Did you ever wonder why Christianity is scrutinized so much? I mean, we have people claiming Jesus is not an historical figure; we have the textual critics that seek to show not only syncretism, but that the apostles were not the true authors. Some would place the writing of the Christian texts late in the 1st century AD to the middle of the 2nd. Then you have the critics looking for contradictions and which of the variants represent the true manuscripts. With the possible exception of the Hebrew Scriptures, where do we find such scrutiny in handling the rest of the world religions? Now, I am not complaining; on the contrary, I invite the controversy given my faith. The fact is according to the Scriptures, Jesus (the Lamb) was supposed to be keenly observed, scrutinized etc. to see if there was any fault or sin in him (cp. Exodus 12; he is the unblemished lamb).
The point is, while you would have no trouble at all finding critics of Jesus and the New Covenant texts in all its forms of criticism, one would be hard pressed to find this kind of scrutiny expressed over the Buddhist manuscripts, the life of the Buddha, etc. One could say the same about the Hindu faith, and its heroes, or of the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek gods etc. However, this particular blogpost is about the Buddha and his supposed similarities with Jesus.
Some of the similarities ascribed to Buddhism with Christianity are:
- The Gautama was born of a virgin
- There were wise men connected with his birth
- He was born in a cave
- A star pointed to his location
- The Gautama was crucified
- He rose from the dead
According the Buddhist writings the Buddha was born into the royal family of King Shuddhodana and his wife, Maya. They were married 20 years before she bore him a son, so the conception was hardly that of a virgin. According to some ancient texts, in the night of Maya’s conception she “tasted of loves delights,” after which she dreamed of a white, six-tusked elephant entering her womb. Some websites dwell on the dream alone and imply a miraculous birth, but, even if that were the true legend, how could any similarity be seen with the birth of Jesus?
The Buddha wasn’t born in a cave, as the information above shows. He was surrounded with luxury. Neither is there a record of a star, accompanying his birth, in the Buddhist writings. While some versions point to wise men connected to his birth, they predicted a life of a religious figure, whereupon his father, the king, surrounded the lad with luxury to prevent the prophecy from occurring. What, if anything, would point to a similarity to Jesus’ birth here?
According to the Mahidol University website, the Gautama lived to a ripe old age and died under a pair of sala trees accompanied by worshipers. What possible correlation does this have with the crucifixion of Jesus? As far as a resurrection is concerned, the Gautama was cremated seven days after he died. No resurrection is even implied in the Buddhist writings. So, how would one see any similarity between the Gautama and Jesus is anyone’s guess.
From another viewpoint, it is not readily pointed out that all we know about the Buddha’s supposed existence comes to us in classical Sanskrit manuscripts? Classical Sanskrit didn’t even exist until the 2nd century AD or later. Artifacts depicting the Buddha are nonexistent in the six centuries before Christ when the Buddha was supposed to have lived. How could such a figure have existed for over 6 hundred years without any written reference or any artifact existing that would point to his ever having lived? We don’t have any hard evidence about the Gautama until late in the 1st century AD or later, depending upon the dating scholars place upon the coins with his image on the back. Long-story-short, even if the Buddha existed in the 1st century AD, the writers of the Gospel narratives could not have copied from his teachings or his life. Nothing written existed until the 2nd century or later. Any supposed similarities would have had to come from the Buddhist monks copying from Christianity.
Smoodock's Blog 
5 responses to “Jesus and Gautama—the Buddha”
Well not entirely.. he was born under a tree. It’s the first time I heard the facts you wrote above.. quite odd.. to say the least. The death story is also not ‘true’ because he seemed to have died in a remote village when consuming a piece of not so fresh pork meat after his ascetic phase.. (lovely way to go I say.. yay bacon!)
Buddha (or Siddarth if you like) was born in a time when Palli was the language of use so the earliest notes of his teachings are in that language. He’s not a God or a prophet or anything like that. I think in one of his scriptures he clearly states not to follow him and I think he’d be mortified to see all those statues around the world and people worshiping him.
