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Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings
by
By Jack Kornfield
4.5/5 (4 ratings)
149 pages
2 hours
Included in your membership!
at no additional cost
Description
Discover the teachings of Jesus and Buddha with over 100 examples presented side by side to reveal striking similarities. A perfect book for anyone interested in Christianity, Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and all ways of seeking enlightenment.
This stunning collection is perfect for those curious about the influential teachers, Jesus and Buddha, and their lessons of peace, love, patience, and kindness. Witness as two of the most holy beings meet in a thought-provoking encounter of the spirit.
Compare the Bible verse: “Jesus knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (John 2.24-25) to the Buddhist scripture: “He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living beings” (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2).
Jesus and Buddha is a timeless testament to what makes us similar rather than different. This enlightening book also makes a great gift.
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Top reviews from other countries
Lee K. Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2013
-
This book is exactly what I was looking for and is exactly what it says. There are many books out there that faff about with reams of dissemination and discourses on things regarding these sayings, but all I wanted was the sayings without any judgement. I wanted to decide (lol). I am sick and tired of a persons' considered opinion on the parallel sayings, I just wanted to see them side by side.
This book would be ideal for anyone seeking parallel Buddhist & Christian daily devotions due to its format.
All in all a superb little book
6 people found this helpful
==
Christine Hacklett
3.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully presented book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2009
Verified Purchase
This book is beautifully done, but a little large for handling easily. The content is interesting, but I didn't persevere to the end. I had seen the close parallels between the two faith founders, and felt I had seen enough examples before I got anywhere near the end of it. A coffee table book, perhaps.
10 people found this helpful
Claudette Rochon-Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars Compare similarities in different religions and philosophy
Reviewed in Canada on 24 December 2018
Verified Purchase
Compare the similarities in the writings of different prophets and philosophers
John Polacok
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Purchase
Reviewed in Canada on 21 August 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my partner who was curious as to how Jesus and the Buddha's teachings compared. She absolutley loves it and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful photographs that accompany each set of sayings.
mac
5.0 out of 5 stars キリスト教は仏教が起源か。
Reviewed in Japan on 13 February 2011
Verified Purchase
仏教がキリストの言説に影響を与えたのではないか、ということについては、もちろんいろいろな説があります。しかし、福音書と仏説がよく似ているところがあるのは間違いがないと思います。本文は右のページに１ページにキリストの言葉がひとつ、左のページにお釈迦様の言葉がひとつで、ページがもったいないくらいの使い方ですが、これがじっくりと考えながら読めてよいと思います。小形の本で、持ち歩くにも便利です。
One person found this helpful
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===
By Jack Kornfield
4.5/5 (4 ratings)
149 pages
2 hours
Included in your membership!
at no additional cost
Description
Discover the teachings of Jesus and Buddha with over 100 examples presented side by side to reveal striking similarities. A perfect book for anyone interested in Christianity, Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and all ways of seeking enlightenment.
This stunning collection is perfect for those curious about the influential teachers, Jesus and Buddha, and their lessons of peace, love, patience, and kindness. Witness as two of the most holy beings meet in a thought-provoking encounter of the spirit.
Compare the Bible verse: “Jesus knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (John 2.24-25) to the Buddhist scripture: “He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living beings” (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2).
Jesus and Buddha is a timeless testament to what makes us similar rather than different. This enlightening book also makes a great gift.
===
Top reviews from other countries
Lee K. Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2013
-
This book is exactly what I was looking for and is exactly what it says. There are many books out there that faff about with reams of dissemination and discourses on things regarding these sayings, but all I wanted was the sayings without any judgement. I wanted to decide (lol). I am sick and tired of a persons' considered opinion on the parallel sayings, I just wanted to see them side by side.
This book would be ideal for anyone seeking parallel Buddhist & Christian daily devotions due to its format.
All in all a superb little book
6 people found this helpful
==
Christine Hacklett
3.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully presented book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2009
Verified Purchase
This book is beautifully done, but a little large for handling easily. The content is interesting, but I didn't persevere to the end. I had seen the close parallels between the two faith founders, and felt I had seen enough examples before I got anywhere near the end of it. A coffee table book, perhaps.
