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Expert: - 4/11/2008


Question
Hello,
I am not Buddhist, but I am writing a senior paper comparing and contrasting Buddha and Jesus. Many sites seem to believe that both Buddha and Jesus were baptized. I found the story and have heard of the baptism of Jesus, but not of Buddha. Is this true and is there a reference I can use.

Answer
Hi Megan,

In the first place what do you mean by "baptized"?  There was definitely no such ritual during the Buddha's time, about 600 years before Christ. I feel that those who wish to think in this trend is just trying to fit everything into their limited frame of reference.  Of course if we can fit everything in this world into our own narrow viewpoint, then our ignorance will be vindicated.  To me it is just like a Chinese trying to proof that the Englishman also eats with chopsticks and drink Chinese tea!  Or the Englishman trying to insist that the Chinaman always has scones with strawberry jam for afternoon tea, (and the latter also eats with fork and knife)!! (This is my personal opinion.)  However, should these people still insist of finding the needle in the haystack, then let it be.

Perhaps this book "Two masters one message : Roy c. Amore"  may assist you in your academic pursuit.  You can contact amazon.com at:

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Masters-One-Message-Teaching/dp/0687427517/ref=sr_1_1?...


I came across these 2 interesting articles which you may like to read at:

http://www.dharmamemphis.com/buddhism/buddhism_jesusbuddha.htm
http://muse.jhu.edu/demo/buddhist-christian_studies/v019/19.1thurston.html

Have fun.

Smile from justinchoo:-)  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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