Buddhism and Judaism

Dana McGary
World Civ.
Essay 1

Buddhism and Judaism


Buddhism and Judaism were philosophical and religious revolutions occurring between 800 and 300 B.C. in or near the original river valley civilizations. Both Buddhism and Judaism were instrumental in shaping the history of the world. However, the two are very different. Judaism is a monotheistic religion. Buddhists claim that Buddhism is neither a religion nor a philosophy. It is my opinion that Buddhism is a philosophy and also fits into Webster’s Dictionaries definition of a religion. While studying both philosophies (and/or religions) I came upon some interesting contrasts and comparisons.

Buddhism originated in the fifth century B.C. in India. Some argue that India’s greatest contribution to world civilization was the Buddhist tradition. Buddhism traces its origins to a single figure; Siddhartha Gautama, known as “Buddha”, or “Enlightened /Awakened One.” Buddhist legend has it that Gautama l...