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Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings
Side-by-side examples that let you discover the teachings of Jesus and Buddha—and the striking similarities between them. 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 “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 “He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living beings” (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2).Written by a renowned New Testament scholar and national bestselling author, and with an introduction by Jack Kornfield, Jesus and Buddha is a timeless testament to what makes us similar rather than different. With over 100 examples presented side by side, this is a perfect book for anyone interested in Christianity, Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and all ways of seeking enlightenment.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
393 people are currently reading
1999 people want to read
About the author
Marcus J. Borg
48 books355 followersBorg was born into a Lutheran family of Swedish and Norwegian descent, the youngest of four children. He grew up in the 1940s in North Dakota and attended Concordia College, Moorhead, a small liberal arts school in Moorhead, Minnesota. While at Moorhead he was a columnist for the school paper and held forth as a conservative. After a close reading of the Book of Amos and its overt message of social equality he immediately began writing with an increasingly liberal stance and was eventually invited to discontinue writing his articles due to his new-found liberalism. He did graduate work at Union Theological Seminary and obtained masters and DPhil degrees at Oxford under G. B. Caird. Anglican bishop N.T. Wright had studied under the same professor and many years later Borg and Wright were to share in co-authoring The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, an amicable study in contrast. Following a period of religious questioning in his mid-thirties, and numinous experiences similar to those described by Rudolf Otto, Borg became active in the Episcopal Church, in which his wife, the Reverend Canon Marianne Wells-Borg, serves as a priest and directs a spiritual development program at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon. On May 31, 2009, Borg was installed as the first canon theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
Marcus J. Borg is Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR. Internationally known in both academic and church circles as a biblical and Jesus scholar, he was Hundere Chair of Religion and Culture in the Philosophy Department at Oregon State University until his retirement in 2007.
Described by The New York Times as "a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars," he has appeared on NBC's "Today Show" and “Dateline,” PBS's "Newshour," ABC’s “Evening News” and “Prime Time” with Peter Jennings, NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, and several National Geographic programs. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, he has been national chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature and co-chair of its International New Testament Program Committee, and is past president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars. His work has been translated into eleven languages: German, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Russian, and French. His doctor's degree is from Oxford University, and he has lectured widely overseas (England, Scotland, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Israel and South Africa) and in North America, including the Chautauqua and Smithsonian Institutions.
Marcus J. Borg is Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR. Internationally known in both academic and church circles as a biblical and Jesus scholar, he was Hundere Chair of Religion and Culture in the Philosophy Department at Oregon State University until his retirement in 2007.
Described by The New York Times as "a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars," he has appeared on NBC's "Today Show" and “Dateline,” PBS's "Newshour," ABC’s “Evening News” and “Prime Time” with Peter Jennings, NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, and several National Geographic programs. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, he has been national chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature and co-chair of its International New Testament Program Committee, and is past president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars. His work has been translated into eleven languages: German, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Russian, and French. His doctor's degree is from Oxford University, and he has lectured widely overseas (England, Scotland, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Israel and South Africa) and in North America, including the Chautauqua and Smithsonian Institutions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 4, 2013
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!
February 1, 2011
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.
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.
February 26, 2016
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.
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.
October 20, 2022
The principals of Dharma found in the gospels
Buddhism and Christianity has little in common. For instance, the former is non-theistic, but the latter is a theistic religion. But the sayings of Jesus have been influenced by the teachings of Buddha. This has been reviewed in numerous books, but the author of this book looks only at the similarities. Jesus preached something besides love, forgiveness, and peace. In fact, one-third of Jesus' words in the Synoptic Gospels are parables, which are enigmatic and oracular but still constitutes the only form of his teachings. The synoptic gospels used the parables within the literary and theological frameworks of their work. However, it is also confounding that the book of John does not have any parables, and the Gospel of Thomas, and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene both of which are excluded from Bible, is vastly different in tone and structure from the four Canonical Gospels. John's bodily resurrection is an indispensable part of Christian faith, but according to Thomas, and Mary, Jesus’ teachings align with that of Buddha in its tenor and spirit.
