Are they both speakng about the same thing?
Also I noticed many Christians speaking of morals as a requirement. Do Buddhists feel the same way?
If yes, then what do morals have to do with it?
2007-08-05 01:57:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It seems like they both talk about some form of "dying to self", and Paul in the NT mentions that the Law never saved anybody. I take the Law to mean morals.
Am I misunderstanding something here?
2007-08-05 02:32:23 · update #1
What a wonderful question and strange that you should ask it.
It is wonderful because it shows you are in pursuit of knowledge. It is strange since I happen to be Buddhist and formerly a Roman Catholic.
There are so many factions of Christianity as well as Buddhism. I was Roman Catholic and currently Nichiren form of Buddhism. There are many forms of Nichiren Buddhism and I am of a particular sect within it. If any of you want to know about it ask me and I will gladly inform you.
So, having established that let me attempt to answer this question as properly as I can.
As I understand it the Christian idea of being 'Born Again' means to open your heart & soul to Jesus Christ the savior.
To accept the teachings of Christianity and live the life of a proper Christian which involves 'morality'.
Morals are based on 'Values' which are what people consider to be tried and true. Something which we should live by. If these definitions are what you understand then the answer is yes, Buddhists have similar 'values' but they are based on Buddhism. Hence this gives the necessity of 'morals'. However your value set may be different from mine or others. Values are cultural based. So it is not surprising that it is different. We have many different cultures.
The Buddhist concept of 'enlightenment' is that it is within us. It is not something to strive for, it is already within us.
It is not so difficult to understand if you understand the meaning of 'enlightenment'. It means the 'awakening' or the illumination of the 'darkness' that blinds us to this fact.
The Buddha is a name that is given to the 'One who is awakened'. So since we already have the potential to become enlightened we just have to believe in it. Once you do you are on your way to actually awakening.
Once you start to know there is no turning back, only the full awareness of who you are. It will then be clear why we should do certain things and not others which is harmful or negative.
I am sorry but if I continue it will become a book. As is I think I over extended my limits here. I hope it answers some of your questions.
Thank you for reading
2007-08-05 13:44:18 · answer #1 · answered by Just me 2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being born again and being enlightened are different, I think. Enlightenment is something you have to work toward, whereas being born again is a decision anyone can make at any time. Nonetheless, you may have something there.
As far as morals...well the books I've read on Buddhism suggest that if you are awake, you will naturally refrain from certain things. It's not that you're "trying to be good", it's just that you follow those rules for the same reason that you don't put your hand on a hot stove--you know it can't end well. It's similar to Christianity in that if you have faith, there are certain things you would naturally be: "he who does not know love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John), for example.
2007-08-05 02:06:24 · answer #2 · answered by rabid_scientist 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to Buddhism the causes of crime include poverty & injustice (to paraphrase the Cakkhavatti Siihanaada and Kuutadanta Suttas); as well as those you've already mentioned. If Buddhism is as truthful, universal & realistic as it is meant to be, the Christian answer is / should be the same. I think we can see it in the news & the reality we live in. The good news is that we can turn it around. When rulers distribute wealth responsibly (eg by offering loans for businesses & seed for crops), and provide incentives to / for work, conditions in society improve. People who are employed do not have time or need to commit crime. Where there is a welfare state for the needy, people have no incentive to. Problem solved. : )
2016-05-18 22:55:04 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The relationship between the two is most profound!
Jesus (PBUH) said one must be "born again".
Buddha (AS) said one must be "twice born".
Do we see the picture within the picture unfolding?
As the consciousness of man changes the morals change accordingly. Thus, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This is a great insight in man.
The old self must be cast away and the true self must surface and enfold the qualities of the Father. Enlightenment is but the first step on the path to recognizing mans relationship with the one, man knows as God!
May the "Light of God" enrich all lives!
2007-08-05 07:30:52 · answer #4 · answered by WillRogerswannabe 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
only Jesus is born again nobody else did. In Buddhism we beleive in other lifes reincarnation which can lead to enlightment ( state obtain when you have reach the perfect living life) almost impossible that is why to body reincarn many times to be able to acheive this as a long period of time may be needed to fullfill your life of happiness and positivity( a life without sins as the Christians will say)
2007-08-05 02:17:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The knowledge have no religion.
The knowledge is itself an ultimate religion.
2007-08-05 02:35:00 · answer #6 · answered by Shripathi Krishna Acharya 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The universe is a circle.
Life is too.
Nature is cyclical.
2007-08-05 03:14:29 · answer #7 · answered by Inc.co@inert.co.org 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No
No
No
Buddhists are dreadfully immoral.
I hug myself in shame for the part of me that's connected to Buddhists.
2007-08-05 02:02:51 · answer #8 · answered by Jack P 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There is one teaching, and all teachings teach it.
2007-08-05 03:44:49 · answer #9 · answered by Sky in the Grass 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