10 people found this helpful
Claudette Rochon-Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars Compare similarities in different religions and philosophy
Reviewed in Canada on 24 December 2018
Verified Purchase
Compare the similarities in the writings of different prophets and philosophers
John Polacok
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Purchase
Reviewed in Canada on 21 August 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my partner who was curious as to how Jesus and the Buddha's teachings compared. She absolutley loves it and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful photographs that accompany each set of sayings.
mac
5.0 out of 5 stars キリスト教は仏教が起源か。
Reviewed in Japan on 13 February 2011
Verified Purchase
仏教がキリストの言説に影響を与えたのではないか、ということについては、もちろんいろいろな説があります。しかし、福音書と仏説がよく似ているところがあるのは間違いがないと思います。本文は右のページに１ページにキリストの言葉がひとつ、左のページにお釈迦様の言葉がひとつで、ページがもったいないくらいの使い方ですが、これがじっくりと考えながら読めてよいと思います。小形の本で、持ち歩くにも便利です。
One person found this helpful
Translate review to English
See all reviews
===
Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings
by Marcus J. Borg (Editor),
Jack Kornfield (Goodreads Author) (Introduction)
4.02 · Rating details · 1,089 ratings · 85 reviews
JESUS & BUDDHA
THE PARALLEL SAYINGS
This remarkable collection reveals how Jesus and Buddha—whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism—were guiding along the same path. Jesus & Buddha also delves into the mystery surrounding their strikingly similar teachings and presents over one hundred examples from each.
As a Christian, I grew up with Jesus and have lived with him all my life. I have not lived with the Buddha. Similarly my work on this book was from the vantage point of a Jesus scholar. But my experience has led me to the conclusion that their teachings about ‘the way’ are virtually identical and that together they are the two most remarkable religious figures who ever lived.”
—Marcus Borg
You hold in your hand a remarkable and beautiful book. Jesus and Buddha are now meeting in an encounter of the spirit. When we listen deeply to their words we find that in many ways, they speak with one heart. If we could enact even one verse from these teachings, it would have the power to illuminate our hearts, free us from confusion and transform our lives.”
—Jack Kornfield
--
Paperback, 160 pages
Published December 8th 2004 by Ulysses Press (first published 1997)
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Average rating4.02 · Rating details · 1,089 ratings · 85 reviews
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Lee Harmon
Feb 01, 2011Lee Harmon rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Three thousand miles from where Jesus was born, another miraculous birth occurred: the Buddha. As the Buddha walked on water, passed through walls, and raised the dead, so did Jesus in his day. As the Buddha fed 500 with a few small cakes, so did Jesus work with loaves and fishes. Five hundred years after a terrible earthquake marked the death of the Buddha, the earth shook again when Jesus breathed his last.
Given the eerie parallels between these two lives, one naturally wonders if their teachings were also similar. In a book that is probably best read as a daily devotional, Borg provides a “Jesus” saying on the left side of each page, and a parallel “Buddha” saying on the right side. Here are some of my favorites:
Jesus: “There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” Buddha: “Stealing, deceiving, adultery; this is defilement. Not the eating of meat.”
Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in a steal.” Buddha: “Let the wise man do righteousness: A treasure that others cannot share, which no thief can steal; a treasure which does not pass away.”
Jesus: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” Buddha: “Do not let there be a schism in the order, for this is a serious matter. Whoever splits an order that is united will be boiled in hell for an aeon.”
What is going on, here? Were Jesus and Buddha spiritual masters inspired by a single cosmic source? Is the Christian “very God of very God” one with the Buddhist “God of gods?” You can’t help but be inspired as you contemplate the similarities of these two great religious leaders. (less)
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Kristal
Jul 25, 2011Kristal rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: reviewed, tag-it-to-the-max, 2011-reads, theology
A selection of sayings taken from the Bible and from the teachings of Buddha, showing how these two holy men were very similar in their teachings of kindness and good will toward all mankind.
The mystery lies in the fact that how does Jesus, born five hundred years after Buddha and three thousand miles away, share the same underlying message in his teachings? To what degree, if any, did Jesus know of Buddha or are they simply sharing a universal message: that as humans, we should love each other, turn the other cheek and not judge someone else?