The important aspects of Jesus' ethics are grounded in Buddhism. Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree, then he remined silent and fasted before he started preaching with five of his former companions, the ascetics with whom he shared six years of hardship. Buddha gave the first presentation of the Four Noble Truths, which are his foundational teaching for one's liberation from suffering in life. The wheel of dharma leads to enlightenment. There is much similarity in the Sermon on the Mount which are a collection of teachings of Jesus that emphasizes morality found in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapters 5, 6, and 7). This is after he was baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus goes fasting and performs meditation in the desert, and then begins to preach in Galilee at the Mount of Beatitudes. Much of his work is performing miracles.
Jesus Seminar, a group of Biblical scholars and academics re-created gospels and evaluated the historical Jesus. Among other things, they asserted that the Gospel of Thomas is more authentic than the Gospel of John. The authors of synoptic gospels used oral and written traditions of first century to re-create their work, and sightings of risen Jesus is visionary experience rather than a physical encounter.
The author of this book highlights the similarities but ignores the differences between the two personalities. Buddha was born about six hundred years before Jesus in a vastly different culture and history of their respective countries. Buddha challenged the impact of Vedic influence on people in ancient India and spoke out against the ritual practices of Vedas that were believed necessary in one's liberation from suffering in life. He addressed the political and social issues of his time and well-versed in the Sankhya philosophy of Hinduism that was widely popular at his time. Jesus and apostles never criticized the slavery that was practiced in ancient Israel.
Buddhism and Christianity has little in common. For instance, the former is non-theistic, but the latter is a theistic religion. But the sayings of Jesus have been influenced by the teachings of Buddha. This has been reviewed in numerous books, but the author of this book looks only at the similarities. Jesus preached something besides love, forgiveness, and peace. In fact, one-third of Jesus' words in the Synoptic Gospels are parables, which are enigmatic and oracular but still constitutes the only form of his teachings. The synoptic gospels used the parables within the literary and theological frameworks of their work. However, it is also confounding that the book of John does not have any parables, and the Gospel of Thomas, and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene both of which are excluded from Bible, is vastly different in tone and structure from the four Canonical Gospels. John's bodily resurrection is an indispensable part of Christian faith, but according to Thomas, and Mary, Jesus’ teachings align with that of Buddha in its tenor and spirit.
The important aspects of Jesus' ethics are grounded in Buddhism. Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree, then he remined silent and fasted before he started preaching with five of his former companions, the ascetics with whom he shared six years of hardship. Buddha gave the first presentation of the Four Noble Truths, which are his foundational teaching for one's liberation from suffering in life. The wheel of dharma leads to enlightenment. There is much similarity in the Sermon on the Mount which are a collection of teachings of Jesus that emphasizes morality found in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapters 5, 6, and 7). This is after he was baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus goes fasting and performs meditation in the desert, and then begins to preach in Galilee at the Mount of Beatitudes. Much of his work is performing miracles.
Jesus Seminar, a group of Biblical scholars and academics re-created gospels and evaluated the historical Jesus. Among other things, they asserted that the Gospel of Thomas is more authentic than the Gospel of John. The authors of synoptic gospels used oral and written traditions of first century to re-create their work, and sightings of risen Jesus is visionary experience rather than a physical encounter.
The author of this book highlights the similarities but ignores the differences between the two personalities. Buddha was born about six hundred years before Jesus in a vastly different culture and history of their respective countries. Buddha challenged the impact of Vedic influence on people in ancient India and spoke out against the ritual practices of Vedas that were believed necessary in one's liberation from suffering in life. He addressed the political and social issues of his time and well-versed in the Sankhya philosophy of Hinduism that was widely popular at his time. Jesus and apostles never criticized the slavery that was practiced in ancient Israel.
June 8, 2009
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.
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.
May 8, 2024
Cada vez me convenzo más que Jesús y Buda eran filósofos que trabajaron en si mismos y llegaron a "despertarse" luego de 30 y algo de años. Predicaron sus enseñanzas pero no esperaban que 2.000 años después hubiera religiones que los ídolatren e impongan reglas obligatorias. Simplemente vieron que todos somos uno y tarde o temprano nos vamos a dar cuenta. Cuánto antes lo veamos y nos desprendamos de cosas superfluas antes estaremos en el "reino de los Cielos".
