of Buddhism has led tomany different sects and versions of Buddhist practice. The eight areas of concern dealtwith are; right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, rightlivelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The basis of Christianity is "the life of a Jewishcarpenter who.
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