Buddhism And Catholicism

Catholicism, the following of Jesus Christ and the one holy God, and the religion of Buddhism, following the teachings of Buddha, are two very distinct religions with several strong similarities and differences. One is a monotheistic religion while the other is more of a spiritual guidance, which only begins the many broad differences between the two, but they also have many close similarities.

The biggest similarity between Catholicism and Buddhism is their “code of conducts” that the religious followers know and understand. In Catholicism, the Ten Commandments are very similar to two Buddhist “codes”; the Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts of a Monk. The Ten Commandments say that “thou shall not kill”, which reflects with the Five Precepts of a Monk saying “do not take life” and the Eightfold Path teaching of right action. The Eightfold Path teaching of right action also relates to the Five Precepts of a Monk saying “do not take what is not given,” which reflects the Ten Commandments saying that “thou shall not steal.” Another similarity is that the Ten Commandments say “thou shall not bare false witness,” which reflects the Five Precepts saying “do not use false speech” and the Eightfold Path idea of right speech.

A second similarity between the two religions is the use of chant or song. Buddhists practice with mantras, which are chants of repetitions, making sounds of “Ohm”. Catholics use songs in Church and priests say chants that the people repeat. A third and final similarity is the use of meditation, or contemplation. Buddhists use literal meditation to reach their inner selves and nirvana. Catholics use prayers towards God to reach out and become closer with Him.

The differences between Catholicism and Buddhism are...

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...from the cycle of karma and rebirth they must reach nirvana, which is a state of ultimate peace. Reaching nirvana is the main goal of a Buddhist. Catholics believe differently. They believe in one single life, a life lived to please God. When one dies, Catholics believe in a final judgment where a soul will be sent to either heaven or hell. A Catholic's goal is to live a good life and please God to be sent to heaven.

Catholicism and Buddhism are two very distinct religions that originated in two different parts of the world, the Middle East and India, respectively, but relate to each other on many levels. Although the followers of these religions believe differently, they both believe in good doing and living a good life without hurting others. The differences separate the religions into two completely different beliefs, but the morality of both beliefs are similar.