Comparison of Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity

Comparison of Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity

Buddhism encompasses an array of beliefs, practices and traditions based on teachings credited to the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The Buddha means ‘the awakened one’ or enlightened teacher. Once he told the story of the groups of blind men who were directed to touch different parts of an elephant and asked to describe the nature of the animal. All of them had different descriptions according to the part they touched. This story aims to show that Buddhism is a huge and multifaceted subject. ‘Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction’, contains material on the history, cosmology, practice, doctrine and culture that tends to stimulate interest in Buddhism. Similarly, O’Collins’ explores both the positive as well as the negative sides of Christian history, compiled profoundly to help readers understand Christianity, its faith and church comprehensively. He describes how Roman Catholicism, together with its practices and beliefs, became what they are, a dynamic and living faith- also the main challenges that the faith faces in current millennium. Both books’ contents provide insightful introduction into each subjects without too much details, making it perfect for first time readers. Applying these two texts, this paper will attempt to evaluate the core similarities and differences between Christianity and Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism to be specific.

Tibetan Buddhism is a branch of religious doctrine of the larger Mahayana Buddhist institutions typical in Tibet, Tuva, Mongolia, Kalmykia, Bhutan and some regions of the Himalayas. This doctrine recognizes Tibetan as a spiritual language and their scriptures are contained in the  Tibetan Buddhist canon. Bodhisattva is a distinct belief in Tibetan Buddhism. The word actually means an awakened wise being in Sanskrit, which portrays “the concept of a saviour” (Keown 62). The lives and teachings of the founders of both Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity are central to their religions. Tibetan Buddhism follows the life and teachings of Dalai Lama Gautama Buddha, who was born, Prince Siddhartha. Likewise, Christians follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Both religions believe that salvation is essential in humans’ life. Without it life is a suffering and the only way human beings can redeem themselves is if they are willing to generate the efforts by following the correct teachings.

Both religions have clergy who lead their followers along the path of righteousness. Tibetan Buddhism have priests and priestesses referred to as lamas. Tibetan Buddhism bestow upon great respect and importance on Dalai Lama. Lama is a Tibetan word for guru, a teacher who is ordained as spiritual mentor. In Tibet, there is an emphasis on the relationship between the teacher and the student. Lamas would spend time advising their students with spiritual guidance, sometimes it is required for Lama to first permits their students of certain practices before students actual does it. Priests in Christianity too behold similar responsibilities. A prominent example can be taken from the incident of the administration of penance: