An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 34)

Author: Mehrullah Azizi

An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 34)

E: The Relationship and Connection Between Christianity and Buddhism in the Monastic System

Regarding whether Christianity has any connection with Buddhism in the system of monasticism, it should be stated that monasticism, in its origin, is a phenomenon that was neither prescribed nor recommended in any of the heavenly religions. Rather, the divine religions—especially the law of Jesus Christ—considered it completely contrary to human nature, and, likewise, the spirit of Islam is incompatible with this worn-out system.

Monasticism was an innovation that emerged in later periods after the ascension of Jesus Christ, under the influence of philosophical tendencies and ethical schools that promoted asceticism and seclusion within Christianity.

As mentioned previously, the monastic system first appeared in Brahmanism and later gradually entered Buddhism after the emergence of Gautama Buddha’s teachings. Thereafter, through trade and commercial interactions, this system spread from Buddhist and Hindu traditions to Egypt, and from there Coptic monks transferred it to France, Italy, and other lands.

The earliest known monasteries emerged in Egypt, particularly in the city of Alexandria. At that time, Alexandria was recognized as a major commercial and cultural center of the Roman Empire. Rome and its territories maintained strong trade relations with India; therefore, many Buddhist and Jain merchants frequently traveled there for commerce. Taking advantage of this opportunity, they transmitted their religious and doctrinal teachings, which eventually caused the monastic system to take root within Christianity as well.

Similarities Between Buddhism and Christianity in Monasticism

1. Similarity in Monastic Teachings and Structures

Christianity resembles Buddhism in many monastic teachings, practices, and regulations. Even the structure and influence of early Christian churches bore a strong resemblance to Buddhist monastic organizations. When Buddhist monasteries spread widely across the world, several centuries after Buddha, his followers developed the idea of establishing churches upon a similar model and pattern.

2. Corruption and Deviations in Monasteries

Another similarity between the two religions in monasticism is the appearance of corruption and deviations in some Buddhist and Christian monasteries, a matter also discussed in studies of the history of religions. The severe suppression of human instincts imposed by monasticism is practically unsustainable and eventually may lead to the opposite result: moral corruption and deviation. [1]

3. Excessive Veneration of Monks and Saints

Another similarity is a type of sanctification and veneration of monks and saints. Buddhists venerate Gautama Buddha and many sacred monks, considering them part of their sacred trinity. Likewise, some Christians exaggerated concerning Jesus Christ and regarded him as a partner with God and part of the divine essence. They also exaggerated regarding their saints and righteous figures and devoted acts of worship to them.

The Noble Quran refers to this issue: «اتخذوا احبارهم ورهبانهم أربابا من دون الله» Translation: “They took their rabbis and monks as lords besides Allah, and also the Messiah, son of Mary.” [2]

It is also said that these two religions resemble one another in the sayings and teachings found in their texts. If one compares statements attributed to Gautama Buddha with sayings attributed to Jesus Christ in the altered Gospels, many similarities appear between them.

In the Tripitaka, it is mentioned that Buddha advised his followers to abandon worldly life, leave their homes, possessions, and even families, choose poverty, and live by begging.

Similarly, in the altered Gospels, comparable statements are found, suggesting that Jesus Christ supposedly required those who wished to enter his call to renounce their wealth and accept poverty in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

Another narration attributed to Jesus in the altered gospel states that when a wealthy young man asked him about deeds leading to eternal life, he replied, “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor; then you will have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow me.”

There are many such similarities between the Tripitaka and the altered Christian Gospels, though only a few examples have been mentioned here as representative samples.

Similarities in the Practices of Monks

Researchers may also observe similarities between Christianity and Buddhism in the characteristics and customs of Christian monks:

1. A monk undergoes a three-year period of testing and probation;

2. He shaves his head;

3. He practices complete and unquestioning obedience to spiritual fathers and superiors;

4. He recites all the Psalms daily with reflection and glorification;

5. He offers a “sacrifice of humility” as a sign of submission and humbleness.

6. He recites forty chapters from the sacred scripture every day;

7. He regularly reads daily prayers of glorification;

8. He fasts excessively;

9. He attends communal prayers and gatherings of monks;

10. He studies the sayings and teachings of monastic masters and elders;

11. He spends the night in reflection and self-examination;

12. And so on. [3]

To be continued…

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References:

1. Al-Adyan al-Wad’iyyah, p. 243.
2. The Qur’an, 9:31.
3. Al-Adyan al-Wad’iyyah, p. 251.