I have found myself on the outskirts of most all major regions, yet I would recommend this book for just about anyone, as the universal messages it brings are so profound for just living a good life. (less)
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Carla
May 04, 2013Carla rated it really liked it
I bought this book because I had developed a list of Buddhist sayings which were the same message as I have heard from Jesus. I have been pondering why so many people think that somehow being a Buddhist is wiser and more peaceful (and preferred) to being a Christian when the wisdom is the same. I fear it's because too many Christians are basically ignorant of the true Jesus. The USA style of Might-Makes-Right or the Fire-and-Brimstone style of religion has overshadowed the love, peace, joy and the other fruit of the Holy Spirit which Jesus brings to humanity. This book was refreshing to read because someone else out there - Jack Kornfield - reveals publicly what I have only pondered to be true! I personally would not say Buddha is equal to Jesus because I still believe Jesus is The Son of God - The Messiah. Buddha was a child of God but not The Son: my belief...but At least now Jesus can be seen in a more positive light where Buddhists are concerned! (less)
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Robert
Jun 07, 2009Robert rated it liked it · review of another edition
This is a great idea for a book, but the execution wasn't what I had hoped for. It was as if Kornfield was matching on words rather than meaning. Many of the "parallel sayings" have similar words but appear to be expressing very different ideas. Moreover, missing from the book are some profound teachings that, though worded very differently, are present in Buddhist and Christian scriptures.
I suggest skipping Kornfield's take and read the source material yourself. The Dhammapada and the Book of John in the New Testament are a great place to start. See for yourself what teachings they have in common and what teachings are unique to one or the other.
(less)
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Jason
Nov 06, 2007Jason rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I've often been struck on how similar all the Salvationist religions seem to be. It's unfortunate that most of the world chooses to ignore the similarities and instead wishes to hate each other based on doctrinal differences. Just look at the current Middle Eastern situation. No doubt there are many points of difference but it appears that all the major world religions share many common points as well.
This little book is a nice reminder of how the moral and ethical systems of all major world religions run sort of parallel to each other when compared. For instance, in Buddhism as well as Christianity there are admonishments such as: do unto others as you would want them to do to you, practice compassion, contentment, do not worry about material riches, practice kindness and so forth.
In this book each chapter starts with a short commentary on the material that will follow. These are divided into headings like compassion, wisdom, salvation, etc. Then on opposite sides of the pages sayings of Jesus are put up against sayings of the Buddha. These sayings sit alone on the white page so you can read them slowly and savor them. Many people in America are probably pretty familiar with the messages of Jesus but will be surprised to find many of the Buddha's teaching use parables like we find with Jesus and contain the same messages that we find in Christianity.
Some people have bashed this book for its supposed lack of great scholarship. I believe these people are missing the point. The point of this book is to emphasize the universal element that all experiences of the sacred seem to promote. It doesn't matter if you are studying mystical Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity-they all point to the same Truth. That is, the untalkable, unthinkable Beingness that everything comes from and is a part of. Call it Godhead or God but it's the nonduality and Oneness of everything. It makes no difference if these sayings actually came from a real person with the title of Buddha or not. What matters is the path to freedom and liberation that they express. Does not being a work of great scholarship detract from the value people can gain by reading these sayings?
For these reasons I highly recommend the book. Anyone can pick it up and read these little quips and experience a better mood right off. What greater source of inspiration and enlightenment than to read sayings from two of the greatest men that ever lived and their commitment to serve and better humanity all of their lives? Their timeless messages and teachings will continue to live on and change those that embrace them. (less)
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Jill
May 20, 2010Jill rated it it was amazing
I read this entire book in an hour on the elliptical.
The intro to the book and chapter intros were more interesting than the actual quotes.
Act on truth.
Be compassionate.
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Trey Nowell
Jan 04, 2015Trey Nowell rated it it was amazing
An excellent fast read you can reflect on and contemplate. I've hear many try to argue Jesus and Buddha were vastly different. If you read the quotes here and the intro's to each chapter, that can easily be refuted. I continue to be amazed with how far ahead of the time their knowledge was beyond others, and if they existed today, it would still be far beyond. I would encourage anyone to read this book and see how much both had to offer, where both were movement initiators of their time....so many parallels. (less)
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Andrew
Dec 28, 2007Andrew rated it really liked it
Shelves: religion
Why are so many Americans (read cultural Christians) drawn to Buddhism? Well, because it sure seems like Jesus was exposed to Buddhist teachings and incorporated them into his own ministry. Gasp! Something today's fundamentalists could never imagine or conceed, even after seeing how closely the wisdom teachings match.
The "Sermon on the Mount" was beautiful, both when Jesus gave it, and when the Buddha gave it 300 years earlier. (less)
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Kevin Orth
Dec 30, 2018Kevin Orth rated it it was amazing
I love when authors mash up two systems and demonstrate how parallel and similar in many regard spiritual paths are. Truly there are many paths to the garden and what is most important is we invest in a path that resonates most sincerely and welcome others to do the same.
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Kurt
Jul 15, 2015Kurt added it
Brilliant explains a lot.
