Question: “Today I told my mother about how I truly desire to get closer to Buddhism. My mom is a religion teacher so I’ve grown in a catholic environment. But I’ve always felt something was missing. Until earlier this year when I met a buddhist monk. When he was talking I cried of joy. My mother told me that it’s just a phase because I’m young. She said I should concentrate on what Jesus told instead of approaching something new because all religions lead to God. I’m feeling lost.”
Your mother is partly correct. Of all major religions, Buddhism and Catholicism are very similar when you take a closer look. If you think about what Jesus taught, he taught his followers to love, to be kind, and to live a moral life. The Buddha also taught to love, to be kind, and to live a moral life. Perhaps all religions do lead to “god” in some way, shape or form. Whether you want to call it god or anything else – in Buddhism we call it Buddha Nature – Almost all religions have a finish line; god, jesus, heaven, nirvana, etc etc.
Buddhism can be practiced with pretty much any other religion with almost no interference. Why? Because if you just focus on the teachings and practices, it has nothing to do with believing in the Buddha or any god or deity. All of the Buddha’s teachings revolve around compassion, loving-kindness, appreciative joy and equanimity.
If you are a Catholic, practicing Buddhism will only make you a better Catholic and a better person. There’s no need to be anything. Titles don’t mean anything and they are certainly not important. The way you live your life is the most important thing of all.
Smile and be well!