Key Figures In Christianity And Buddhism

Christianity and Buddhism: Key Figures, History, and How These Religions Answer our Existential Questions.

By Tatiana Omari

Philosophy 230: Religions of the World

Dr. Dale Larder

Southern New Hampshire University

11/27/201

Abstract

Christianity and Buddhism: Key Figures, History, and These Religions Answer our Existential Questions. This paper would explore two predominant religions. Christianity and Buddhism by taking a closer look in the key figures within these religions. How those figures contribute to the beliefs of those religions? Through evaluation I would underline the differences and similarities in how Christianity and Buddhism answer our existential questions. This paper would also show case scholarly sources

As the primary belief of Buddhism is geared around suffering and the elimination of suffering. Buddha himself urges his followers to practice “The Four Noble Truths” “All of life is marked by suffering, suffering is caused by desire and attachment, Suffering can be stopped, and The way to end suffering is by following “The Noble Eight-fold Path (Mindegde, Inc., 2016) which he taught in his first sermon after he reaching enlightenment. In fact, after his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Buddhism have traveled across the world splitting into numerous different sects but they all hold true to “The Four Noble Truths”. Making this teaching the foundation of the Buddhist belief system. Within “The Four Noble Truths” it is mentioned that in order to end suffering one must follow “The Noble Eight-fold Path” “Right Knowledge, Right Intentions, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration” (Mindedge,

However, they all hold on to the teachings of Buddha. The major sects of Buddhism are known as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada Buddhist is also known as “The Way of the Elders”. As they remain true to the teachings of Buddha. Their purpose is to become arhat, and achieve the state of nirvana in which they would not be reborn again (Reiligousfacts.com,2005) . Because, of their beliefs they are known to be the most monastic and stringent sect. As it’s expected for monks and nuns to devote their lives to achieving this goal. Mahayana Buddhist also known as “The Great Vehicle” is the sect that wants to become enlightened beings who delay reaching nirvana in order to assist others to reach it known as bodhisattvas (Reiligousfacts.com, 2005) . They believe that enlightenment can be achieved in one’s lifetime. This sect also has multiple subdivisions such as: Zen, Nichiren, and Pure Land which practice different ways of achieving this goal. The final sect, is known as Vajrayana Buddhist, this sect is is also known as Tibetan Buddhist. Vajrayana Buddhist like Mahayana also believe in withholding the achievement of reaching nirvana to help others reach this state of enlightenment. They believe that in my doing this they would be able to achieve the title of being Ayra-Bodhisattvas and escape the cycle of rebirth (Religousfacts.com,2005). The most common practices in Buddhism that is practiced with in all sects is the practice of