The Enlightenment of Christianity and the Salvation of Buddhism

The Enlightenment of Christianity and the Salvation of Buddhism “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” An excerpt from Jesus’ Teachings found in Matthew 5 and Luke 14, it is not unlike the First Noble Truth of Buddhism, the Truth of Suffering, which discloses that, laconically, all life is suffering. The principles of Buddhism are set on this truth and aim to oppose such pain by attaining nirvana, which itself is obtained through living by morals and precepts established by Buddha. Christianity in turn promises redemption to any and all who live by words and actions of Jesus Christ and his teachings, living refined and moral lives whilst worshipping all three embodiments of God in return for salvation. What is entitled in both religions is the promise of happiness through spiritual practices, as well as enlightenment of higher knowing and understanding with a just view of rewards and punishment for all actions. All can be viewed as an atonement to do good and find reason for it, though tend to differ on their beliefs of who is responsible for their salvation. Despite the contradictory cultures and time periods, both of the prominent figures in either religion were prophesized to do great future success for the betterment of mankind, and were of the few to succeed at such. The prophetic background of Jesus lies in Luke 1:35 where the angel Gabriel comes to the Virgin Mary and tells her she shall bear the Messiah, made possible by the Holy Spirit. Buddha, antithetically, was prophesized to be of either a great emperor or religious leader when his mother dreamt of a white baby elephant entering her side the night he was conceived. Followers of either religion would applaud their accomplishment. Though regardless of the success in their fulfillment of such destinies, Christ’s and Buddha’s missions were not an abnormality in their times.