Christian Religion

The characteristic difference between Buddhism and Christianity is that Christian faith teaches that God created the world and saw that it was good . Buddhism states that Amitabha did not in fact create the world this is because the world is so impure and detestable and Amitabha is far superior and perfect to ever have created the world . The following will expound upon the commonalities and differences between Christianity and Buddhism in respect to belief as well as religious teachings . The symbolism present in different Buddhist artworks will be given some attention as

it applies to the aspects of Buddhism : these aspects include lack of physical possessions , and a desire to reach enlightenment . Although there are many differences between these two faiths , as will be expounded upon in this essay , their common feature which is enlightenment defined in two different ways will be the focus of their bridging qualities

Buddhism came to Tibet in the Seventh Century AD , but had existed in correlation with Christianity since the conception of either religion In ancient Buddhist philosophy , Siddhartha was a prophet , traveling from village to village teaching the people ways by which they too could find their paths to enlightenment . Christ was similar in fashion with his entourage of disciples , traveling among villages spreading the gospel and converting people to Christians

In the representation of both religions , there is a specific symbol that unites them . The halo behind the Buddha resembles and stresses the fact of enlightenment . This same symbol is used in Christianity and is reiterated in depictions of several holy figures (John the Baptist Mary , Christ ) the meaning of the halo remains constant the bearer being in a state of grace , beyond human existence , and human needs , promising the same for those who will be followers

The halo then is a promise to the followers of either religion Buddhism is based on the teaching of Siddhartha , who is known universally as Buddha (Delahunt , 2006 . In the Buddhist belief suffering is a part of life , not an emotion or state of being outside of the natural world . In the ancient Buddhist teachings , suffering can be superceded or be traversed by the Buddhist student who acquires mental and moral self-purification (Delahunt . In Christianity , the same is true for followers must rid themselves of earthly possessions to be allowed into heaven as well as ask for forgiveness for their earthly transgressions . Both religions then offer a resting place if they give up their corporeal existence and follow in the teachings of each religion

Since the philosophy of Buddhism requires an abandonment of material possessions , the earthly life is transitory . Christ taught that earthly riches were of no consequence in heaven . The abandoning of possessions is a staple for both religions . The focus of much of ancient Buddhist art is revealed in the region known as Gandhara (Northwest India ) where monasteries are strict in their amount of belongings such as clothing food , and bedding . Monasteries for the Christian religion are also strict in their...