Buddhism and Catholicism
Buddhism and Catholicism
Introduction to World Religion
2300
Buddhism and Catholicism are two main world religions that great populations believe in. Catholicism and Buddhism differ in teachings as well as holy books, life after death or reincarnation, and forgiveness of one’s sins. . They differ greatly in their belief systems, yet have similarities in the time they established their churches as well as the spirit of their followers.
In comparison, both religions are believed to be some of the oldest known religions to man. Buddhism was founded by a royal prince of Lumbini in Northern India. He was born in 624 BCE and named Siddhartha Shakyamuni (Shakya was the name of the royal family and Muni meant Able One). He lived as a prince in his palace until he was 29 years old and went off to the forest to follow his path of solidarity and faith until he reached enlightenment six years later. Buddha Skakyamuni was then asked to teach his findings to his citizens. Catholicism has a very controversial beginning. Many say that the name “Catholicism” is a newer term for an old church and the beginnings are spread out in different locations, both in East and West Europe. The approximate beginning of the Catholic Church is 45 AD, when Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, went to Rome and from there lead the Catholic Church. Rome is where the main Catholic Church still resides and 262 plus popes have followed Peter’s succession. Buddhism’s beliefs are based off the Hinayana and Mahayana. Hinayana teachings are used to liberate from one’s personal sufferings. Mahayana teachings are used to obtain full enlightenment and Buddha-hood, to help others. In Buddhism, enlightenment means to attain full spiritual knowledge which allows you to become free from the cycle of rebirth. Enlightenment is the main religious goal in Buddhism. There is no book that has Buddha’s teachings.
Introduction to World Religion
2300
Buddhism and Catholicism are two main world religions that great populations believe in. Catholicism and Buddhism differ in teachings as well as holy books, life after death or reincarnation, and forgiveness of one’s sins. . They differ greatly in their belief systems, yet have similarities in the time they established their churches as well as the spirit of their followers.
In comparison, both religions are believed to be some of the oldest known religions to man. Buddhism was founded by a royal prince of Lumbini in Northern India. He was born in 624 BCE and named Siddhartha Shakyamuni (Shakya was the name of the royal family and Muni meant Able One). He lived as a prince in his palace until he was 29 years old and went off to the forest to follow his path of solidarity and faith until he reached enlightenment six years later. Buddha Skakyamuni was then asked to teach his findings to his citizens. Catholicism has a very controversial beginning. Many say that the name “Catholicism” is a newer term for an old church and the beginnings are spread out in different locations, both in East and West Europe. The approximate beginning of the Catholic Church is 45 AD, when Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, went to Rome and from there lead the Catholic Church. Rome is where the main Catholic Church still resides and 262 plus popes have followed Peter’s succession. Buddhism’s beliefs are based off the Hinayana and Mahayana. Hinayana teachings are used to liberate from one’s personal sufferings. Mahayana teachings are used to obtain full enlightenment and Buddha-hood, to help others. In Buddhism, enlightenment means to attain full spiritual knowledge which allows you to become free from the cycle of rebirth. Enlightenment is the main religious goal in Buddhism. There is no book that has Buddha’s teachings.