Buddhism is beloved all over
the world, and for good reason: it’s seemingly the opposite of so much negative
influence religion has today. It is one of the most unique ‘religions’ to ever
exist. Known for its pragmatic approach,
Take a look at this list and
check out the differences for yourself!
There is no almighty God in
Buddhism, no one to hand out rewards and punishments.
- Buddhism is not strictly a religion in the
context of being a faith toward a supernatural being.
- In Buddhism, the ultimate objective of followers/practitioners
is enlightenment and/or liberation from Samsara, rather than heaven.
- A Buddha is not a savior who saves others by his
personal salvation. Although a Buddhist seeks refuge in the Buddha as his
incomparable guide who indicates the path of purity, he never promises to
remove impurities from those on the path.
- The relationship between a Buddha and his
disciples and followers is that of a teacher and student, not God/servant.
- Buddhism does not call for an unquestionable
blind faith by all Buddhist followers. It places heavy emphasis on self-reliance,
self-discipline, and individual striving.
- The teachings of Dharma are universal and are
not rooted in Buddhism alone. Sakyamuni Buddha (as the historical Buddha) discovered
and shared the teachings/ universal truths with all sentient beings. He is
not the creator of such teachings — just the transmitter.
- The concept of Hell in Buddhism is very
different from that of other religions. It is not a place for eternal
damnation as viewed by ‘almighty creator’ religions. In Buddhism, it is
just one of the six realms in Samsara (the worst of three undesirable
realms).
- There is no concept of sin in Buddhism — just
karma.
- All sentient beings have Buddha Nature/ Essence.
One can become an enlightened being (Buddha) in due course if one
practices diligently and attains purity of mind (ie absolutely no
delusions or afflictions).
- Karma is a cornerstone in Buddhist doctrines and
refers to an important metaphysical concept concerned with action and its
consequences. The law of karma explains the problem of suffering, the
mystery of the so-called fate, and above all the inequality of mankind.
- Buddhism places a high value on compassion for
all living things, including animals. Vegetarianism is recommended but not
compulsory.
- Buddhism goes beyond doing good and being good. One
must not be attached to good deeds or the idea of doing good; otherwise, it
is just another form of craving.
- There is no holy war concept in Buddhism. Killing
is breaking a key moral precept in Buddhism. One is strictly forbidden to
kill another person in the name of religion or worldly excuse.
- Buddhist teachings have no mentions of beginning
and or end to one’s existence. There is virtually no recognition of a
first cause — e.g. how does human existence first come about?
- The Buddha is omniscient but he is not
omnipotent. Buddha does not claim to be a creator of lives or the Universe.
- The tradition and practice of meditation in Buddhism
are important and strong. While all religions teach some forms or
variations of stabilizing/single-pointedness meditation, only Buddhism
emphasizes Vipassana (Insight) meditation as a powerful tool to assist one
in seeking liberation/enlightenment.
- The doctrine of Sunyata or Emptiness is unique
to Buddhism and its many aspects are well expounded in advanced Buddhist
teachings. Briefly, this doctrine asserts the transcendental nature of
Ultimate Reality. It declares the phenomenal world to be void of all
limitations of particularization and that all concepts of dualism are
abolished.
- Samsara is a fundamental concept in Buddhism and
it is simply the ‘perpetual cycles of existence’ or endless rounds of
rebirth among the six realms of existence. This cyclical rebirth pattern
will only end when a sentient being attains Nirvana, i.e. virtual
exhaustion of karma, habitual traces, defilements, and delusions. All
other religions preach one heaven, one earth, and one hell, but this
perspective is very limited compared with Buddhist samsara where heaven is
just one of the six realms of existence and it has 28 levels/planes.
Via
http://www.enlightened-consciousness.com/what-makes-buddhism-different-to-other-religions/
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