Christianity vs Buddhism

[nash8]

Wouldn't that be up to the individual in question?

Exactly, If someone claimed that Buddhism made them a serial killer, and another person claimed Christianity made them a kind, caring, individual. Which is is better?

 

[Muffled]

I felt Christianity was self serving in comparison with Buddhism by way of implementation. There is a tendency found in Christianity to do things in hopes of being saved, as opposed to compassionate actions with no expectation of rewards or any type of salvation.

I beleive this is a false image of Christianity promoted by The Roman Catholic believers. I believe Christians do good works because they are saved and those things are God's will.

I believe good behavior is its own reward (Karma) but I also believe God will give to those who have done extraordinary things on His behalf. Would you do things that would cause people to burn you at the stake if there was no reward? Did the Budhists who set themselves on fire in Vietnam do it with no hope of it having any affect. In Jordan's Wheel of time series the Ael punished a person by making him do wothless tasks such as digging a hole and then filling it in again.

 

[Yeshe Dondrub]

I have studied comparative religion, Judaism , Christianity, Islamic, philosophy, but I am Buddhist. True compassion, means having understanding.

Religious debate often results in negative comments, so it is a touchy subject to walk, however I am Buddhist, and that means speaking with wisdom rather then the desire to be right or wrong.

It is the actions of individuals that matter. Yes Abrahamic beliefs have resulted in some atrocities in history. However it is the minds of each individual that cause this effect. Some blindly follow without question, some generate justification. Much reflecting their beliefs, but a lack of understanding of them. Political aspects play a role as well. There are also many who call themselves Buddhist that have done things out of not seeing, incorrectly. Once again they cause it, they cause their suffering, and allow it.

We have many schools and approaches to Buddhism. At the core of them all is the core dharma. The longer you study and realize, the sooner you realize the teachings are based on individual groups, and how to "trick the mind" into letting go of ego.

Blame effects on your own cause, not the cause of others, the beliefs you followed. Karma (cause and effect) is not a magical force. It however does effect your true mind in life. When clouded, the true nature can not be seen by your own eye.

We cling. We become attached. Attachment leads to suffering. We can't see clearly the way things are, about impermanence, Letting go is not the same as giving up. I use the example like this. Hold a bunch of marbles in your hand, palm down, fist clinched. The marbles are experience. You struggle to grasp and cling them, eventually wearing yourself out, till you open the palm, they fall, and you give up. That is not letting go, that is giving up. Instead hold the marble in the palm of your hand, palm up, hand open. That is letting go. You can still have experience without clinging in attachment, being struggled, and suffering.

We cling to Items we purchase in own. You see something you really desire in a store. When on the shelf, and it falls off and breaks, you tend to say "Oh what a shame". However when you buy it, take it home, build a "connection" of attachment, but later it breaks, frustration, upset, anger, and other forms of suffering become triggered in the clinging to it. Rather then simply enjoying the experience, and when gone, remember what was learned.

Buddha (that we know from over 600bc) made clear statements. He is a man who found liberation and clarity. Don't take his word for it, test it, see if it works, prove it.

Basics of Buddhism:

4 noble truths. There is suffering. The cause of Suffering. The cessation and liberation from suffering. The path to the end of suffering.

8 Fold path: The key word translated is right. Also Complete, wholesome.....

Right View
Right Intentions
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

This is done in every thing you do.

Buddhism which predates the actual formation of Judaism and Christianity, teaches that you alone are responsible. In order to benefit all sentient life, you must work with mind to purify consciousness so your true Buddha nature (awakened state) will be present. You can end suffering, and much of your own generated suffering.

Christianity with it's origins from Judaism, teach with focus on a creator, but it is also important to know the origins of both, much of which share aspects with many prior faiths and there is no need to "fight" and debate over it. The added aspects is love for each other, do not judge (this is far to often forgotten) and forgive. However if you view it in how you think it should work, those teaches will do you no good. So be wise versus learned.

Buddhist try to clear mind, and reflect the qualities of the Buddha, their guru's, to benefit others as well.

Christians should reflect the similar qualities in their teacher, Christ (yeshua). Some reflect the qualities of the story of the fallen angel who's ego got him cast from heaven. SO reflect correctly.

A person must seek, explore, test, reflect on, and find his path.

 

[Secret Chief]

Hitler was a vegetarian. Stalin was left handed. Pol Pot was a Pisces.

If it's a draw at full-time, does it go to extra time?

 

[metis]

I have studied comparative religion, Judaism , Christianity, Islamic, philosophy, but I am Buddhist. True compassion, means having understanding.

Religious debate often results in negative comments, so it is a touchy subject to walk, however I am Buddhist, and that means speaking with wisdom rather then the desire to be right or wrong.

It is the actions of individuals that matter. Yes Abrahamic beliefs have resulted in some atrocities in history. However it is the minds of each individual that cause this effect. Some blindly follow without question, some generate justification. Much reflecting their beliefs, but a lack of understanding of them. Political aspects play a role as well. There are also many who call themselves Buddhist that have done things out of not seeing, incorrectly. Once again they cause it, they cause their suffering, and allow it.

