Buddha and Jesus: Could Solomon Be the Missing Link? by R. E. Sherman Read Free Book Online Page B

all the Law and the Prophets.” 3
Right Speech: Do not lie or bear false witness. Do not use harsh or idle words.
Do not lie or bear false witness. 4
    He who calls his brother a fool is a murderer of him in his heart. 5
    “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them.” 6
Right Action: Do not harm any conscious beings (i.e., people and animals). Do not steal. Abstain from sexual misconduct.
Do not hurt other people. 7
    Do not steal. 8
    Abstain from sexual misconduct. 9
Right Livelihood: Only engage in legal and peaceful ways of making a living. Do not be associated with making weapons, butchering animals, prostitution, selling intoxicants/poisons.
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 10
Right Effort: Devote your mental energy to wholesome goals and activities.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” 11
Right Mindfulness: Try to see things objectively without jumping to conclusions.
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” 12
Right Concentration: Be single-minded. Practice meditation.
“No one can serve two masters.” 13
    But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” 14

    Q: Other than the Ten Major Differences between Buddhism and Christianity presented in Chapter Twelve, are there other miscellaneous notable contrasts?

Miscellaneous Notable Contrasts
Buddhism
Christianity

All sentient (i.e., aware) beings must be treated with compassion and respect. Killing any animal is wrong.
Killing of many animals for food is acceptable. Human beings were given authority over animals by God.
In having compassion for others, one must not become emotionally attached to them, for that would be a desire, and all desire must be eliminated, because desire causes suffering.
Desiring the good of others above our own is one of the greatest virtues. The extent of such desire can be great, and yet still be very healthy and moral. Having this desire for one’s spouse, for example, would be highly virtuous.
Ethics regarding marriage are comparatively liberal.
Ethics regarding marriage are demanding and conservative.
Buddha taught that all language is inherently inadequate.
Jesus emphasized that the Word of God is powerfully relevant to all aspects of life.

    Q: How do Buddhists typically view Christians, and vice versa?

Buddhist Views of Christians
Christian Views of Buddhists

There are many paths to transcending the self. Christianity is an inferior way of accomplishing that because: (1) It is dualistic. (2) It is often intolerant, claiming that it is the only true way. (3) It encourages emotional attachments if they are ostensibly good. (4) It cultivates the belief in the eternal existence of the soul as a unique personality. (5) It has often tolerated violence as a means to achieving various objectives.
Christ is the only way of salvation; Buddhism does not concur with this and is therefore misleading. A relevant quotation from