Abstract
Buddhism and Jewish religion are two significant religions of the world. These religions have played very crucial role in making the world a better place to live by preaching peace and love for the humanity over a period of time. Buddhism and Jewish religions are founded by human beings centuries ago, and due to their relevance both of these religions have millions of followers across the world. There are a number of differences and similarities in both the religions but at the end of the day, both of them educate peace and love for the humanity.
Differences between Buddhism and Jewish Religion
Buddhism and Judaism are two ancient and significant religions of the world. Both these religions have their own set of principles, beliefs and way of reverences. Millions of followers believe in both these religions in different parts of the earth. There are a number of differences, as well as, similarities in Buddhism and Judaism in terms of worship methods, beliefs and ethical ideas. This paper proposes a discussion on Buddhism and Judaism religions, along with presenting a comparative analysis of both these religions in different perspectives.
Buddhism does not believe in the existence of any god. Buddhism believes in serving the humanity. Buddhism suggests its followers to respect every human being because human beings have the capacity to convert themselves into Buddha. One of the prominent reasons why Buddha did not believe in god was because of his belief that people go to gods because they are afraid of many things including god themselves. Buddha also believed that people go to gods with many demands and expectation of many materialistic things that hinder the way of Nirvana (Siderits, 2007, p. 80).
Judaism believes in the existence of the god but Judaism idea of god is absolutely monotheistic. Judaism talks about one god that is almighty and has created this universe. Judaism suggests “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our god, The Lord is unique”. Jews consider polytheistic ideas as heretical but many Jews scholars opine that polytheism is not a crime. Unlike Buddhists, Jews believe in the existence of god wholeheartedly, but at the same time they also believe in the humanity. Judaism suggests its followers to love, serve and respect human beings (Hendrie, 2011, p. 96).
Buddhism believes in birth and re-embodiment. Buddhism believes that everyone has taken birth from a previous life and this cycle continues unless people achieve the Nirvana and become free from all their desires and materialistic affairs of this world. Buddhism suggests that death is not the end and is just the beginning of another life. As per Buddhism beliefs, human soul travels into hells and heavens after death on the basis of their Karma before achieving the Nirvana. Buddhism suggests its followers to follow the path that is suggested by the Buddha and never harm to others so that they could achieve Nirvana. Nirvana frees human beings from the cycle of life and death, and it is achieved on the basis of Karma (MD, 2013, p. 8).
Judaism believes that humans are made by god and sent into this world with the capacity to do good or bad. Judaism has a comparatively simple approach in regard of life and death. Death is considered the seizure of physical world and travel into heaven or hell on the mercy of god. Judaism does not believe in rebirth but certain sections of Jewish followers believe in the idea of resurrection. Torah obedience strongly believes in life and rebirth after death (Siderits, 2007, p. 5, 13).
Buddhism suggests high ethical norms to its followers. Buddhism suggests its followers to abide by the ideas of Buddha. As per Buddha suggestions, there are four truths and eightfold path that should be strictly followed by Buddhists. There are ten precepts that are suggested by Buddha himself. These precepts are considered as guiding principles for the followers of Buddhism. There are strict norms in respects of conduct, diet and dresses in the Buddhism. Simple and sober life is recommended to followers of Buddhism. Celibacy and good behaviour are essential for Buddhists.
Jewish also suggest high ethical behaviour for followers. Hebrew Scriptures and customary precedents are full of ethical and behavioural norms for Jewish followers. Truth and mercy have very high significance among Jewish and are suggested for Jewish followers. Judaism firmly believes in one god and serving that god is considered the essence of life for Jewish people. Good conduct, dress and humanity are some essential norms for followers of Jewish people.
Apart from a number of differences, there are various similarities in both the religions. Buddhism and Judaism, both are founded by human beings. Both these religions have symbols and preach their followers to maintain peace and love to humanity. Both these religions have sacred texts and take guidance by them. There are a number of guiding principles for followers of Buddhism and Judaism that regulate every aspect of their life. Both Buddhism and Judaism have specific places where the worship and practice their religious proceedings (Hendrie, 2011, p. 98-99).
Buddhism and Jewish religions have guided their followers since time immemorial. Both these religions have evolved in their current form after facing various changes through ages. It is not wise to comment for commoners to comment whether Buddhism is good or Judaism. Both the religions are good if they are practiced appropriately and with the intention to achieve peace and pleasure. If path is good and there is a will to travel among travellers, it takes people towards the destination. After going through different aspects of Buddhism and Judaism, it can be concluded that both the religions are good. None is superior or inferior. Everything depends on intention and way of practicing it.
References
Hendrie, E. (2011). Solving the Mystery of Babylon the Great. USA: Great Mountain Publishing.
MD, R. W. (2013). The Three-Petalled Rose. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse.
Siderits, M. (2007). Buddhism as Philosophy: An Introduction. Indianapolis, IN: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