We have many schools and approaches to Buddhism. At the core of them all is the core dharma. The longer you study and realize, the sooner you realize the teachings are based on individual groups, and how to "trick the mind" into letting go of ego.

Blame effects on your own cause, not the cause of others, the beliefs you followed. Karma (cause and effect) is not a magical force. It however does effect your true mind in life. When clouded, the true nature can not be seen by your own eye.

We cling. We become attached. Attachment leads to suffering. We can't see clearly the way things are, about impermanence, Letting go is not the same as giving up. I use the example like this. Hold a bunch of marbles in your hand, palm down, fist clinched. The marbles are experience. You struggle to grasp and cling them, eventually wearing yourself out, till you open the palm, they fall, and you give up. That is not letting go, that is giving up. Instead hold the marble in the palm of your hand, palm up, hand open. That is letting go. You can still have experience without clinging in attachment, being struggled, and suffering.

We cling to Items we purchase in own. You see something you really desire in a store. When on the shelf, and it falls off and breaks, you tend to say "Oh what a shame". However when you buy it, take it home, build a "connection" of attachment, but later it breaks, frustration, upset, anger, and other forms of suffering become triggered in the clinging to it. Rather then simply enjoying the experience, and when gone, remember what was learned.

Buddha (that we know from over 600bc) made clear statements. He is a man who found liberation and clarity. Don't take his word for it, test it, see if it works, prove it.

Basics of Buddhism:

4 noble truths. There is suffering. The cause of Suffering. The cessation and liberation from suffering. The path to the end of suffering.

8 Fold path: The key word translated is right. Also Complete, wholesome.....

Right View
Right Intentions
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

This is done in every thing you do.

Buddhism which predates the actual formation of Judaism and Christianity, teaches that you alone are responsible. In order to benefit all sentient life, you must work with mind to purify consciousness so your true Buddha nature (awakened state) will be present. You can end suffering, and much of your own generated suffering.

Christianity with it's origins from Judaism, teach with focus on a creator, but it is also important to know the origins of both, much of which share aspects with many prior faiths and there is no need to "fight" and debate over it. The added aspects is love for each other, do not judge (this is far to often forgotten) and forgive. However if you view it in how you think it should work, those teaches will do you no good. So be wise versus learned.

Buddhist try to clear mind, and reflect the qualities of the Buddha, their guru's, to benefit others as well.

Christians should reflect the similar qualities in their teacher, Christ (yeshua). Some reflect the qualities of the story of the fallen angel who's ego got him cast from heaven. SO reflect correctly.

A person must seek, explore, test, reflect on, and find his path.

Actually Buddhism doesn't predate Judaism, but that's not a biggy when compared to your overall excellent post.

When I compare Buddhism and the Abrahamic religions, there's pros and cons with each, and many of us Jews have studied Buddhist dharma and use it since much of it fits so well with us.

 

[Yeshe Dondrub]

Actually Buddhism doesn't predate Judaism, but that's not a biggy when compared to your overall excellent post.

When I compare Buddhism and the Abrahamic religions, there's pros and cons with each, and many of us Jews have studied Buddhist dharma and use it since much of it fits so well with us.

If we go by when writing and teachings began it is actually older, but in Buddhism, Siddhartha/Shakumini was not the first Buddha. He is historical the most known. Earlier Indian texts point two 2 others, and some hindi excerpts that separate out of the ritual writings of Hinduism date back 3,000 years. They were minimal however about the "awakened ones" Siddhartha traveled more, and taught in key populous areas which is why he became the most known as the Buddha (a title).

The most complete of either texts came much later, there was a period people stopped reading earlier languages in india as well, and no longer re-scribed, translated the 83,000 primary statements in the canons.

IF we go by most preserved, then if dating is correct, and we go only by the Gautama Buddha, and Hebew Dead sea scrolls, then yes Judaism is older, if you go by earlier indian writing speaking of two awakened ones who challenged the rituals of Hinduism, then they would be. But Buddha's and awakened states pre-date , In various forms. What we call Buddhism today, formed after the Gautama Buddha, and formulated into the different approaches and schools even later.

Then cultural aspects added in later, but we must be able to see the difference between Dharma and the culture.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

It's worth observing that Buddhism, like Christianity, is a very broad church. Both traditions have many sects and schools with widely differing approaches.

 

[metis]

If we go by when writing and teachings began it is actually older, but in Buddhism, Siddhartha/Shakumini was not the first Buddha. He is historical the most known. Earlier Indian texts point two 2 others, and some hindi excerpts that separate out of the ritual writings of Hinduism date back 3,000 years. They were minimal however about the "awakened ones" Siddhartha traveled more, and taught in key populous areas which is why he became the most known as the Buddha (a title).

The most complete of either texts came much later, there was a period people stopped reading earlier languages in india as well, and no longer re-scribed, translated the 83,000 primary statements in the canons.

