Posted by Ritch on August 16, 2002, at 10:33:15
In reply to Re: A Baptized Buddhist, posted by onehandcoding on August 15, 2002, at 23:09:12
> > Thanks for the info. I always tend to see the (perhaps rare and few) similarities between seemingly different things. Thanks for pointing out those differences. I would be interested in a more detailed contrast/comparison between the two religions, if you wouldn't mind letting us know.
> >
> > Mitch
> >
> One of the cornerstones of Buddhism is that personal 'salvation'/redemption is directed inward and focuses on the concepts of ego and a 'self' being separate from others, as illusion.
>
> Another major point is that Buddhism does not recognize the existence of a 'soul', which is definitely a major concern in Christianity.
>
> Yet another major difference is the Buddhist belief that we go through a countless number of lives.
>
> The really cool concept in Buddhism is that of the bodhisattva, which is a highly realized, enlightened being who, although he/she has become enlightened and is fully entitled to enter Nirvana, chooses to continue returning to the cycle of birth-and-death (samsara) in order to help others. Bodhisattvas were actually the subject (and title) of a Steely Dan song, interestingly enough.
>
>
Thanks for that information. Just one more little question... If Buddhists do not recognize a soul, but one is capable of multiple rebirths, what is the "essence" of a life called, if not a soul?I like the concept of a Bodhisattva, too. How would one "choose" to remain in samsara?
thanks,
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:727
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20020715/msgs/801.html