Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings

I was looking for examples of were Buddhism and the teaching of Jesus overlap. Notice I didn't say Christianity, because I don't think that Christianity follows the teachings of Jesus. Just look at some of the vile posts made by some of the Christians on this forum. Anyway, I found this short article and I was quite pleased. I thought it might be nice to share this with my friends for discussion. I know there will be despicable things said about me from Christians for posting this, but don't let that get in the way.

Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings
Are there universal truths? If we compare the sayings of Jesus and Buddha the answer is a heartfelt yes.

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

Jesus: "Put your sword back into its place; for all those 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

Jesus: "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it." Mark 8:35
Buddha: "With the relinquishing of all thought and egotism, the enlightened one is liberated through not clinging." Majjhima Nikaya 72:15

Jesus: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20
Buddha: "Teach the dharma which is lovely at the beginning, lovely in the middle, lovely at the end. Explain with the spirit and the letter in the fashion of Brahma. In this way you will be completely fulfilled and wholly pure." Vinaya Mahavagga 1:11.1

I believe that Jesus traveled to India during the missing years. He then learned Buddhism, and returned home with a great gift, the teachings of Buddhism that could free his people. However, they did not understand him, and then they put him to death. Those people who heard the teachings but did not understand, corrupted his teachings and formed Christianity.

Though the phrasing is very specific for these two, the sentiment their sayings express are pretty basic and easily considered. The specific applications of their religions aside, they generally preach being a nice person, not being a prick, personal harmony in emotion, and the spreading of said ideas as a means of peace. Not often heeded, granted, but basic and easy to understand vagueries that would appeal to most people prima facie.

Jesus could very well have encountered Buddhism, but I think the fundamental sentiments in these tenets are universally understood throughout most societies--if not always universally applied. It would have been easy for him to echo them in his own manner.

Though the image of Jesus meditating under a Bohdi tree is kinda awesome.

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