IF we go by most preserved, then if dating is correct, and we go only by the Gautama Buddha, and Hebew Dead sea scrolls, then yes Judaism is older, if you go by earlier indian writing speaking of two awakened ones who challenged the rituals of Hinduism, then they would be. But Buddha's and awakened states pre-date , In various forms. What we call Buddhism today, formed after the Gautama Buddha, and formulated into the different approaches and schools even later.

Then cultural aspects added in later, but we must be able to see the difference between Dharma and the culture.

Obviously it's largely where one may draw the line as to when each "began". As you say above, the earlier forms were really what we now call "Hinduism" whereas I was talking about having "Buddhism" starting when Old Sid started his teachings. In the case of "Judaism", most Jews refer to Abraham as the "Father of Judaism", and the traditional belief is that he lived somewhere around 1600 b.c.e.

Needless to say, I don't lose any sleep over this.

 

[Yeshe Dondrub]

Obviously it's largely where one may draw the line as to when each "began". As you say above, the earlier forms were really what we now call "Hinduism" whereas I was talking about having "Buddhism" starting when Old Sid started his teachings. In the case of "Judaism", most Jews refer to Abraham as the "Father of Judaism", and the traditional belief is that he lived somewhere around 1600 b.c.e.

Needless to say, I don't lose any sleep over this.

Well Christians and Jews may claim theirs began with time.

Buddhists may claim the same except it is time endless, before time, and much further back then claimed Abrahamic time. The Buddha nature and mind did not begin with Siddhartha known as Buddha Shakyamuni (sage of the Shakya).

Hinduism is very different from the 2 prior Buddha (awakened ones) since they challenged the hindu beliefs claiming only oneself can move beyond. However their were only very brief references to this in that time period which was well before the Gautama Buddha, who is said to be the third Buddha of modern times. (modern being 4,000 year span of a more advanced humanity). The references date back 3,000 years in reference, THe oldest form of writings were not complete becuase of the material used, so there are 2 references, with no other indicators till Siddhartha's teachings, which the only preserved written forms that survived were 3rd century BCE by one ruler, then more complete 1st century BCE. There were periods were Buddhism was attacked by groups and many texts lost, BCE and CE. Luckily canons and schools were preserved in various areas.

At similar periods as the actually dating of Hebrew scrolls. So beyond that it is claimed periods of existence.

So yes Modern Buddhism technically started after the death of the Gautama Buddha, as we know it today, but early aspects of the Awakened state, meditations, understanding existed before. Perhaps the same applies the Abraham beliefs. However name of god, gods, and aspects and orgins come into play from the former caanites and their beliefs to the modern Hebrew origins.

Just like the concepts of one God actually existed in other cultures.

There was a period of ancient writings, many lost, some survived from india, asia turtle shells, caves, and stones. Egyptian writings, and others. A period of lull hit where they could have been recorded but were orally transmitted in tradition. Then the 300bce revival.

 

[Yeshe Dondrub]

It's worth observing that Buddhism, like Christianity, is a very broad church. Both traditions have many sects and schools with widely differing approaches.

I would like to correct this for you however.

It is not a church or religion. While some have "Temples" or centers. Nor are their sects.

There is the core teachings, then schools of study, and approaches. Depending on the people. Even the Buddha taught this way, which is why the various schools came to be. When dealing with ego and mind, you need to break it in various ways.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

It is not a church or religion. While some have "Temples" or centers. Nor are their sects.
There is the core teachings, then schools of study, and approaches. Depending on the people. Even the Buddha taught this way, which is why the various schools came to be. When dealing with ego and mind, you need to break it in various ways.

I was using "broad church" in the colloquial sense, meaning broad and diverse. Buddhism has adapted to different cultures in many different ways. Opinion varies as to whether Buddhism is a religion or philosophy, and different schools have different ideas about what the "core teachings" actually are.

 

[Yeshe Dondrub]

I was using "broad church" in the colloquial sense, meaning broad and diverse. Buddhism has adapted to different cultures in many different ways. Opinion varies as to whether Buddhism is a religion or philosophy, and different schools have different ideas about what the "core teachings" actually are.

The core of Dharma is fairly much the same. There is cultural aspects, but a practitioner is also taught the difference between culture, and mind.

Approaches and techniques will change based on the area people are taught. Even western Tibetan Buddhism no longer has Tibetan culture aspects, since it does not apply to the base teachings. Many Rinpoche's, even the 16th Karmapa, was clear that the culture of former Tibet, is not the teachings. Many of the cultural aspects were then removed.

Many Chinese, Vietemese, Japanese, Thai, forms still have Deities, goddesses, in some aspects, however deep practioners know they are reflective forms, rather then little. Some will still make offerings after funerals and pour the tea beneath a tree to the mother of life.

However the core dharma is still the focus. 4 noble truths, 8 fold path, 6 and 8 conscious states of mind and effects on suffering. In other schools the Great seal.

We still read core Dharma lessons of the Buddha, and then begin the guided approach by the school. Reflection, and approach will then change. Based on testing it, adaption, what works. Which is exactly what the Buddha did as well.

Yes culture influence is there, but core to path is still learned. Then you work through mind. THe Buddha can't do it for you, nor will your guru. However there is a guided path to help.