Buddhism, an ancient religion that predates Christianity, offers a captivating exploration into the lives and experiences of its followers. Understanding Buddhism not only fosters acceptance but also provides a clear path for ministering to its adherents. It is crucial to establish a common ground and comprehend diverse religions in order to effectively reach out to individuals with different faiths. By delving into the teachings of Buddhism, one can effectively communicate the message of Christianity while gaining valuable insights into Asia's rich cultural heritage (Yamamoto 1). The roots of Buddhism stretch back to Kapilavastu, located in southern Nepal, where Siddhartha Gautama was born around 560 BC as the son of a Sakya Clan chieftain. While there may be variations among different Buddhist sects regarding Siddhartha's life details, essential aspects are widely accepted across various tradi
...tions (Mead 23). Growing up shielded from human suffering due to his father's protective measures, Siddhartha became aware of the emptiness in his existence at twenty-nine years old. This realization prompted him to renounce all possessions and attachments and embark on a quest for peace and enlightenment. One fateful day, he escaped royal attendants appointed by his father who had sought control over him. Upon leaving his confinement behind, he witnessed firsthand the suffering endured by humanity along encounters with an elderly man, a leper, a corpse, and an ascetic individualEncountering the illusion of worldly happiness, he decided to renounce all and become a wandering monk, indulging in extreme austerity and painful rituals. To suppress desires, he slept on brambles and squatted instead of sitting. Believing this would lead to truth, he practiced for years. However, one day on his journey to
enlightenment, he realized asceticism held no greater value than his previous life as a prince. His self-torture was as pointless as a life of pleasure. He then embraced the "middle way," avoiding extremes and discovering the path to truth. Abandoning asceticism, he continued seeking truth (Mead 30). Later in life, Gautama meditated beneath the Bodhi-tree in Gaya, achieving enlightenment. This moment revealed the "Four Noble Truths," central to his teachings and Buddhist philosophy.This event represented a significant milestone in his spiritual journey, leading to his recognition as the Buddha or "the Enlightened One." Contrary to other holy men who isolated themselves from human interaction, Buddha chose to teach and exemplify compassion and selflessness through Buddhist teachings focused on wisdom and compassion. Shortly after attaining enlightenment about two months ago, Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon at Deer Park in Rishipatana. This occasion introduced the concept of the "Wheel of Law" among Buddhists, symbolizing various stages of comprehending ultimate reality. Inspired by Buddha's actions, people began believing in and eventually following his teachings. Consequently, a community called Sangha was formed, consisting of beggar monks. What distinguishes followers of Buddha from those of other religions is that they were not obligated to submit or take vows under him; instead, they adhered based on faith rather than leadership. Throughout his life until he reached eighty years old, Buddha devoted himself to expanding the Buddhist faith. Despite his passing, Buddhism continued flourishing and growing significantly; his followers persisted in disseminating its teachings by traveling from village to village with the aim of gaining new converts. The expansion of Sangha gave rise to disagreements among monks regarding interpretations of Buddhism and
Buddha's teachings. Consequently, numerous groups emerged with differing interpretations but shared message overallThe growth of the monks led to the establishment of monasteries, replacing wealthy landowners who previously provided shelter during rainy seasons. King Asoka played a crucial role in promoting Buddhism throughout Asia and the East, using his power and wealth to ultimately make it a global religion with significant historical importance.
With a large number of believers, a leadership body known as the moralistic order was formed to oversee major councils discussing matters related to doctrine and practice. Four major councils were held throughout Buddhist history. The initial council took place in Rajagrha after Buddha's death and was overseen by Mahakasyapa, aiming to achieve consensus on Buddha's teachings.
A century later, the second council likely occurred at Vaihall, focusing on examining ten questionable practices within the monastic community. Senior Buddhist monks disapproved acts such as monetary transactions and consumption of palm wine, resulting in notable division within the religion.
Subsequent gatherings led to the formation of two major factions: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism aims to preserve Buddha's original teachings with its orthodox and traditional practices (Source: Encarta Encyclopedia, Buddhism 3) (Laymen 45).The Pali Canon, written in the Pali language by Theravada Buddhists, serves as the early Buddhist scriptures accurately representing these teachings (Encarta 4-5). However, there exist significant differences between Theravada and Mahayana traditions. While Theravada regards Buddha as a respected man and ethical guide, Mahayana perceives him as a divine being. Furthermore, only saints have access to Theravada teachings, excluding ordinary followers. It is believed that ultimate liberation or Nirvana can solely be attained by saints. In order for an average person
to reach Nirvana, they must accumulate merits or good Karma which may lead them to reincarnate as a saint in their next life. Buddhaghos is an important figure in Theravadain Buddhism who compiled an extensive encyclopedia of Buddhist literature in the Pali language. Despite facing opposition from other religions, Theravada Buddhism thrives today in Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia and India. Interestingly, Tharavadains maintain peaceful relations with Mahayana Buddhists who emerged as a response to the strict austerity and individualism of early Buddhism. This branch allows common people to place faith and devotion in Buddha with the belief that nirvana is achieved through realizing that suffering is empty (Yamamoto 8-10).Mahayana, also known as the Northern School of Buddhism, can be divided into two smaller denominations - Madhyamika and Yogacara Schools. These schools represent conflicting ideas that have been separated and reintegrated into distinct groups (Yamamoto 10-12).