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Michael
Mar 20, 2021Michael rated it it was amazing
Shelves: life-lessons, nonfiction, buddhism, religion, the-examined-life
Brief book; I read in a little more than an hour, but very good. Buddha predates Jesus by half a millennia, but it's pretty astonishing how many of their teachings, and the stories told about them, are so similar. I guess it makes sense, right? Two human beings living in antiquity would have the same sort of stuff to draw on: the natural world, metaphors using agricultural tropes, and--most important of all--human behavior. Even 2,500 year ago, the rich dominated the poor, violence caused terrible suffering, people struggled with the 'right' way to live, and people got sick, died, and otherwise...did the same things as us.
Buddha, of course, did not depend on god for his insights, while Jesus did. There are--or so it seems to me--many more supernatural accretions associated with Jesus than Buddha. Buddha was the son of a king, Jesus was a poor man born to poor people in a conquered land. Christianity is predicted on the belief that Jesus died and returned to life, initiating some kind of metaphysical algorithm where your sin is processed through his suffering, and is changed into salvation. Not so much with Buddha.
Still, compassion is the name of the game, and both Jesus and Buddha made that their primary teaching. Good stuff. I loved Marcus Borg, and I miss his insights. (less)
Will Thorpe
Jul 05, 2020Will Thorpe rated it really liked it
Shelves: christianity, religion, buddhism
An easy and eye opening read. I am an atheist and former evangelical (20+ years in the faith) and found the connections quite interesting. I still study the Bible historically and textually and this side by side gave me some motivation to study Buddhism further.
I did find some of the connections to be quite a stretch though. Knowing the biblical text very well (I was one of those Christians who actually studied their bible) I found the supposed connection disingenuous at times but this was rare, forgivable and worth another look from a different perspective whether I agreed with it or not.
The miracles section was probably my favorite but mostly because I work with former Christians deconstructing their faith. Knowing the Buddha was famous for similar miracles 500 years before Jesus is quite handy... (less)
Enrique
Jul 13, 2021Enrique rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Excellent and short book.
It is a simple read of parallel sayings, of course, the similitudes between Jesus and Buddha words are striking.
Is beyond chance: there is no way to say that is a coincidence that they said the same words and did similar miracles, and used similar parables.
The research is still small, but if almost 9000 years before Jesus and Buddha there was a way that connected the lapis lazuli from India to Egypt, is pretty sure that the Buddhist writings and teachings reached the Mediterranean.
How was it possible? Is not clear, and we don't know much about this path, but is possible that some Buddhist text reached old Persia, and some jews master carefully take with them some of the teachings.
Excellent introduction.
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Janis
Sep 04, 2021Janis rated it really liked it
Jesus and the Buddha: The Parallel Sayings compares the lives of Jesus and Buddha as well as their teachings. As the title suggests, there are many parallels. “The path of which they both speak is a path of liberation from our anxious grasping, resurrection into a new way of being, and transformation into the compassionate life.” This book is a high-level comparison, but provides plenty to ponder.
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Bob
Sep 22, 2020Bob rated it really liked it · review of another edition
500 years and 3000 miles apart, they had the same message. As the author writes "...if the Buddha and Jesus were to meet, neither would try to convert the other - not because they would regard such an effort as hopeless, but because they would recognize one another." This is a wonderful book for daily meditation and contemplative prayer. (less)
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Trisha Georgiou
May 13, 2017Trisha Georgiou rated it it was amazing
I picked this book up on a whim for .25 cents at my library's bookshop, I am so glad I did.
It was fascinating. Marcus J. Borg wrote an exceptional editor's preface. The parallel sayings
of these two great religious leaders are remarkable. (less)
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Erika Powers
Mar 28, 2018Erika Powers rated it it was ok
Meh. The argument or parallels drawn are made in the first 2 chapters. The rest is verses taken from bible and whatever buddah books juxtapositioned for comparison. I thought it would be more exciting/interesting.
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Jason Comely
Nov 18, 2017Jason Comely rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: jesus-in-books
I review this book (and speculate on whether Jesus learned from Buddha) in my Jesus in Books podcast: http://jesusinbooks.com/episode-5-jes... .
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Cate
Jan 28, 2019Cate rated it liked it
Side by side selections from the sacred texts of both Christianity and Buddhism. Interesting, but I’ve seen and read far more compelling comparisons of the two.
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Linda
Oct 09, 2019Linda rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spirituality
Very interesting comparison of Jesus and Buddha, seems reasonable that Jesus could reasonably have been influenced by Buddha’s teachings.
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One
Dec 04, 2021One rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 2021
Well worth reading!
