Buddhism is probably the other most widespread world religion and has quite a different history. It differs from the religions discussed above in that it was not supposed to be handed down by God, but comes from insight experienced by the Lord Buddha through introspection and meditation. Some do not even define Buddhism as an organised religion, but more as a philosophy or guide to living.
Another major difference is that it is not faith based. The Buddha instructed his disciples not to believe anything he told them until they could try it out and experience for themselves that what he said was the truth. And yet the underlying message of this Buddhism is strikingly similar to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Instead of the 10 Commandments, disciples of the Buddha take 5 precepts:
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
4. Do not make false speech
5. Do not take intoxicants
Notice the similarities to commandments 6, 8, 7, and 9?
According the Buddha, one of the tests for determining the truth of any religious or spiritual teaching, is to put it into practice and see if it leads to peace and harmony. Only if it does, can a religious precept be meaningful and positive; in other words, you can know true spirituality through its effect.
Another major difference is that it is not faith based. The Buddha instructed his disciples not to believe anything he told them until they could try it out and experience for themselves that what he said was the truth. And yet the underlying message of this Buddhism is strikingly similar to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Instead of the 10 Commandments, disciples of the Buddha take 5 precepts:
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
4. Do not make false speech
5. Do not take intoxicants
Notice the similarities to commandments 6, 8, 7, and 9?
According the Buddha, one of the tests for determining the truth of any religious or spiritual teaching, is to put it into practice and see if it leads to peace and harmony. Only if it does, can a religious precept be meaningful and positive; in other words, you can know true spirituality through its effect.