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Page 1: (2) Buddhism & Christianity Compared

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Buddhism & ChristianityBuddhism & ChristianityComparedCompared

Ivan FrimmelIvan Frimmel

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V arious Pictures of Jesus V arious Pictures of Jesus

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Beliefs not shared (1)Beliefs not shared (1)Beliefs about God:Beliefs about God:

Buddhism:Buddhism: In its original forms, Buddhism did not teach of theIn its original forms, Buddhism did not teach of theexistence of any transcendent, immanent, or any other type of Being, Godexistence of any transcendent, immanent, or any other type of Being, Godor Gods, Goddess or Goddesses... However, many Buddhistsor Gods, Goddess or Goddesses... However, many Buddhists ----

particularly in Japanparticularly in Japan ---- do now believe in a pantheon of deities, but only ado now believe in a pantheon of deities, but only a very few would define Buddha as the Jews, Christians or Muslims define very few would define Buddha as the Jews, Christians or Muslims definethe word ´Godµ; they see Buddha as an Enlightened Being and Teacherthe word ´Godµ; they see Buddha as an Enlightened Being and Teacher ² ² and a perfect example to emulate and show respect to.and a perfect example to emulate and show respect to.

Christianity:Christianity: Christians believe in One God, the Creator of the universe,Christians believe in One God, the Creator of the universe,as described in the Old Testament, who defined Himself there as ´I Amas described in the Old Testament, who defined Himself there as ´I Am

Who I AMµ; many believe that He is actually a Trinity (Father, Son Jesus Who I AMµ; many believe that He is actually a Trinity (Father, Son JesusChrist & Holy Spirit), and for many Christians Jesus Christ is not just aChrist & Holy Spirit), and for many Christians Jesus Christ is not just aSon of God, but a God Himself as revealed to humanity, and for themSon of God, but a God Himself as revealed to humanity, and for them´Jesus Christµ is a synonym for ´Godµ.´Jesus Christµ is a synonym for ´Godµ.

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Beliefs not shared (2)Beliefs not shared (2)

Unlike Christians, Buddhists do not believe in:Unlike Christians, Buddhists do not believe in: An original golden era An original golden era in thein the Garden of EdenGarden of Eden , and a, and a subsequentsubsequent fall of fall of humanity humanity ..

O riginal sinO riginal sin shared by all presentshared by all present--day humans, derived from Adam and Eve,day humans, derived from Adam and Eve,and the belief inand the belief in depravity of mandepravity of man, derived from Calvinistic teachings., derived from Calvinistic teachings.

A world A world--wide flood wide flood in the time of Adam, causing the greatest humanin the time of Adam, causing the greatest humangenocide in history.genocide in history.

Jesus Christ Jesus Christ as a personal savior, whose death enabled individualas a personal savior, whose death enabled individual salvationsalvation..

E ternal lifeE ternal life spent in either aspent in either a heaven or hellheaven or hell after death. For Buddhists, heavenafter death. For Buddhists, heaven& hell are only temporary realms.& hell are only temporary realms.

EE nd of the worldnd of the world in the near future.in the near future.

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Beliefs not shared (3)Beliefs not shared (3)Unlike Christians, the Buddhists do not believe in:Unlike Christians, the Buddhists do not believe in:

The existence of soul The existence of soul: :

Buddhism:Buddhism: One of Buddhist key terms & beliefs isOne of Buddhist key terms & beliefs is annata =annata =no (individual & unchanging) self or soul.no (individual & unchanging) self or soul.

Christianity:Christianity: Most Christians believe inMost Christians believe in ´ having a soulµ ´ having a soulµ oror´b

eing a soulµ,´b

eing a soulµ,although many of them find it difficult to definealthough many of them find it difficult to defineexactly what they mean by exactly what they mean by ́ soulµ.´ soulµ.

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Beliefs not shared (4)Beliefs not shared (4)

The Buddhist idea about the The Buddhist idea about the emptiness oremptiness or

voidness (sunnyata) of all concepts & phenomena voidness (sunnyata) of all concepts & phenomenais not generally shared by Christians, only hintedis not generally shared by Christians, only hintedat by a very few mystical Christians (i.e. St John of at by a very few mystical Christians (i.e. St John of the Cross, Meister Eckhart, etc).the Cross, Meister Eckhart, etc).

