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Posted by Glenn on April 30, 2004 05:21:55 UTC

Be that as it may, inter-faith discussions are very valuable because they can lead us to a better understanding of each other. However, Concerning the teachings of the Buddha and Jesus. In certain areas there might be parallels. But to see them as equal is to gloss over some key differences. For one thing, in Buddhism we have to work out our own salvation. We don’t expect a savior to do it for us.

With regard to karma, as I understand it, Christians don’t believe that every volitional action has a consequence. Instead, they ask for forgiveness so as to erase the previous error. This, as I see it, can lead to immorality as there are no actual consequences for inappropriate actions. In Buddhism everyone has another chance—in fact many lifetimes of other chances. But with karma, at some future point, everyone will still have to pay for their mistakes. No free lunches here. You goof, you pay.

Moreover, As I see it, to be frank, Christianity has no system of virtues and wisdom whereby one learns how to become detached from the sensuous world and thereby realize one’s fundamental nature. Nor, have I met any Christians who really know how to deal with their ignorance, desire, and hatred except to pray when they are in a jam. Where is meditation? Where is practice? Where is the Eight Fold Path?

Although, I see Christians trying to be wise and virtuous; making real efforts to know who they are. Such actions seem to be inconsistent with Christianity. For, if Jesus had rid the world of sin, declaring in effect, that sin has no power over us, then what more is there to be done, except wait to die hoping eventually to go to heaven? I think at some level that most Christians don’t buy this. Looking at our daily life, to get any place requires hard work. Why should religion be any easier?

But,i have impression of Christian Gnostics, I think it is a much better form of Christianity than fundamentalism which I have been more or less addressing in my remarks. For, i saw, it is Christian mysticism which consistent with mysticism is the radical transcendence of the world and self. For this formula certainly rings with Buddhism.

MORE ON BUDDHIST-CHRISTIAN(GNOSTIC) RESOURCES
http://www.geocities.com/logosbaphomet/gojesus.html


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