Buddhism through a Catholic Lens Felipe Espinosa, Diego Cerda, Jorge Aguilar, & Robert Abbott

Catholic Ideals and Buddhist Ideals The most common sources of agreement between Catholics and Buddhist is through peace and compassion. Compassion is practiced in both religions by non-violent means. Both Catholics and Buddhists look to “walk gently upon the earth rather than trample the earth with heavy boots.” (Clemmons 268) We agree that we are to speak and act in kindness, rather than to speak bad about each other.

Similarities Similarity between the two traditions is monasticism. Buddhist monks were led to establish monasteries to shelter themselves from the weather for months In christianity, monastic lifestyle developed in the 4th century. Hermits began to populate the caves of the Middle East before forming the monasteries of the Eastern and Western Roman empires.

Meditation The content of meditation in both religions are very different but some experiences in meditation are similar in both Religions Interreligious dialogue between Catholic and Buddhist monks has occurred for the past half century A Trappist monk and an internationally known author, Thomas Merton, attended an international meeting of Catholic and Buddhist monks in Bangkok, Thailand in 1968 In both religions there are differences and similarities in belief and practices.

Xuan Kong Si or the Hanging monastery Located in Shanxi province, China Built in 491 AD, During the Wei Dynasty

The Alcobaça Monastery Roman Catholic Monastery located in the town of Alcobaça, in central Portugal Founded by the first Portuguese King, Alfonso Henriquez, in 1153

Jesus Christ and Siddhartha the Buddha Both, Jesus and Siddhartha had miracles associated with their respective births. Were tempted before they began their public life. Both had a group of followers, walked on water, fed a multitude of people, and shared a message and a way for spiritual freedom. Both attributed to a world religion that spread far and wide. Christianity flourished in the west and Buddhism flourished in the east. Siddhartha never claimed to be divine while Jesus was both human and divine. Jesus was born of humble means while Siddhartha was born into royalty Siddhartha was married and Jesus was not. Jesus’ message was about the kingdom of God and Siddhartha’s message was about the cessation of suffering.

Symbolic prayer flags These flags are believed to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space as the wind blows. They do not carry prayers to gods which is a common misconception According to Tibetan tradition, if the flags are put up on a "bad" astrological date or any other "bad" type of day, they may bring bad wishes for as long as they fly. These flags can be seen dotted throughout the mountainous regions of Tibet (China), Nepal, Bhutan, and in parts of India.

Suffering -Common theme in both religions -In Buddhism- everyone who has not reached Nirvana or Enlightenment is suffering. People’s past lives of negative, destructive activity return them to a life of suffering. To stop this suffering, one must follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

Dukkha (outside information) Life is dukkha. Word that was actually used by the Buddha to describe the First Noble Truth Dukkha- anything that is temporary. Three kinds of dukkha: suffering or pain (physical, dukkha dukkha, impermanence or change, viparinama dukkha, and conditioned states, samkhara dukkha)

Suffering Three categories of suffering in Buddhism Physical or emotional suffering Change or transition in one’s life Pain brought about even in the midst of pleasure To buddhists, suffering is when one possesses the illusion that something or someone will bring pleasure, and that in reality, is illusory. Buddhists say that this view is life- giving for looking at what is real brings great peace and true happiness to people

Catholic understanding of suffering -understand suffering as part of the finite human condition. -some suffering we cannot control. -Other sufferings we bring onto ourselves, because one of the consequences of Original Sin is an inclination to evil. (CCC,406)

Catholic understanding of suffering It is NOT created by God or that God wants people to suffer. God desires the cessation of suffering and we are the instruments to alleviate that suffering. To christians, suffering is a mystery, to ask “ why must people suffer” is a question we must all live with and hold in awe. To christians, God is in control. God provides for what people need to get through life’s many sufferings All suffering ends, when one experiences eternal life with God and the saints.

To sum up… Buddhism Christianity The thought that something will bring us pleasure which is illusory. Something that is impermanent and not the truth One reaches Nirvana or Enlightenment Christianity An inclination to evil, sometimes we cannot control suffering Something we must live with, and part of the finite human nature. One enjoys eternal life with God and the saints Suffering is caused by… Meaning of suffering… Suffering Ends when…

Reference https://owlcation.com/humanities/Tibetan-Prayer-Flags https://www.thoughtco.com/life-is-suffering-what-does-that-mean-450094