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Some Similar Beliefs (1)Some Similar Beliefs (1)Life after deathLife after death :: Almost all religions teach that a person's Almost all religions teach that a person'spersonality continues after death. In fact, many religious historianspersonality continues after death. In fact, many religious historiansbelieve that this belief was the prime reason that motivated peoplebelieve that this belief was the prime reason that motivated peopleto originally create religionsto originally create religions. Christianity and Buddhism are no. Christianity and Buddhism are noexception. However, they conceive of life after death in very exception. However, they conceive of life after death in very different forms:different forms:

BuddhismBuddhism teaches that humans are trapped in a repetitive cycle of birth,teaches that humans are trapped in a repetitive cycle of birth,life, death and rebirth, through reincarnation (of 9life, death and rebirth, through reincarnation (of 9 thth or Alaya Consciousness).or Alaya Consciousness).One's goal is to escape from this cycle and reach Nirvana. The mindOne's goal is to escape from this cycle and reach Nirvana. The mindexperiences complete freedom, liberation and nonexperiences complete freedom, liberation and non--attachment. Suffering attachment. Suffering ends because desire and craving ends because desire and craving ---- the causes of suffering the causes of suffering ---- are no more.are no more.

ChristianityChristianity has historically taught that everyone has only a single life onhas historically taught that everyone has only a single life onearth. After death, an eternal life awaits everyone: either in Heaven or Hell.earth. After death, an eternal life awaits everyone: either in Heaven or Hell.

There is no suffering in Heaven; only joy. Suffering is eternal without any There is no suffering in Heaven; only joy. Suffering is eternal without any hope of cessation for the inhabitants of Hell.hope of cessation for the inhabitants of Hell.

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Some Similar Beliefs (2)Some Similar Beliefs (2)

O n E ternal LifeO n E ternal Life

Buddhism:Buddhism: In a sense, there is a belief in an eternal life,In a sense, there is a belief in an eternal life,through a cycle of births & rebirths, but one is not sure whatthrough a cycle of births & rebirths, but one is not sure whatone·s next life will end up being one·s next life will end up being -- a temporary heaven or hella temporary heaven or hell-- it all depends on the actions of one·s present life«it all depends on the actions of one·s present life«

Christianity:Christianity: Eternal life in heaven is promised to all whoEternal life in heaven is promised to all whoaccept the free gift of salvation by Jesus Christ, withoutaccept the free gift of salvation by Jesus Christ, withouthaving to do anything else to ´deserveµ it except to accepthaving to do anything else to ´deserveµ it except to acceptthis ´free giftµ«this ´free giftµ«

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Some Shared Beliefs (1)Some Shared Beliefs (1)E

thic of ReciprocityE

thic of Reciprocity (The Golden Rule):(The Golden Rule):

Buddhism, Christianity and all of the other major world religionsBuddhism, Christianity and all of the other major world religionsshare a basic rule of behavior which governs how they are toshare a basic rule of behavior which governs how they are totreat others.treat others.

BuddhismBuddhism´ ...a state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict that upon another?" ´ ...a state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict that upon another?"

Samyutta NIkaya v. 353.Samyutta NIkaya v. 353.´H urt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." ´H urt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."

U danaU dana--Varga 5:18. Varga 5:18.

ChristianityChristianity´T herefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,´T herefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them.µ do ye even so to them.µ Matthew 7:12.Matthew 7:12.

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Some Shared Beliefs (2)Some Shared Beliefs (2) Themes of morality, justice, love: Themes of morality, justice, love: These themes are found These themes are foundthrough both the Buddha's teaching and the Hebrew andthrough both the Buddha's teaching and the Hebrew andChristian Bible.Christian Bible.

Beliefs about the power of prayer:Beliefs about the power of prayer: Some traditions withinSome traditions withinBuddhism believe in the power of prayer; others do not. MostBuddhism believe in the power of prayer; others do not. MostChristians do believe in the power of prayer. U nlike mostChristians do believe in the power of prayer. U nlike mostBuddhists, especially Zen Buddhists, only some ChristiansBuddhists, especially Zen Buddhists, only some Christiansbelieve in the wisdom that can be found in striving for anbelieve in the wisdom that can be found in striving for an´empty mindµ or total mental silence.´empty mindµ or total mental silence.

Beliefs about coming Savior:Beliefs about coming Savior:Some Buddhists believe in Miroku, or Maitreya BuddhaSome Buddhists believe in Miroku, or Maitreya Buddha ² ² thethe"" future Buddha future Buddha ." They expect him to be reincarnated and spread." They expect him to be reincarnated and spreadBuddhism further. Most Christians believe in the second coming Buddhism further. Most Christians believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ.of Jesus Christ.