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Toby
Mar 15, 2017Toby rated it it was amazing
What a beautiful read!
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ms.petra
Apr 29, 2020ms.petra rated it liked it
so many parallels between two holy men. a good little book to remind us we have more in common than we usually want to believe.
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Glen Schroeder
May 20, 2020Glen Schroeder rated it really liked it
An absolute syncretic delight.
“When we compare the attributes of the Godhead as they are understood by the more mystical tradition of Christian thought with those of Nirvana, we find no difference at all.” —Edward Conze
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Chanita
Oct 22, 2007Chanita marked it as to-read · review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction, spirituality, to-read-own, the-historical-jesus, progressive-theology, the-jesus-seminar, post-christian, buddhism, world-religions, comparative-religion
"A fascinating anthology of key beliefs within two of the world's great religions. ... If Jesus and Buddha were to meet, they would recognize one another as fellow prophets because they were teaching the same truths. This is the spirit conveyed, both in words and images, by this lavishly illustrated gift book.
Readers will cherish both the book's message and presentation. Here are two great spiritual teachers from two very different traditions guiding us - whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism - along the same path.
Using meditative color photos to complement the universal truths these two charismatic figures proclaimed, this - the first trade paper edition of the illustrated edition - is an important and illuminating oracle of wisdom for all who believe that the spiritual outweighs the material."
(adapted from Amazon)
From Mom's bookshelf (less)
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Keith
Jan 06, 2017Keith rated it liked it · review of another edition
Marcus Borg sets up the parallel sayings by order of category. It's rather surprising when you see the shared wisdom and teachings of both of these wisdom teachers side-by-side. You actually get a deeper sense of the meaning of both by hearing them say many of the same principles in similar yet varied ways. One tends to help interpret the other. It is a marvel when you consider the similarities of these two teachers who were separated by five hundred years and lived worlds apart. At one point Gautama Buddha looks forward and says that one is coming after him who will be the embodiment of light and life. While Christianity is highly suspect of any tradition apart from it's own, i think most Christians would be amazed that five hundred years before Christ, there was a man who both adhered to and taught much of the same wisdom Jesus himself declared. (less)
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Benjamin
Feb 23, 2014Benjamin rated it really liked it
Walk where there may be life ahead. Fix your eyes on that hope and then see all that is living come before your glance as a gift - the eternal and perfect come to you in this moment, now.
This is the Way. It is to see God and Life as we are meant to see them - freed from distraction and self-preoccupation.
This book is a meditative collection of that sort of seeing. Though stripped from their greater stories of faith and wisdom, what's here is entirely livable, entirely freeing, yet it must be chosen to be lived.
And, what is here is only a beginning. As a practicing journeyman with Christ, this wisdom anchors me to Jesus' story and the hope of God's Kingdom being fully present. I do not know what story a practicing Buddhist would be sent toward - at least I don't know yet.
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Ruth
Feb 05, 2017Ruth rated it really liked it
Shelves: the-copious-family-bookshelves, religion
When the proselytizers come to our door, the boys know to come get me. I tend to speak to the preachers long enough that THEY are the ones looking at their watches... gee, look at the time...
This is one of the books I show them to counter the books they show me. I thought I'd give it another complete read-through this year.
On the left page is what Jesus said. On the right page is what Buddha said about 500 years earlier. They are rather astonishingly similar.
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Christopher
Feb 11, 2008Christopher rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Recommends it for: the ghost of martin luther king jr.
While this book was a little different than what i was expecting it is still excellent.
I was expecting an analysis of Jesus and Buddha's sayings. A book that explored the similar teachings of these two men and placed them in context to their lives, times and other sayings. However, this book is more of a reference book. Each facing page contains one Jesus quote and one Buddha, with no commentary or analysis, except briefly in the introduction.
Still, this book is excellent and valuable to have and study, and had I not been expecting it to be as i explained above I likely would have awarded it five stars. five stars of david no doubt. (less)
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EunSung
Oct 16, 2008EunSung rated it it was ok
i think the editor devalues the differences in jesus and buddha. if we are looking specifically at the text, some instances do correspond, but the context in which the texts of buddha and jesus arose from were not really talked about. also, you cannot abstract the teachings from the life of the people who have applied them. it is not so clear cut to reduce message of Christ and Buddha to mere ethics. there has been justification on both fronts for using their beliefs to justify oppression and violence. yes, buddhists have been violent too and not just Christians. look at zen buddhism and world war 2 and the role of thai monks as military advisers.
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