Biblical vs. Buddhist Parables

Basic Beliefs of Christianity

• Holy book: Bible (where the parables come from)
• Founder: Jesus Christ
• 1 God (God is Father, Jesus Christ is Son, Holy Spirit are all 1 person)
• Afterlife in heaven or hell

Basic Beliefs of Buddhism

• 4 Noble Truths
• Noble Eightfold Path
• Founder: Buddha
• Holy book: Triptaka
• Afterlife is reincarnation

Basic Beliefs of Christianity & Buddhism

• Both monotheistic religions
• Both have the goal to eliminate suffering

Purpose of Biblical Parables

• When Jesus preached to people, he used parables to help them understand God's message on a personal level in their own lives

Purpose of Tripitaka Parables

• Have simple interpretations
• See that life's meanings are right in front of us

Purpose of Biblical & Buddhism Parables

• Learn life lessons from both parables
• Interpretations vary because not everyone has the same perspective of life, nor the same situation going on

Literary Structure of Biblical Parables

• Everyday examples are used
• Poetic
• Idioms
• Hyperboles

Literary Structure of Buddhist Parables

• Allegorical

Literary Structure of Both Parables

• Analogies are used
• Metaphors are used
• Illustrations & imagery are used in every parable