After reviewing the 10 Commandments and the 5 Buddhist Precepts, I noticed many similarities. The most obvious similarity is that they are both short lists that instruct and guide people how to live. Both include the importance of refraining from stealing, killing, sexual promiscuities, and lying. Another similarity is that though there are many other guides and rules within each religion, these must be taken with the utmost importance. Both of these texts also assume that the moral standings by which they follow are accurate and should be applied to all.
It was much easier to see the differences between the 10 Commandments and the 5 Buddhist Precepts. The 5 Precepts are much more direct and simplified than the 10 Commandments. The Precepts focus on what one should NOT do, and are more about the way one goes about their individual life. The 10 Commandments, though they do include rules that warn about what one should not do, are more focused on the respect of God. The aspect of religion and worship was not discussed in the 5 Precepts. The first four rules within the 10 Commandments are focused on God and the requirement that the worshipper respect God no matter what. The 10 Commandments also makes many more assumptions than the 5 Buddhist Precepts, such as the assumption that there is only one God and that all parents automatically deserve respect. Of course, these two religions are quite different so it makes sense that they have a different perspective on the way one should go about their life. It is interesting, however, that you find similar themes within the Holiness Code, the Buddhist Precepts, and the 10 Commandments.
Zoe,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you picked this prompt because you did a very good job highlighting the different aspects. As you said, it is more difficult to find similarities than differences between these two things. I think one could elaborate a lot on how these should be "applied to all." To me, one of the most interesting ideas is how some of the commandments may not apply to every situation. Thanks for sharing!
Zoe,
ReplyDeleteI definitely oblige you for taking on this prompt, as it was one I avoided due to the fact that the similarities and differences require a great amount of "translation" (so to speak) and thought. I can comment thought, that as a practicing Christian and having studied the Bible, the 10 Commandments serve as a simplified basis to the way one should try to align their life to (with the idea that all humans are sinners, due to the Fall of Adam and Eve), but in the book of Leviticus (the book right after Exodus, which is where the 10 Commandments are found) it is literally a book on Laws and Ethics, so to speak for the Hebrews. It elaborates even more, however portions are open to interpretation. If you're ever curious about the rules, Leviticus would be a good place to start, yet I must admit, it's not the most exciting thing you'll read. I really liked your post, as I agree with Taylor, you did a great job getting the different and important portions of the two ideas!