The Buddha does not punish?

Question

The Buddha feels only compassion for those who remain attached to the world.

How does this compare, morally, with the teachings of Christ?

I never said he was God...

Answer 1

In Buddhism, Buddha wants to release us from the sufferings of birth and death. Buddha is compassion. So is Jesus.
I see them side by side with the deepest concern for us. Both loving compassionate beings.

Reincarnation and karma are the reason punishment would be redundant. They are in effect the refiners fire. There is no need to punish. We reap the consequences of our actions as we move through our various existences. Like tumbling stones in a spiritual lapidary barrel.

All beings have Buddha nature. We all have a pure core that cannot be defiled. There is no defilement only illusions. So Buddha taught that to transcend earthly pain and suffering we need to reawaken to that pure nature. By seeking enlightenment. Buddha taught for many years. His teachings do not tell us to be devoid of feeling. Very different from the idea of original sin isn't it?

Also many forms of Buddhism refer to gods and godesses even demons. These are usually adopted from indigenous religions in various region where Buddhism was not the first religion. Some are vehicles for talking about the trials and tribulations that face us in life. Some refer to our weaknesses and so on. You have to develope and understanding of it. Believe me, if you belonged to a specific Buddhist group you would be much more inclined to call it a religion.

In Japan many people practice as many as three different forms of religion at one time. This is becoming less comon I understand but I find it quite natural too.

There are some misconceptions here! Thank you for asking this question. I hope more knowledgeble people will contribute also.



ANGELZ WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ALL THOSE CROSSES WITH THE MAN ON THEM ARE? ALL THOSE STATUES THAT PEOPLE PRAY BEFORE, BLEEDING PALMS AND ALL?!!!!!

SIDDARTHOR was a real prince in India who gave up his plush life to humble himself in an austere spiritual practice that eventually lead him to become enlightened. His inspiration was his compassion for the people he saw suffering in his country. HE BECAME SHAYAMUNI BUDDHA!

A PERSON WHO LIVED AND DIED ON EARTH!!!!HE IS THE BUDDHA MOST OF THE STATUES NOT IDOLS ARE FASHIONED AFTER!!!!WAKE UP AND GO READ SOMETHING INTELLIGENT!!!

There are Buddhist teachings that speak of the origonal Buddha and many rhelms. It is a huge belief system! It does speak of eternity. In NIcheran Buddhism there is his desire for us all to attain the body of a Buddha beyond this earthly rhelm.

YOU GUYS ARE SO FAR OFF IT HURTS!!!!
Peace and understanding...sigh!

Answer 2

That's an interesting question. Buddhism doesn't directly address the teachings of Christ. Buddhism is often thought of as a religion in and of itself, but it's not, rather it's a way of life. (Buddhism doesn't address any Gods, and can be practiced along with God-based religions...there are many Jewish Buddhists, Christian Buddhists, etc.)
Back on point...morally, there is a vast difference between The Way and the teachings of Christ! While Christ shows compassion for Man, Man is considered to be born sinful, and faces punishment until cleansed. Death holds either the pearly gates if you do what you're told, or eternity in the firey pit of dispair if you don't. Buddhism recognizes right from wrong, but there is neither a reward nor a punishment for your actions at the end of your life.

Answer 3

Personally I don't think Christ would punish either... but then I'm talking about the real Jesus, not the deified, omnipotent version out and about.

edit/addition: We do not worship the Buddha as a god since we believe the concept of an omnipotent creator being is illogical. Education before making inflammatory comments reduces the chances you get whammied by someone with less patience than mine. Not that I'm the most patient person either...

_()_

Answer 4

Attachments can take many forms. Hate, resentments, anger and negative emotions tie us to this world. In order to be free we must let all of this violence go. The Christ also taught us to accept others as they are and not to judge. What we put into this world is what we get out of it. Karma, religious dogma, Christ teachings they all show us that the most important reason that we are walking this earth is to learn and teach others and to perhaps make another beings existence a little brighter, better, happier, more blessed. If I can make a difference in one person's life the I have attained my destiny.

Answer 5

The Buddha supposedly reached nirvana, which means he's not feeling much at the moment.

You can't really compare Buddhism and Christianity. One believes that the world is a prison to escape from, the other that it's a test and you get judged at the end. It's like chalk and cheese.

Answer 6

The Buddha is a spiritual leader, not any form of divinity and therefore lacks the power to punish. Buddhism is based highly in self discipline and introspection. If a Buddhist has wrong they will punish themselves accordingly.

Answer 7

Buddha never punished those who felt attachment, true...

Jesus also taught that we had no right to judge other people unless we too were free of sin...

Their teachings were very similar...

Answer 8

Buddha doesn't punish and Buddha doesn't save. Buddha doesn't move and Buddha doesn't talk. Buddha can't love and Buddha can't discipline.

I serve a living God.

Answer 9

This is a rediculous statement. True, the Buddha does not personally cast punishment, but he does condone and believe in the laws of karma, which often send people to be reborn in one of eight hells, where they are tortured for aeons. To say that the Buddha does not believe in punishment is foolish.

Answer 10

But doesnt bad karma give you a negative afterlife? You face some kind of punishemnt in every religion. Whether is is being out of harmony or banished to Hell for eternity.