CHRISTIANITY VS BUDDHISM

Christianity: Basic Beliefs

• God created everything
• There is only one God, who has three forms: the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit
• Holy book is the Bible
• Jesus Christ died for humanity's sins; if you accept Christ, you will be saved and join him in the afterlife

Buddhism: Basic Beliefs

• By eliminating attachments to worldly things, one can achieve complete peace and happiness (nirvana)
• The causes of suffering are greed and attachment
• The way to enlightenment is the Eightfold Path

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

• Biblical parable
• Son sins against his father; after realizing his mistake he comes back and begs forgiveness
• His father forgives him and lovingly welcomes him back

Analysis/Meaning

• Illustrates how merciful and loving God is to his children
• Conveys the message that God is forgiving and compassionate; if you repent he will forgive you

Literary Structure

• The story has two meanings: a literal, obvious meaning and a hidden, religious meaning
• There are repetitive lines
• Philisophical

Literary Devices

• Symbolism - God is the forgiving father, the son symbolizes God's children/followers
• Allegory - the story has a hidden double meaning
• Theme - confess and repent, and you shall be forgiven
• Tone - compassion

The Parable of the Muddy Road

• Two monks, Tanzan and Ekido, are travelling and see a girl asking for help
• Tanzan helps her, while Ekido watches in silent disapproval
• Ekido says that it is against the rules of being a monk, while Tanzan states he was simply helping her
• Zen parable

Analysis/Meaning

• Do not let your personal beliefs interfere with doing the right thing
• Temptation and judgement - Ekido judged Tanzan for carrying the girl, but in the end Ekido was the one thinking about her beauty and how she could be a temptation, while Tanzan helped her and moved on

Literary Structure

• Simple, concise sentences and structure
• Broad meaning; open to interpreatation
• Philisophical

Literary Devices

• Allegory - hidden meaning
• Imagery - "... a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash..."
• Theme/lesson - let go of attachments, even rules, and act out of kindess; see the reality of situations as they are