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Some Shared Beliefs (3)Some Shared Beliefs (3)

Inability to express the highest Truth in wordsInability to express the highest Truth in words

Just like many Buddhists, many Christians, Just like many Buddhists, many Christians,

especially of the ´mysticalµ kind, realize that theespecially of the ´mysticalµ kind, realize that thehighest Truth cannot be expressed in words,highest Truth cannot be expressed in words,only inonly in

SilenceSilence -- i.e.i.e. total absence of cerebrationtotal absence of cerebration

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Story of M eeting between a Zen Buddhist M onk & a Trappist M onk (1)Story of M eeting between a Zen Buddhist M onk & a Trappist M onk (1) A Zen Buddhist monk and a Trappist Christian monk met on a balmy spring day with the trees leafing out and many A Zen Buddhist monk and a Trappist Christian monk met on a balmy spring day with the trees leafing out and many flowers in bloom. They bowed and shook hands admiring each other's robes and discussing many points of similarity flowers in bloom. They bowed and shook hands admiring each other's robes and discussing many points of similarity in the organization of their monastic lives. Both had taken vows of poverty. Both were celibate. Both lived inin the organization of their monastic lives. Both had taken vows of poverty. Both were celibate. Both lived inseparated communities. Both had rituals they did every day. Enjoying this process of comparing their lives, they separated communities. Both had rituals they did every day. Enjoying this process of comparing their lives, they decided to explore the ideas that informed their religious orders. They found a shady bench to gain shelter from thedecided to explore the ideas that informed their religious orders. They found a shady bench to gain shelter from theafternoon sun and began to talk.afternoon sun and began to talk.

First the Trappist monk exclaimed,First the Trappist monk exclaimed, "Central to our thinking is the T rinitarian understanding of God. God is one expressed as "Central to our thinking is the T rinitarian understanding of God. God is one expressed as three: T he Father God from whom the Universe was created and to whom it will return; T he Son who took human form to show us,three: T he Father God from whom the Universe was created and to whom it will return; T he Son who took human form to show us, the the alienated creatures of God, how to restore our relationship and who gave his life to appease the Father; and the H oly Spirit alienated creatures of God, how to restore our relationship and who gave his life to appease the Father; and the H oly Spirit whowho continues continues the Divine presence in our daily lives b y making the reality of God known to us in each moment.´ the Divine presence in our daily lives b y making the reality of God known to us in each moment.´

The Zen monk responded, The Zen monk responded, "Your ideas of God are very strange to us. We do not b elieve in an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent "Your ideas of God are very strange to us. We do not b elieve in an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent God. In fact we b elieve just the opposite.T hat there is nothing b eyond this wheel of cause and effect.H ere is how we talk a God. In fact we b elieve just the opposite.T hat there is nothing b eyond this wheel of cause and effect.H ere is how we talk a b ou b out it in the t it in the Lotus Sutra, one of our most inspiring texts: Lotus Sutra, one of our most inspiring texts:

T he Bodhisattva of Compassion From the depths of prajna wisdom saw the emptiness and sundered the b onds that caused T he Bodhisattva of Compassion From the depths of prajna wisdom saw the emptiness and sundered the b onds that caused suffering.suffering.

Form here is only emptiness, emptiness only form. Form is no other than emptiness, emptiness no other than form.Form here is only emptiness, emptiness only form. Form is no other than emptiness, emptiness no other than form.Gate, Gate, Para gate, Para sam gate,b ohdi svaha! Gone, Gone, Gone b eyond; Gone b eyond the b eyond, Wow! (very loosely Gate, Gate, Para gate, Para sam gate,b ohdi svaha! Gone, Gone, Gone b eyond; Gone b eyond the b eyond, Wow! (very loosely

translated) Respect,translated) Respect,

honor and attention to the Awakened One! honor and attention to the Awakened One!

" H mmm," " H mmm," said the Trappist Monk.said the Trappist Monk. " T his isn't going tob e as easy as I had hoped. Some of what you say reminds me of the centering " T his isn't going tob e as easy as I had hoped. Some of what you say reminds me of the centering prayer we dob ut it is also different prayer we dob ut it is also different .. One thing I think we can agree upon is the importance of what we do to help people get to heaven. I One thing I think we can agree upon is the importance of what we do to help people get to heaven. I know that the fruit of my cloistered life will b e to ascend to heaven after I dieµ.know that the fruit of my cloistered life will b e to ascend to heaven after I dieµ.

