Do Christians believe it's possible that Jesus practiced the teachings of Buddha?

Question

Considering Jesus' stance on love, tolerance and peace, do you think he applied the teachings of Buddha so people could better understand the love of God; to make it easier to walk the path of forgiveness and tolerance so our spirit would be more open to the Holy Spirit?

I asked this because I find a striking similarity between Jesus' and Buddha's teachings.

I'm asking if it's possible that Jesus implemented the TEACHINGS of Buddha, not Buddha's practices, such as the belief in nirvana.

Answer 1

It is likely that Jesus may have been influence by Buddhist teachings. There may have been Buddhists traveling through the Middle East for trade during the time when Jesus was alive and he may have been gained knowledge understanding that way. By the 2nd century CE the Chinese were traveling through the middle East and spreading Buddhism so I'm pretty sure the Indians were probably spreading it before then.

Answer 2

Nope. While there are some truths in most religions, what you are describing is a universal wish of love and peace. However, there would have been no need for Jesus to study or practice the teachings of Buddha, considering He is God and knew all about it in the first place.

Answer 3

WOW! What a terrific question! I honestly can't speak intelligently on what what Jesus knew. As far as His home life and schooling I don't think He would have learned about Buddha. However, since He was the son of God He may have had as much omnipotence as the human brain could handle.

Answer 4

Buddha teaches peace which i do like.. but Buddha never said to his students that he was to be worshipped, Jesus though said so. Jesus performed miracles and proved everyone that he is the way to God and Heaven. Budhha was a good man i know, but he isn't a god.

Answer 5

the paths and directions are totally different.
Buddhists look for Nirvana by eliminating need and suffering.
Jesus learned obedience thriu suffering. Jesus also taught on heaven and hell, not nirvana.
Dig a little deeper on Buddha. You will see the difference between the two do not coincide.

Answer 6

There are many who think he learned from some Buddhists. His enlightened teachings parallel those of Buddha, who said them first. Buddha was truly the Prince of Peace. The actions of the followers of both faiths verify that fact.

Answer 7

No, not specifically. However, since all truth is God's truth, it's not surprising to find pieces or glimpses of the truth Jesus revealed in other cultures and other places.

However, Buddhism misses out on the most crucial piece of Christian teaching - Jesus, fully man and fully God, died as a substitutionary sacrifice so that all who believe in Him might have life, both here and in eternity.

Answer 8

Jesus was Jewish, but the teachings do seem to be so similar. Maybe this is the universal truth we should practice rather beating each other over the head with holy books.

Answer 9

Okay, look at it this way. Your father is a plumber. His son needs a plumber. Would you consider calling another plumber, other than your own father?

Jesus Christ is part of the Triune God----The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Jesus would not have practiced anything that went against scriptures. Buddism goes against scriptures.

Answer 10

No, because Jesus and Buddha's teachings are *nothing* alike.

One lifetime vs. Reincarnation
Afterlife vs. no Afterlife
Heaven vs. Nirvana
God vs. No God
Theism vs. Atheism
Material World is Real vs. Material World is an Illusion

And so on and so on... I could go on all day with this!

Answer 11

Indeed Buddha did some positive teaching......
BUT there is NO EVIDENCE AT ALL that
Jesus was ever in India, or any other country other than what we now call ISRAEL.