Sunday, February 08, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (9)

These two verses compare the wisdom of Jesus and Buddha.

Jesus
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Luke 6. 41-42)

Buddha
The faults of others are easier to see than one's own; the faults of others are easily seen, for they are sifted like chaff, but one's own faults are hard to see. This is like the cheat who hides his dice and shows the dice of his opponent, calling attention to others 's shortcomings, countiually thinking of accusing him.(Udanavarga 27.1)

Once, these two verses looks quite the same!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (8)

These two verses compare the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.

Jesus
You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother. (Mark 10.19, ESV)

Buddha
Abstain from killing and from taking what is not given. Abstain from unchastity and from speaking falsely. Do not accept gold and silver. (Sutta Nipata 149-150)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (7)

These two verses compare the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.

Jesus
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. (John 15.12-13, ESV)

Buddha
Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own life, even so, cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings. Let your thoughts of boundless love pervade the whole world.(Sutta Nipata 149-150)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (6)

These two verses compare the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.

Jesus
I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15.10)


Buddha
The Bodhisattva loves all living beings as if each were his only child. (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 5)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (5)

These two verses compare the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.


Jesus
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1.17)
 
Buddha
The Body of the Buddha is born of love, patience, gentleness, and truth. (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2)
 

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (4)

These two verses compare the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.

Jesus
Truly, I say to you, 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 one another , then who is there to tend you? Whoever would me, he should tend the sick. (Vinaya, Mahavagga, 8.26.3)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (3)

These two verses compare the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.

Jesus
Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)

Buddha
Abandoning the taking of life, the ascetic Gautama dwells refraining from taking life, without stick or sword. (Digha Nikaya 1.1.8)

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Jesus and Buddha (2)

These two verses also compares the views of Jesus and Buddha on compassion.

Jesus
To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. (Like 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)

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Jesus and Buddha

I came across these interesting quotes from a book which compares the teachings of Jesus and Buddha. The author wrote this:

 [...] my experience has led me to the conclusion that their teachings about 'the way' are virtually identical and that together they are the two most remarkable religious fgures who ever lived.


Jesus
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)

Buddha
Consider others as yourself. (Dhammapada 10.1)

It seems Jesus and Buddha have rather similar views on compassion. Jesus' words from the Mount represent his most important teachings. The Dhammapada closely parallels the Sermon on the Mount. So, any similarity or differences?