Christian and Buddhist Basic Teachings

Christian Basics

The ‘Sanctity of Life’ Holy and Sacred Created by God Life is a gift Life must be preserved Every life has a purpose God alone decides the beginning and end of life

Ten Commandments

God said... God created the world and everything in it Humans were given ‘stewardship’ over His creation – to take care and protect what doesn’t belong to them ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.’ God gives life and only he take it away ‘Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you.’ - God’s plan for each life created All humans were created ‘in God’s image’ – exactly as he has planned ‘Be fruitful and multiply’ Judgement day – God will judge your actions and either reward or punish (heaven or hell)

Jesus said... Golden Rule – Treat others as you wish to be treated. ‘Love thy neighbour’ ‘Love your enemy’ ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ Agape – unconditional love and respect for all of creation

Buddhist Basics

Buddha said... 5 Precepts – Do not harm others Do not steal Do not use harmful language Avoid sexual misconduct Do not use intoxicants Practise Metta - loving-kindness, good actions Practise Ahimsa - non-violence Papa – evil, bad actions “Hatred does not cease by hatred, hatred ceases by love” (Dhammapada) Karma – your actions have consequences Karma affects your rebirth (Samsara) , so when you are reborn as a human, don’t mess it up as you waste all past good karma gain and so your chance of reaching enlightenment. Nirvana – a state of tranquillity, contentment and peace where you are no longer within the cycle of rebirth – kind of like reaching heaven for Christians.

Four Noble Truths First Noble Truth: Dukkha - Suffering is part of everyday life. There will always be some form of suffering (Dukkha) in life or a feeling that life is not perfect. It can be caused by old age, sickness and death. Second Noble Truth: Samudaya - Suffering is caused by greed, craving and desire. Greed, craving and desire cannot bring happiness because things are always changing. Third Noble Truth: Nirodha - You can end suffering by not craving or being greedy. Treasure each moment, living the best way you can. Don’t be self-centred. If you live in a way that is good and helps others, you will be happy. Fourth Noble Truth: Magga - To end suffering follow the Eightfold Path. To stop craving, follow the spiritual and moral disciplines of the Noble Eightfold Path. This Path sets out the Buddha’s guidance on the way to live so that you are at peace with yourself and the world. The illness is Dukkha The cause of the illness is craving To cure the illness, they must live a life free of craving The treatment is to follow the Buddhist teachings of the Eightfold path

Eightfold Path To see things as they really are Meditate to avoid greed, hatred and ignorance and experience joy, love and kindness Decide to follow the Eightfold Path by being kind to others Be aware of what you do and how it affects others Avoid telling lies, spreading gossip, saying hurtful things Be kind to others -not to harm, steal or be rude but speak the truth and respect your body. Show kindness and feel positive thoughts towards others Have a job that helps others rather than harming

Dalai Lama said ... ‘The destruction of nature and natural resources results from ignorance, greed and lack of respect for the earth’s living things … this lack of respect extends to future generations who will inherit a degraded planet’ ‘The earth is not only the common heritage of all humankind but also the ultimate source of life’ ‘Always think compassion’ ‘Peace can exist if everyone respects all others’ Buddhist spiritual leader