A Short Introduction to Buddhism for Christians (Excerpt)

This is an excerpt from my latest book: A Short Introduction to Buddhism for Christians

Chapter 1: Introduction to Buddhism

Buddhism is a major world religion practiced in it’s various forms mainly in the Far east and South-East Asia. According to the buddhanet website, the global population of Buddhists numbers around 350 million. Buddhism originated in India, but spread to other countries where it became dominant, while becoming almost extinct in India. With Richard Gere, Angelina Jolie, Tina turner, and Phil Jackson (NBA Coach) openly declaring themselves to be Buddhists and the Dalai Lama making it popular, it is becoming more and more accepted in the West. A lot of Hollywood movies also popularize different aspects of Buddhism making it more attractive and acceptable. The non-theistic aspect of Buddhism with it’s focus on suffering, compassion and nonviolence, has made it more acceptable to the academia and popular media too. With an increase in the interest in Buddhism and it’s acceptance by academia and popular media , it is important that we  learn what Buddhism is and how it  does and does not answer the most important questions pertaining to human life.

Founder

Gautama Buddha who was once Siddhartha Gautama, the prince of Kapilavastu, the modern day Nepal, is the founder of Buddhism. It is the embodiment of his teachings which constitute the various branches of Buddhism.

Goal

The main goal of Buddhism is ‘nirvana’ or liberation from the cycle of rebirths. A person who has attained nirvana will not be born gain into the world.

Schools of Thought

There are three main divisions within Buddhism with numerous subdivisions. The three main ‘vehicles’ of Buddhism are

Theravada

Mahayana, the greater vehicle

Vajrayana, Diamond or thunder bolt vehicle

Scripture

The Buddhist Scriptures include

A. Pali Canon (Three Baskets)

1. Vinaya-Pitaka (Basket of Order)

2. Sutra-Pitaka (Basket of Instructions)

3. Abhidharma-Pitaka (Basket of higher teaching)

B. Other Scripture

1. The Mahavastu

2. Milindapanha (Questions of King Milinda

3. Saddharmapundarika (The lotus of the good law sutra)

4. Prajnaparamita Sutra (The Perfection of Wisdom)

God

No creator God exists because there is so much suffering. Since suffering is extensive, creator God does not exist.

Man

Does not have a soul.

Rev. Ahmed shah, in his book “Buddhism and Christian faith”, gives the following description.

“The individual self is the empirical self. It is an aggregate of five elements. One physical and four psychic.

I. Physical Element – Name and form, which is a synthesis of five inherent dhatus properties namely time, space, form, energy and heat. These appear as body which is given a name.

II. Psychic elements: The four psychical elements are -

1. Samskars -Mental disposition like instinct and subconscious factors

2. Samjna – Sense perceived knowledge – the knowing aspect of self

3. Vadana -Feeling aspect of self

4. Vijnana – Value judgment and volitional aspect of the self.

Self or ego is an aggregate the above elements. It is only a functional unity and does not have any metaphysical entity or being.”

Creed

Creed of Buddhism

This is what the Buddhist monks keep chanting throughout the day.

Dhammam Saranam Gachchami (I take shelter in Dhamma<law>)

Samgham Saranam Gachchami (I take shelter in Samgha<group>)

Buddham Saranam Gachchami (I take shelter in Buddha<enlightened one>)

Sanga

The body of Buddhist believers is called the sanga and is equivalent to the Christian church or fellowship.

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