While various branches within Buddhism align with fundamental beliefs, studying them does not provide a comprehensive understanding of traditional teachings as they alter essential aspects.
Although most of Asia follows Buddhism as a whole, there are smaller Buddhist branches existing in few exceptions. Globally, there are approximately 314,939,000 Buddhists (313,000,000 in Asia alone), with only 19,000,000 practitioners of other Buddhist branches. It's worth noting that Taoists differ significantly from Buddhism despite their population size of around 180,000,000 individuals (Yamamoto 22).
The theological beliefs and values of Buddhists greatly differ from Western Christian religions known worldwide. Buddhism and Christianity both explore the concept of suffering. In Buddhism, suffering is seen as an inherent aspect of life that cannot be avoided or denied. This raises questions about why unfortunate events happen to
seemingly virtuous individuals and why certain people must endure anguish. Christianity attributes these occurrences to God's intricate plan which surpasses human understanding.However, Buddhism has a different perspective on this matter. Buddhists believe that suffering is a result of past lives and that present wrongdoings have consequences. They also believe that human life is not the most important thing, similar to how Christians view God as supreme. Buddhists follow the "Four Noble Truths," which explain the nature of the world. The first truth, called dukkha (meaning suffering or sorrow), can be understood as Buddha providing honest diagnoses without sugarcoating or causing excessive distress. Dukkha includes physical and mental suffering, change, and the essence of life, which is similar to what we call the soul.
The second truth, known as "samudaya," explains the origin of suffering through craving or thirst known as Tanha. Within samudaya lies Buddha's explanation of suffering and its origins in the Twelvefold Chain of Causation.
The Third Noble Truth, nirodha, describes dukkha as its cessation or relief from feeling dukkha. Achieving nirvana involves eliminating false ideas about the world or a soul on earth since Buddhists do not believe in a soul. Achieving Nirvana requires eliminating craving or coveting known as tanha. Once craving is eradicated and nirodha is experienced, a path for salvation or deliverance from worldly ignorance is forged (Yamamoto 29).
The Fourth Noble Truth, "magga," refers to the mentioned path comprising Buddhist ethics called the Noble Eightfold PathThe teachings of Jesus on righteous living and discerning between right and wrong can be compared to Buddhist traditions, which emphasize perfecting discipline and wisdom to shape one's way of life. The Eightfold Path represents not
just a path, but a complete transformation in one's lifestyle. Its purpose is to steer individuals away from selfish desires that result in suffering. This guiding principle for liberation is known as magga (Yamamoto 30). Another important concept in Buddhism is the rejection of the existence of a soul, referred to as anatta. According to David J. Kalupahana, all aspects of human personality are not associated with the self; humans are interconnected collections of parts similar to detachable pieces in a car that can be reused and reborn anew. The desire for a soul originates from human weakness and longing for something beyond surface-level appearances. Buddha suggests that individuals are actually seeking truth, which can be attained through enlightenment. It surprises many that Buddhism stands alone among religions by rejecting the belief in a soul (Yamamoto 36). Buddhists believe that the absence of a soul indicates impermanence and emptiness. The Buddhist faith refers to this openness as shunyata or the void, symbolizing absolute nothingness. To achieve salvation in Buddhism, individuals must renounce worldly possessions and become monks, abandoning everything and eliminating selfish desires while embracing selflessnessMeditation is essential for connecting individuals with the truth and achieving deliverance and salvation. Attaining arhant, the highest level of perfection, is necessary for salvation, after which one reaches nirvana and disappears into nothingness. Unlike traditional views on salvation that involve God, Buddhism sees God as an obstacle to knowledge and does not believe in its existence. While gods within the cosmos are acknowledged in Buddhism, they are not worshipped. Instead, Buddhism focuses on self-attainment and knowledge rather than relying on a divine being. Even Buddha himself, seen as godlike,
is solely regarded as a teacher and not worshipped. Consequently, Buddhism considers the concept of God pointless.
When evangelizing within Buddhism, effective communication with Buddhists must be considered by Christians. The significant language barrier between most Buddhists and Christians should be kept in mind. Engaging with younger generations of Buddhists who have English language skills may prove to be more effective. Identifying the target audience is crucial for planning how to convey the Christian message successfully.
Directly quoting Bible passages may not resonate with those unfamiliar with Christianity; therefore, a different strategy should be adopted. This strategy could involve combining Christian teachings with elements of their daily life by comparing biblical principles with Buddha's teachings."Storytelling is a powerful tool in evangelizing, universally understood. By sharing the story of Jesus and his salvation from sin, individuals can find hope and belief, crucial for successful evangelization. Buddhism lacks solace in a secure entity like God, grappling with enigmatic mysteries of ignorance and truth pursuit. However, consistently labeling someone as ignorant eliminates hope for seeking truth. Heaven's allure lies in intrinsic beauty and vibrant existence whereas Buddhism's Nirvana lacks hope. Shouldn't we seek something tangible to find truth? Reaching nothingness offers no incentive or reward for love or obedience. Religions often battle each other, so engaging in a fair spiritual battle where all viewpoints are expressed is important for fairness and righteousness. To effectively challenge these beliefs, appropriate reactions and comprehensive understanding are essential (Yamamoto 30-40). With many unsaved people, it becomes vital for each person to assist at least one individual in finding salvation.
