There are quite a few people who believe Jesus went to learn about Buddhism in india (between the ages of 12 and 30, 500 years after Buddha lived), which consequently enriched his teachings. In fact, you will find most of what Jesus taught in Buddhism (but in different words) for example:
Buddha:
If anyone should strike you with his hand, with a stick or a knife, abandon any desires and utter no evil words.
Majjhima Nakiaya 21:6
Jesus:
If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.
Luke 6:29
So what is the opinion of Christians;
Did Jesus go to India and learn something from Buddhism?
or
There is the possibility, but unsure?
or
There is no connection?
2007-02-24 00:05:52 · 13 answers · asked by Bad Church Lady 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Possibly true,
unsure, consider it unlikely...
but would be happy to find out that it is true.
2007-02-24 00:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by NONAME 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
There are similarities, but I don't believe that Jesus actually went to India. There is no evidence to support that idea. It's obvious that although SOME of the teachings of Christianity and Buddhism seem to mirror each other, there's no way to prove which came first. The writings of Buddha were not written until several hundred years after Jesus lived and died. The Bible was written much earlier. So no, I don't think that Jesus copied Buddhism, or was influenced by it.
Edit: I should have included sources that state when the writings of Buddha were penned, and the teachings of Jesus.
Here they are:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canon
To summarize, the Pali Canon is considered to have been written between the first century AD, and about the fifth or sixth century AD. Some scholars hold that it was written earlier (about two thousand years ago), while others argue that it wasn't written until at LEAST the 400s.
The New Testament of the Bible was written between 45 AD and 95 AD. Wikipedia says 140 AD, but the last book in the New Testament, Revelations, was written in 95 AD. It was the last one added. The others are not included, at least not in the Protestant Bible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament
If anything, the earliest written book of the New Testament and the Pali Canon were composed around the same time. That still puts the teachings of Buddha as not being written down until five hundred or more years after his death. Jesus's teachings were written within TEN years after His death. Since the teachings of Buddha came out at the SAME TIME at the EARLIEST, that means no one can prove who copied whom.
2007-02-24 08:14:26 · answer #2 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No Doubt Jesus Knew of Buddha. He didn't have to learn about Buddha, because He is God.
I never studied Buddhism, but as I understand he was a Philosopher, and may of had some good spiritual insights. Spirituality takes over where Philosophy leaves off,(according to me Theology Instructor).
2007-02-24 08:18:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Hell yeah
what happened to the time in Jesus's life that's not in the bible????
Buddha is not trying to save himself, he teaches people how to save themselves!!
Any one wanna talk sh!t on Buddha can kiss my a.s.s
Go learn about Buddhism before you talk about it
I've learned about both religions but i think whoever wrote the bible was high, it's unrealistic
2007-02-24 17:19:52 · answer #4 · answered by funki15munki 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are people who believe Jesus was the reincarnation of Buddha, whose message was skewered by Jewish mythology the second time around.
In the area where and when Jesus lived, there were tradespeople from India whose religious ideas certainly influenced other people in the Mediterranean region, for hundreds of years. Jesus wouldn't have to go to India to learn Buddhist principles.
2007-02-24 08:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by Sweetchild Danielle 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The fact that there is truth in Buddha's teachings, is not surprising. Many such are attributed to him. This does not mean that Jesus ever learned them in the East. Nor does it impugn him as a plagarist. The truth, when told correctly, is universal.
2007-02-24 08:12:55 · answer #6 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Jesus is the Saviour of Mankind - Budha wanted to save himself from his humen sufferings
Jesus Christ Existed Even before the foundation of the earth - budha would have influenced teachings of the ancient jews teachings
Jesus Christ is God - Budha is a created being just like you and me
what else do you want?
2007-02-24 08:22:58 · answer #7 · answered by ponder of God's Desire 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
what the heck r you talking about if u read the bible jesus stayed in jeruselum 4 most of his life not in india 4 18 years
2007-02-24 18:19:20 · answer #8 · answered by john787 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus never went to India, There is people today like the Mormons that thinks Jesus came to the USA at one time. And neither one is true.
2007-02-24 08:10:55 · answer #9 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I would'nt be surprised if he did. There are many similarities...
2007-02-24 08:17:43 · answer #10 · answered by Emiliano M. 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