Sin and Craving

[Pondera]

It seems to me that Jesus was the one with the ability to forgive sins. It is said:

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In other words, Jesus could take the filth in our hearts, cleanse it, take it upon himself and get rid of it - granting us a pure heart and eternal life.

I think the Buddha had a similar aim in that the application of his teachings alone could purify the heart, release it from the filth and the fermentations in there - granting us a place in the Deathless.

The difference is obviously that Jesus is offering to do this FOR us. The Buddha is teaching us how to do this for OURSELVES.

This may also be an indicator of just what kind of short life Jesus lived compared to the long life and extensive teachings of the Buddha.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there is little to no difference between the Kingdom of Heaven and Nibanna. I would also not be shocked if “the Deathless” and “eternal life” are equivalent.

DN 1 - describes the idea of life in a Brahma heaven. But I don’t see Christianity as being a “union” with the Great Being. It is more about forgiveness of sins and purification so that one may find a happy destination after death.

[Coëmgenu]

At that point, you might as well seek birth in the calyx of a lotus in the Western Paradise, taught from birth by Amitāyur.

[Pondera]

At that point, you might as well seek birth in the calyx of a lotus in the Western Paradise, taught from birth by Amitāyur.

Whatever works

[Dhamma Chameleon]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there is little to no difference between the Kingdom of Heaven and Nibanna. I would also not be shocked if “the Deathless” and “eternal life” are equivalent.

Christians practice with the intention of going to heaven. That is one of the planes of existence and not the same as Nibbana. To achieve the latter you need right view, which is not a part of Christianity.

DN 1 - describes the idea of life in a Brahma heaven. But I don’t see Christianity as being a “union” with the Great Being. It is more about forgiveness of sins and purification so that one may find a happy destination after death.

Yes, it seeks a destination - Nibbana is beyond that.

[cappuccino]

Jesus is saving sinners (the many)


Buddha is saving those with little dust in their eyes (the few)

[Pondera]

Jesus is saving sinners (the many)


Buddha is saving those with little dust in their eyes (the few)

[4GreatHeavenlyKings]

Jesus is saving sinners (the many)


Buddha is saving those with little dust in their eyes (the few)

As a Buddhist, Jesus has no more salvific importance for me than any other person who inspires other people to do good - and Jesus teached many false doctrines, such as that YHWH the god controls salvation.

[Ontheway]

Jesus is saving sinners (the many)


Buddha is saving those with little dust in their eyes (the few)

Why not Amitabha Buddha?

[Dhamma Chameleon]

I'd say Jesus wants you to let him(/God) save you, the Buddha teaches us to save ourselves.

[Kusala]

Jesus is saving sinners (the many)


Buddha is saving those with little dust in their eyes (the few)

The concept of "original sin" is flawed just as the concept of "Buddha nature"...