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Where Christianity and Buddhism Agree?

Buddha Dharma

Dharma Practitioner
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
 
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Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist- a Catholic priest made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?

A friend posted an interesting excerpt from a discussion between the Dalai Lama and a Catholic priest.

The Dalai Lama Reflects on Faith in Buddhism and Christianity | Wisdom Publications

The two religions seem to have a great deal in common.

My experience with pure land Buddhism (part of the Mahayana tradition) is that its easy for a Westerner such as myself from a Christian background to grasp the more metaphysical teachings.

Pure Land Buddhism - Wikipedia
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
No, Buddhism and Christianity are diametrically opposed.

While Christianity may perceive there is something awry or wrong with human nature, a mistake, or imperfection per se' Buddhism employs engaged practices designed to penetrate opaqueness caused by a strong ego.

A view of imperfection or flawed nature that needs some sort of "fixing" is a very good example of that opaqueness.

Basically Christianity attempts to "fix something" whereas Buddhism simply blows the dust off.......
 

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
Buddha's are not perfect? Arent people capable of attaining Buddhahood? Then, in Buddhism, perfection is achievable even if difficult.
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
Since we are talking about human religious systems, there usually are things in all religions that agree with others.

I am not an expert on Buddhism, so the areas of overlap I cannot say specifically.
 

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
Also I have read both the Bible and the Suttas. They are very different. How much of the similarity comes from similarity between characters of certain individuals than the paths themselves?
 

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
Also would you interested in reviving the thread below?
Comparing the words of Buddha vs Christ:- Core Teachings
 

Srivijaya

Active Member
I think any perceived compatibility or similarity depends on the Christian you are talking to. If you are swapping notes with a well-read spiritual Christian, then there is space for a meeting of minds. If you are debating with a legalistic Christian, then forget it, there's zilch.

Also, it's surprising how many Christians know nothing at all about Buddhism. Two acquaintances of mine are Church ministers. Both thoroughly nice blokes but clueless about any other religion. Most western Buddhists have grown up in a broadly Christian culture, undergone a spiritual quest, rejected Christianity and found Buddhism.

This automatically makes them more informed than someone who was raised Christian and has never looked elsewhere or questioned it, so it's a lop-sided conversation most times.
 
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Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
The eightfold noble path is central to Buddhism.

Most of the principles are at the core of any religion, including Christianity.


The eightfold path, although referred to as steps on a path, is not meant as a sequential learning process, but as eight aspects of life, all of which are to be integrated in every day life. Thus the environment is created to move closer to the Buddhist path.


The eightfold path is at the heart of the middle way, which turns from extremes, and encourages us to seek the simple approach.


The eightfold path is Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.



Buddhism - The Eightfold Path
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
The eightfold noble path is central to Buddhism.

Most of the principles are at the core of any religion, including Christianity.


The eightfold path, although referred to as steps on a path, is not meant as a sequential learning process, but as eight aspects of life, all of which are to be integrated in every day life. Thus the environment is created to move closer to the Buddhist path.


The eightfold path is at the heart of the middle way, which turns from extremes, and encourages us to seek the simple approach.


The eightfold path is Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.



Buddhism - The Eightfold Path
I oftentimes like to put the words "leads to" between the spokes. :0)
 

Buddha Dharma

Dharma Practitioner
No, Buddhism and Christianity are diametrically opposed.

While Christianity may perceive there is something awry or wrong with human nature, a mistake, or imperfection per se' Buddhism employs engaged practices designed to penetrate opaqueness caused by a strong ego.

A view of imperfection or flawed nature that needs some sort of "fixing" is a very good example of that opaqueness.

Basically Christianity attempts to "fix something" whereas Buddhism simply blows the dust off.......

Oh certainly I agree about where the differences are. I am not sure I'd say the two are absolutely opposed.
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
Thats very Zen of you to say that.:)
It feels more like Kwai Chang in a flashback with Master Po.

Thing is, the Eightfold Path isn't just a bunch of words in a (circle), it's an experience as well, even if you decide to break all the "rules".
 

Buddha Dharma

Dharma Practitioner
Buddha's are not perfect? Arent people capable of attaining Buddhahood? Then, in Buddhism, perfection is achievable even if difficult.

Yes Buddhas are perfect, but it's very difficult to attain Buddhahood. It takes several good lifetimes. The Buddha says such a one as a Buddha is not born everywhere. Of the Buddha's Dharma it is said it is rarely encountered, not even in hundreds of millions of kalpas. You're right perfection is attainable, but I'm speaking in general human terms. Most of us are not perfect. Buddhism often emphasizes that we not judge one another too harshly for that reason.

Also I have read both the Bible and the Suttas. They are very different. How much of the similarity comes from similarity between characters of certain individuals than the paths themselves?

They are different yes. I thought I'd draw attention to an arguable similarity. I'd also agree with you, this is probably due to similarities of personality- though I believe Jesus taught non-violence. He may have even taught vegetarianism, if the Ebionites are any indication.

Also would you interested in reviving the thread below?
Comparing the words of Buddha vs Christ:- Core Teachings

I'll have a look :)
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
I remember when I was watching a documentary on the life of DT Suzuki, who was not only a Buddhist, but an ecumenist.

A Catholic priest who had been a friend of Suzuki's made the statement on camera that Christianity and Buddhism agree on there being something awry in human nature. Obviously, he means original sin, as Christians are concerned.

What he's referring to about Buddhism is our view that ignorance misleads humanity. In Mahayana, this is ignorance to the fact of everything having one essential nature- an ignorance produced by the skandhas and false house of ego. This ignorance in turn produces the defilements of the base nature- like greed, anger, and hatred.

Buddhists practice virtues in order to purify the faculties of these poisons.

I did find it an interesting statement on that priest's part though, and it got me to thinking. Because I think Buddhists and Christians probably also agree that no person is capable of being perfect, because we all have the potential to do bad things. Christians should also ideally agree I think- that no one person or group of people can truly be blamed for evil in the world, which Buddhists tend to emphasize in our view of human nature.

What do you think friends? Is this an area where Christians and Buddhists agree, at least to some degree?
This may or may not relate to the thread. However, I have been invited to a Buddhist temple to eat twice in Japan, and also visited one in Africa many years ago, forgot what kind of temple the African one was, though it was run by either Chinese or Japanese, I think it was Japanese. So, these ones were friendly and hospitable.
 

Buddha Dharma

Dharma Practitioner
@Srivijaya interesting too how such individuals think Christianity is the sole source of good morality or modern morality. Like they act as though no one else in the world ever thought seriously about morals.

I'm one of those that grew up in a western framework :D

Sometimes I envy (I don't mean in a negative context) those that grew up in a Dharmic culture, because they wouldn't have a lot of the tendencies growing up in a western culture gives one.
 

crossfire

LHP Mercuræn Feminist Heretic ☿
Premium Member
Bodhisattva Vow:

Sentient Beings are without number--I vow to save them
Delusive desires are inexhaustible--I vow to break them
Dharma-gates are beyond measure--I vow to learn them all
The Buddha Way is unsurpassable--I vow to accomplish it.
Sentient beings have a subjective mind. (pretty much the definition of sentience.) {I identify this as Buddha Nature--the capacity for awakening, but your mileage may vary}
Delusion is mistaking the subjective for the objective (pretty much the definition of delusion)
Therefore, all sentient beings are subject to delusion. I Identify this as original sin...again, your mileage may vary.

Jesus came to save all beings--just like a Bodhisattva.

You might also want to read Buddha's Fire Sermon and compare it to Matt 18:8-9 and Mark 9:43-48
 

Buddha Dharma

Dharma Practitioner
I suspect if Dogen were alive, he would agree and tell you that you're completely wrong.

Heh, I like good old Master Dogen. He appreciated mystery. Don't know how much a divide my being Tendai places between myself and Soto. Dogen thought Tendai is mediocre to the utmost degree, as you probably know.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
It feels more like Kwai Chang in a flashback with Master Po.

Thing is, the Eightfold Path isn't just a bunch of words in a (circle), it's an experience as well, even if you decide to break all the "rules".


OK grasshopper....

I seek not to know the answers, but to understand the questions.

 
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