"Not me!" "Not me!" said the Zen monk. "said the Zen monk. " I have taken Bodhisattva vows. I will b e re b orn in this world again and again until all b eings have I have taken Bodhisattva vows. I will b e re b orn in this world again and again until all b eings have b een b rought to enlightenment. If b eing b orn in hell helps in that process, I'd gladly go.´ b een b rought to enlightenment. If b eing b orn in hell helps in that process, I'd gladly go.´

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"Very nob le and courageous!" "Very nob le and courageous!" said the Trappist monk.said the Trappist monk. "I see our cosmologies are very different. I think though there is one area that "I see our cosmologies are very different. I think though there is one area that I'm sure we can find agreement.T he importance of faith. We must b elieve our scriptures and teachers. We must clean out our d I'm sure we can find agreement.T he importance of faith. We must b elieve our scriptures and teachers. We must clean out our dou b ou b ts and ts and fill our mind with Divine T ruth.́ fill our mind with Divine T ruth.́

"Sadly, again we have differences in thinking" "Sadly, again we have differences in thinking" said the Zen monk.said the Zen monk. " T he Buddha taught that we must not speculate a b out the nature " T he Buddha taught that we must not speculate a b out the nature of divine truth or overly revere a particular teacher. In fact if we meet the Buddha on the road, kill him! T his expression i of divine truth or overly revere a particular teacher. In fact if we meet the Buddha on the road, kill him! T his expression is a s a very very

profound puzzle, what we call a koan, we wrestle with. Our goal is tob e independent of outside authority and find out what i profound puzzle, what we call a koan, we wrestle with. Our goal is tob e independent of outside authority and find out what is t s true for rue for ourselves.T he Buddha insisted that his disciples not take his word for anything.T he disciple was encouraged to sit down, me ourselves.T he Buddha insisted that his disciples not take his word for anything.T he disciple was encouraged to sit down, medit ditate, follow ate, follow his instructions and find out the answer through personal experience.´ his instructions and find out the answer through personal experience.´

For a moment the two sat with their brows furrowed wondering how they could talk to each other when they had soFor a moment the two sat with their brows furrowed wondering how they could talk to each other when they had somany conceptual disagreements. One believed in God and the other didn't. One was guided by faith and the othermany conceptual disagreements. One believed in God and the other didn't. One was guided by faith and the other

wasn't. One believed we had one life and the other many lives. How could they communicate? wasn't. One believed we had one life and the other many lives. How could they communicate?

"I propose another way for us to dialogue with each other." "I propose another way for us to dialogue with each other." Said the Zen monk. Quietly he drew in a long deep breath andSaid the Zen monk. Quietly he drew in a long deep breath andslowly exhaled the breath followed by a short shallow breath in and out.slowly exhaled the breath followed by a short shallow breath in and out.

The Trappist monk winked at him and repeated the same breaths. The incense of lilac was in the warming spring air The Trappist monk winked at him and repeated the same breaths. The incense of lilac was in the warming spring air which awakened their minds to the present moment. which awakened their minds to the present moment.

The Trappist monk gestured to a bold robin as it flew to their feet and chirped at them. The Zen monk closed his The Trappist monk gestured to a bold robin as it flew to their feet and chirped at them. The Zen monk closed hiseyes as a gentle breeze brushed his cheek. The Trappist monk scooped up some water from a nearby pool andeyes as a gentle breeze brushed his cheek. The Trappist monk scooped up some water from a nearby pool andsprinkled a little on the Zen monk's shaved head. The Zen monk smiled and bowed.sprinkled a little on the Zen monk's shaved head. The Zen monk smiled and bowed.

While they couldn't agree conceptually about the structures of their religions, in that silent moment of spiritual While they couldn't agree conceptually about the structures of their religions, in that silent moment of spiritualpractice, they recognized something in the other which connected them as brothers in wordless agreement.practice, they recognized something in the other which connected them as brothers in wordless agreement.

Story of M eeting between a Zen Buddhist M onk & a Trappist M onk (2)Story of M eeting between a Zen Buddhist M onk & a Trappist M onk (2)

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Ten Precepts / V irtues Ten Precepts / V irtues1. No killing any living beings1. No killing any living beings2. No taking what has not been given2. No taking what has not been given3. No sexual misconduct3. No sexual misconduct

4. No lying 4. No lying 5. No drinking of liquor5. No drinking of liquor6. No wearing or adornments and perfume6. No wearing or adornments and perfume7. No enjoying singing & dancing 7. No enjoying singing & dancing

8. No sleeping in large, raised beds8. No sleeping in large, raised beds9. No eating after noon9. No eating after noon10. No possessing of gold, silver and other precious10. No possessing of gold, silver and other precious

metalsmetals

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The Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments1.1. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the landI am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land

of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have noof Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have noother gods before me.other gods before me.

