Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, and like most religions of the world, is divided into a number of different traditions, each sharing a common set of fundamental beliefs (Buddhism). It was founded in Northern India by the first known Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama in 535 BCE. One of the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism is in reincarnation, that one must go through many cycles of birth, living, and death, and after many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.
Buddhism and Christianity share many beliefs (Buddhism). They share the ethic of reciprocity, which all the worldÆs major religions share. This is a basic rule of behavior on how they treat others. Buddhism says, "...a state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict upon another?" Samuttta Nikaya v. 353, and "Hurt not others in ways that yourself would find hurtful" Udana-Varga 5:18. This is very comparable to ChristianityÆs Golden Rule, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them," Matthew 7:12, and "...and donÆt do what you hate...," Gospel of Thomas 6.
Almost all religions teach of a life after death, and this is common to Buddhism and Christianity, though it differs somewhat between the two religions (Buddhism). Christianity teaches that people have one life on earth, and that after death, an eternal life in Heaven or Hell. In heaven there is only joy, and In Hell, only eternal suffering. Buddhism teaches that there are repetitive cycles of birth, life and death until desire and craving, the cause of suffering, end and Nirvana is reached.
Themes of morality, justice, and love are found throughout Buddhist and Christian teachings.
What Buddhism lacks, and Christianity has, is the belief in a God or other supreme being (Buddhism). Buddhist also donÆt believe...