Buddhism & Christianity

Buddhism & Christianity

World Religions: Buddhism and Christianity
Religion has played a big role in society since the beginning of time. Religion has been interpreted, broken down, followed and practiced by so many and has different meanings around the globe. Nowadays it is common knowledge that there are different religions throughout the world. Because there are so many it is a common question amongst people what religions are similar and have in common and how they differ. It is a difficult question to answer as there are so many. Two very widespread religions this report will look at closely are Buddhism and Christianity. It will include differences and commonalities if any are shared.
Buddhism
Over the last few weeks I have conducted research and experienced the Buddha practice more than I ever thought I would. I have learned about a different philosophy on Buddhism and how others have come to believe the Buddha religion’s tradition and practices. Buddhism is based on finding enlightenment by works through meditation and practices that seek the pacification of cravings and desire. Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc, 1996-2011). Siddhartha later became known as the Buddha. Buddha is also known as the “enlightened one” and was born into a life of luxury. His father was a wealthy land owner and had sheltered Siddhartha and kept him within his palace walls keeping him from seeing or witnessing any suffering’s of life such as sickness, age, health, and death. (Fisher, 2005) Siddhartha did not know what any of these sufferings were (Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc, 1996-2011).
Eventually Siddhartha left the palace walls and discovered what suffering was all about when he came across a very old man, a sick person, and a dead man. That is when he realized he needed to escape the life of luxury in search of the answers of the world’s suffering. He wanted to understand the life’s cycle of birth, sickness, aging, and...