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Christian / Buddhism

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Submitted By joe111
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Part I Buddhism

The Question of Origin
Buddhism teaches that the beginning of this world and of life is inconceivable since they have neither beginning nor end. Buddhism never claimed that the world, sun, moon, stars, wind, water, days and nights were created by a powerful god or by a Buddha. Buddhists believe that the world was not created once upon a time, but that the world has been created millions of times every second and will continue to do so by itself and will break away by itself. According to Buddhism, world systems always appear and disappear in the universe.
The Question of Identity
Buddhism see’s the question of identity within the context of enlightenment. They teach that we do not exist as separate beings but that one must see pass the human tendency to identify with a limited sense of existence. If one does this they will discover that the belief in an individual small self is a root illusion that causes suffering and removes us from the freedom and mystery of life.
The Question of Meaning/Purpose
Buddhist texts do not outright say there is a meaning of life, but rather talk about the capacity for humans to end suffering, which is one of the things Buddhists should strive for. Buddhist believes in enlightenment through study, meditation as a way to ending suffering. In his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, the Buddha taught the "Four Noble Truths," which form the foundation of belief for all branches of Buddhism. All of life is marked by suffering, suffering is caused by desire and attachment, suffering can be stopped, and the way to end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. Right knowledge, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Question of Morality
Buddhist view of moral behavior is that it flows naturally from

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