Saludos especiales a Moshe y Balo, grandes pensadores budistas
Saludos especiales a Moshe y Balo, grandes pensadores budistas
November 7, 2007
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.
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.
January 9, 2024
The two greatest spiritual leaders in human history come to many similar conclusions about our universal human experience despite their different class and faith backgrounds.
December 29, 2007
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.
The "Sermon on the Mount" was beautiful, both when Jesus gave it, and when the Buddha gave it 300 years earlier.
May 24, 2010
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.
The intro to the book and chapter intros were more interesting than the actual quotes.
Act on truth.
Be compassionate.
November 5, 2023
A very wholesome read. I enjoyed the both the overarching message they both symbolised which was peace, love and justice. I always thought Jesus and Buddhu had quite simillar outlooks on life and this book solidified that. I think this book could of been more interesting if it talked more about the break offs from there original religions Judaism and Hinduism and the debate surrounding them about there status as human or god.
February 16, 2015
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.
January 3, 2019
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.
Read
July 15, 2015Brilliant explains a lot.
March 20, 2021
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.
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.
June 24, 2025
Jesus brought Bhuudism to Jerusalem
It is quite clear, based on multiple scholars, that the Teachings of Jesus, or the concept there of, was either plagiarized from Botisavva, who preceded Jesus by 500 yrs, or, they are simply universal truths about how human beings should act.
Bhuudism is the core foundation of civil, Eastern societies as Christianity is the foundation of civil Western societies.
This book is the final verdict on how one can follow either (without the magic in each) and live a life of compassion and happiness.
Too bad so many Americans that call themselves Christians worship the God of War (per the teachings of Moses in the old testament, Torah and koran) instead of Jesus. There is no such thing as Judaeo-Christian values. They are mutually exclusive. If you follow Mosaic Law (not just the 10, but 603 more like kill homosexual men and how to treat your property: slaves. wives, cattle) and not the Teachings of Jesus, you are not a Christian.
We would all be better off if Americans chose either Christianity or Bhuudism (or both) over Mosaic Law, aka Project 2025, which Jesus rebelled against.
It is quite clear, based on multiple scholars, that the Teachings of Jesus, or the concept there of, was either plagiarized from Botisavva, who preceded Jesus by 500 yrs, or, they are simply universal truths about how human beings should act.
Bhuudism is the core foundation of civil, Eastern societies as Christianity is the foundation of civil Western societies.
This book is the final verdict on how one can follow either (without the magic in each) and live a life of compassion and happiness.
Too bad so many Americans that call themselves Christians worship the God of War (per the teachings of Moses in the old testament, Torah and koran) instead of Jesus. There is no such thing as Judaeo-Christian values. They are mutually exclusive. If you follow Mosaic Law (not just the 10, but 603 more like kill homosexual men and how to treat your property: slaves. wives, cattle) and not the Teachings of Jesus, you are not a Christian.
We would all be better off if Americans chose either Christianity or Bhuudism (or both) over Mosaic Law, aka Project 2025, which Jesus rebelled against.
May 31, 2022
I enjoyed the book, but was left wanting somehow. I didn't mind that the introductions to the materials were short, after all, this is a book on parallel sayings. Selecting the NRSV for the sayings of Jesus was a good, but limiting decision. Perhaps alternating with the New Jerusalem Bible or some other translations would have been good. After all, the book used two translation of the Dhammapada. I would not have minded some quotes from the gnostic gospel of Thomas.
Looking at the sources and some recommended sources, I noticed some gaps. I think I have found more fruitful Christian/ Buddhist books from the likes of Thich Nhat Hanh, William Johnston, and of course Thomas Merton.
One book along similar lines that I enjoyed from a college class was Paul Carus' Gospel of Buddha, replete with beautiful line drawings and direct references to the Christian gospels, though I am not sure how faithful the book is to the original source materials. After reading the Parallel sayings, I shall have to return to it.
Looking at the sources and some recommended sources, I noticed some gaps. I think I have found more fruitful Christian/ Buddhist books from the likes of Thich Nhat Hanh, William Johnston, and of course Thomas Merton.
One book along similar lines that I enjoyed from a college class was Paul Carus' Gospel of Buddha, replete with beautiful line drawings and direct references to the Christian gospels, though I am not sure how faithful the book is to the original source materials. After reading the Parallel sayings, I shall have to return to it.