2.2. You shall not make for yourself a graven image. You shall You shall not make for yourself a graven image. You shallnot bow down to them or serve them.not bow down to them or serve them.

3.3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.4.4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.5.5. Honor your father and your mother.Honor your father and your mother.6.6. You shall not kill. You shall not kill.

7.7. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not commit adultery.8.8. You shall not steal. You shall not steal.9.9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.10.10. You shall not covet. You shall not covet.

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The Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths

1.1. All life involves suffering All life involves suffering

2.2. The cause of suffering is desire and attachment The cause of suffering is desire and attachment

3.3. Desire and attachment can be overcome, andDesire and attachment can be overcome, and thisthisstate is called Nirvanastate is called Nirvana

4.4. The way to end suffering is through following The way to end suffering is through following the Eightfold Paththe Eightfold Path

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The E ightfold Path The E ightfold Path

1. Right view 1. Right view 2. Right thought2. Right thought

3. Right speech3. Right speech4. Right action4. Right action5. Right livelihood5. Right livelihood6. Right effort6. Right effort

7. Right mindfulness7. Right mindfulness8. Right concentration8. Right concentration

W isdom & Understanding

Ethical Conduct

Mental Discipline

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Q uestions & Answers (1)Q uestions & Answers (1)Do Buddhists believe in God?Do Buddhists believe in God?

It depends what you mean by God. Within the various schools of BuddhismIt depends what you mean by God. Within the various schools of Buddhismthere is a great deal of variation in the belief in a Supreme Being. Beliefs rangethere is a great deal of variation in the belief in a Supreme Being. Beliefs rangefrom atheism, through agnosticism, monotheismfrom atheism, through agnosticism, monotheism ('ground of being')('ground of being') up toup to

multifaceted aspects of Enlightened Mind«multifaceted aspects of Enlightened Mind«

One of the preOne of the pre--eminent deities of Tibet is actually a Goddesseminent deities of Tibet is actually a Goddess -- Tara, the Tara, thecompassionate rescuer and Holy Mother. She is often seen as being compassionate rescuer and Holy Mother. She is often seen as being equivalent to the Virgin Mary in the Christian pantheon.equivalent to the Virgin Mary in the Christian pantheon.

At a more philosophical rather than devotional level, there are certain At a more philosophical rather than devotional level, there are certaindifficulties with accepting the Judeodifficulties with accepting the Judeo--Christian idea of an omniscient,Christian idea of an omniscient,omnipotent, logically necessary being or First Cause. Within Buddhistomnipotent, logically necessary being or First Cause. Within Buddhistphilosophy this view of God would be regarded as suffering from a numberphilosophy this view of God would be regarded as suffering from a numberof internal logical contradictions, and possibly a ratherof internal logical contradictions, and possibly a rather dubious politically dubious politically motivated history.motivated history.

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Q uestions & Answers (2)Q uestions & Answers (2)

Isn't the aim of Buddhism to become completelyIsn't the aim of Buddhism to become completelydetached from everyone and everything?detached from everyone and everything?

No,No, the idea that Buddhists seek total detachment orthe idea that Buddhists seek total detachment orindifference to others is disinformation originated inindifference to others is disinformation originated inthe Papal Bullthe Papal Bull 'Crossing the Threshold of Hope''Crossing the Threshold of Hope' ..

The truth is that Buddhists are motivated by The truth is that Buddhists are motivated by compassioncompassion to work towards being reborn intoto work towards being reborn intosituations where they can reduce the suffering of allsituations where they can reduce the suffering of allsentient beingssentient beings, and ultimately lead them all to, and ultimately lead them all toenlightenment.enlightenment.

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Q uestions & Answers (3)Q uestions & Answers (3)

Isn·t Buddhism a form of nihilism?Isn·t Buddhism a form of nihilism?