Comparing (though I do like the both of them and believe they were actually walking this planet) Jesus and Buddha is like comparing apples and pears, Buddha never claimed to be the son of God etc. but I do like some of the common message they share of compassion and love.
As an atheist I’m always somewhat irritated when people have to point out the ‘flaws’ in other religions or make comparisons to prove their own religion is ‘better’. “Your religion doesn’t make you a better person, your behavior does”. It’s a discussion with no end and with somewhat dubious motivations. Not to mention a total lack of respect.
I think when Christianity is scrutinized (or any other religion) it has little to do with Christianity but more with bad manners. But that’s just my humble opinion.
Greetings and thank you for reading. It is always a pleasure to read a comment such as yours that, while taking issue with what I say, does it in such a nice manner. :-)
I hadn’t realized I sought to make my religion better than that of the Buddhist religion, and I sincerely apologize if something I said gave you that impression. While I do disagree with Buddhism, I try not to make a point of looking for and exposing what I perceive to be its flaws. The point in this series of mine was to reply to the often voiced falsehood (especially done on the public discussion forums) that Christianity copied from the other ancient faiths that existed around or before the 1st century CE. We didn’t, and I think you would agree with that premise.
If some of the the things I said about Buddhism aren’t so, I apologize for that as well. I took my information from the websites I linked to. I am not an expert on the ancient religions of this world, so if you say I am wrong about something I said about one of them, you are probably correct.
By the way, I like your ‘about me‘ page on your blog, and I hope anyone who reads this comment will check it out.
Ah.. my comment was not meant as criticism of what you wrote (English is not my native language I’m not always aware how my words come across. I’m sorry) It’s a general thing that irks me about these discussions. Like you mentioned in your comment above. There is no need for other people to say Christianity copied from other religion (and vice versa) because it has nothing to do with a serious theological discussion but more – as I said – with bad manners. It’s sad that people can’t respect what others hold dear.. I think the golden rule is.. if it hurts another soul don’t utter the words.
People could scream I’m a purple zombie but I know I’m not. No use in trying to make them think otherwise because they won’t be open to the discussion as they already have fixated their minds on believing I am. Public forms often are crowed with hurt people who want to let others feel just as hurt as they are. No point in taking it serious. All I can do is be who I am. Whatever that may be.
A dear friend of mine is a very strict Christian and I was raised multi-religious. We have extremely different opinions but we never ever attack each others believes. It’s interesting to find out more and though I don’t believe in Christ. His teachings through my friend enriches my life and I’m grateful for that. Discussion can be beautiful but it has to be open, honest and out of love.
Please don’t apologize for anything. I feel terrible my words made you apologize. I was just trying to give my two cents. My sincere apologies for this – will choose my words more carefully the next time I comment. I’m not much of a scholar but I do like reading everything (glad I found your blog!) I can find about religion and have a knack for the funny or endearing little details. I love sharing how Buddha died because it always cracks me up. (and sometimes I hope someone else will smile too) I like this human side of, what to me are historical people world religions revolve around.
Also.. Thank you so much for liking my about me page. I am really struggling with writing something about myself so I put that little video up for the time being. ;)
Warm wishes and have a blessed day!
You know, a second look makes your comment appear just as you say above. I suppose I am very self-conscious when speaking of a controversial issue that I offend the wrong people. I’d rather not offend anyone, but some–like those on the discussion boards–it is difficult not to. I stay away anymore, because it is just not the atmosphere I appreciate.
I completely agree with you that all religious discussion should be done in a spirit of love and mutual respect. Sadly, I haven’t always held to this position, but it was because of speaking with people like you that helped me to see another point of view and respect it and the person who holds it.
You seem to be a beautiful person, and I’m glad we met, and I thought your little video was a wonderful way to introduce yourself to others. It says a lot about your heart.
I know you profess to be an atheist, but I hope you don’t take offense when I say, Lord bless you, :-)
Eddie
(Couldn’t find the reply button) but I take no offense at all. I might be an atheist but I do have a soft spot for the good Man upstairs ;)
Thanks again for your kind comments and God Bless to you too :)
Purnima