October 12, 2024
When I came across this book, I got pretty excited, the author did an excellent job setting this book up, comparing Jesus and Buddha. Where the book failed for me (as still being Christian) is it still accepted a lot of heresy, or fanciful claims of Buddha with ease.
I was hoping for a more Christian approach to Buddhist practices, but instead this book takes Scripture and passages from the Dhammapada. Some of the comparisons were actually tea interesting seeing side by side given the historical context of the individuals, however a lot of the passages a large stretch to try and claim as being “parallel” I was surprised to see these stretches made by a scholar, this is what I typically would expect in a cheesy Christian book.
But nonetheless it gave some interesting thoughts and wanting to dig into the history of the Buddha along with a deeper longing to find someone who has done Christian Buddhism right.
I was hoping for a more Christian approach to Buddhist practices, but instead this book takes Scripture and passages from the Dhammapada. Some of the comparisons were actually tea interesting seeing side by side given the historical context of the individuals, however a lot of the passages a large stretch to try and claim as being “parallel” I was surprised to see these stretches made by a scholar, this is what I typically would expect in a cheesy Christian book.
But nonetheless it gave some interesting thoughts and wanting to dig into the history of the Buddha along with a deeper longing to find someone who has done Christian Buddhism right.
July 6, 2020
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...
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...
December 3, 2023
I am not a scholar of Theology in any way, shape, or form. I am just your everyday Joe who over the the past few years has been "renegotiating" my faith. I have been trying to hear other view points and trying to view the scriptures through many different lenses.
In _Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings_ , Borg and Kornfield do a great job of paralleling the sayings and teachings of.Jesus and Buddha. Buddhism predates Jesus and Christianity by about 500 years so it is quite possible and very plausible that Jesus was well aware of the teachings of Buddhism. It is also very realistic that Jesus studied them. I, and no one of course, can prove that but it is not out of the realm of possibility.
Overall it is a good read and I would recommend it to anyone looking to maybe learn a little something new and engage that there is space to be held for differing views and religions.
In _Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings_ , Borg and Kornfield do a great job of paralleling the sayings and teachings of.Jesus and Buddha. Buddhism predates Jesus and Christianity by about 500 years so it is quite possible and very plausible that Jesus was well aware of the teachings of Buddhism. It is also very realistic that Jesus studied them. I, and no one of course, can prove that but it is not out of the realm of possibility.
Overall it is a good read and I would recommend it to anyone looking to maybe learn a little something new and engage that there is space to be held for differing views and religions.
July 13, 2021
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.
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.
September 4, 2021
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.
September 23, 2020
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.
May 28, 2023
Not a bad book. More of a handbook to look at some similar sayings of Jesus and the Buddha. Some were good…others a bit of a stretch. I enjoyed it but there are probably ones with better insights. If you are just curious and need a place to start, this isn’t a bad intro to the topic. But it shouldn’t be a stopping point either.
January 2, 2025
Loved the comparisons (many of them are strikingly similar in ways I did not expect) and makes lots of the Buddhist tenets easier to understand when coming from a Christian perspective — would have liked more annotations from the editor, maybe some footnotes to analyze the comparisons, but I also appreciate allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions based on the texts.
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May 16, 2025This is not a long book and is well-worth reading. As I knew nothing about Buddhism but a fair amount about the New Testament of the Bible, I was both interested and surprised at the similarities between some of the sayings of Jesus and Buddha and I shall now look more into the writings on Buddhism.
May 13, 2017
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.
It was fascinating. Marcus J. Borg wrote an exceptional editor's preface. The parallel sayings
of these two great religious leaders are remarkable.
March 28, 2018
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.
February 13, 2022
I liked this book. But I did feel more than a few times that the author didnt really understand what Jesus and Buddha said/meant. Because more than a few times in this book the so called "parallel sayings" were saying completely different things. I did however really enjoy Buddhas sayings.
September 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book and it was a quick read; however, I was left wanting more of a deep dive on the comparisons of these historical, spiritual figures. I suppose this is a suitable introduction to the topic. There were a few parallel sayings that I felt missed the mark, but overall, a good read.
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