Buddhist Teachings

Many of the teachings attributed to the Buddha are almost certainly later additions or commentaries. Here are two rather striking passages from such Buddhist scriptures, whose closeness to the Christian Gospels is remarkable.i

A man buries a treasure in a deep pit, thinking, “It will be useful in time of need, or if the king is displeased with me, or if I am robbed, or fall into debt, or if food is scarce, or bad luck befalls me.” But all this treasure may not profit the owner at all, for he may forget where he hid it, or goblins may steal it, or his enemies or even his kinsmen may take it when he is not on his guard. But by charity, goodness, restraint, and self- control man and woman alike can store up a well-hidden treasure – a treasure that cannot be given to others and that robbers cannot steal. A wise man should do good; that is the treasure that will not leave him. Brethren, you have no mother nor father to care for you. If you do not care for another, who else will do so? Brethren, he who would care for me should care for the sick. i A.L. Basham, The Wonder that Was India. (New York: Grove Press, 1959).