No. Buddhism uses negation (similar to theNo. Buddhism uses negation (similar to the Via Via Negativa Negativa in Christian mysticism) in theirin Christian mysticism) in their philosophical arguments for the purpose of: philosophical arguments for the purpose of:

highlighting the relativity (thus only partial truth orhighlighting the relativity (thus only partial truth orfalsity) of all opposing viewpoints;falsity) of all opposing viewpoints;

stilling the usual discursive, fickle and conceitedstilling the usual discursive, fickle and conceitedmind;mind;

arriving at the nonarriving at the non--dual experience called Nirvana«dual experience called Nirvana«

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Q uestions & Answers (4)Q uestions & Answers (4) There are so many different schools of Buddhism, more than there are There are so many different schools of Buddhism, more than there aresects of Christianity. They can't all be right, so most of them must besects of Christianity. They can't all be right, so most of them must be

wrong. Which is the real Buddhism? wrong. Which is the real Buddhism?

One reason there are so many different schools is that Buddhists accept and respectOne reason there are so many different schools is that Buddhists accept and respectdiversity. It is said that there are 84,000 gateways to the Dharma (Buddha'sdiversity. It is said that there are 84,000 gateways to the Dharma (Buddha'steachings).teachings). Buddha presented the same underlying philosophy with different 'userBuddha presented the same underlying philosophy with different 'user--interfaces' according to the predispositions of the students.interfaces' according to the predispositions of the students.

When you think about it, people are so different in character, temperament and When you think about it, people are so different in character, temperament andexperience that it would be surprising if one size did fit all.experience that it would be surprising if one size did fit all.

Another reason for the great diversity is that, in general, the various schools of Another reason for the great diversity is that, in general, the various schools of Buddhism don't persecute one another.Buddhism don't persecute one another. There have been a few local exceptions, but There have been a few local exceptions, butnothing on the scale of the fratricidal sectarian wars which have waged for hundreds of nothing on the scale of the fratricidal sectarian wars which have waged for hundreds of years within Christendom.years within Christendom.

So the answer to the question 'which form of Buddhism is right?'So the answer to the question 'which form of Buddhism is right?' -- It's the one that'sIt's the one that'sright for you!right for you!

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Q uestions & Answers (5)Q uestions & Answers (5)

Don·t all religion reject evolution?Don·t all religion reject evolution?

Buddhism is the one exception, and is quite happy withBuddhism is the one exception, and is quite happy withthethe theory of evolutiontheory of evolution . In fact Buddhist philosophy . In fact Buddhist philosophy actually requires evolution to take placeactually requires evolution to take place -- all things areall things areseen as being transient, constantly becoming, existing seen as being transient, constantly becoming, existing for a while and then fading.for a while and then fading. The idea of unchanging The idea of unchanging species would not be compatible with Buddhistspecies would not be compatible with Buddhistteachings.teachings.

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Q uestions & Answers (6)Q uestions & Answers (6)

Don·t all religions cause terrorism and war?Don·t all religions cause terrorism and war?

With stories of religious terrorism seldom out of the news nowadays, there is With stories of religious terrorism seldom out of the news nowadays, there isa tendency in the West to regard all Asian religions as dangerous fanaticala tendency in the West to regard all Asian religions as dangerous fanaticalcults. Noncults. Non--Western religions are often lumped together as being barbaric, Western religions are often lumped together as being barbaric,primitive, intolerant and aggressive.primitive, intolerant and aggressive.

This is discriminatory, ethnocentric, and very unfair to Buddhism. Buddhism This is discriminatory, ethnocentric, and very unfair to Buddhism. Buddhismis peaceful, promotes the arts and sciences, forbids wars of conquest, and hasis peaceful, promotes the arts and sciences, forbids wars of conquest, and hasbeen associated with some very advanced civilizations, such as that of King been associated with some very advanced civilizations, such as that of King

Ashoka in the third century BC. Ashoka in the third century BC.

Any religion which propagates by intimidation rather than reasoned Any religion which propagates by intimidation rather than reasonedargument, or needs to silence its critics by the bomb and bullet, is obviously argument, or needs to silence its critics by the bomb and bullet, is obviously deeply insecure. Fanatical aggression demonstrates that a religion's memoidsdeeply insecure. Fanatical aggression demonstrates that a religion's memoidsknow consciously or subconsciously that their beliefs are based on insecureknow consciously or subconsciously that their beliefs are based on insecurefoundations, which cannot withstand rational examination.foundations, which cannot withstand rational examination.

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Q uote from Christian M ysticismQ uote from Christian M ysticism

St John of the CrossSt John of the CrossIn order to arrive at b eing everything, desire tob e nothing.In order to arrive at b eing everything, desire tob e nothing.

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