Moses and Buddha

We've discussed previously, the possible connections between the Abraham and India. Evidence is growing stronger every day that there was some kind of historic connection, or influence between the followers of Judaism and those of Indian philosophy. Nowhere is this more apparent than between the stories of Moses and Buddha. Let's take a look at some of the similarities.

Siddhartha Gautama (the historic Buddha) was born into an aristocratic family in what is now Nepal and was destined for a life of privelege. Like him, Moses was also born into royalty in Egypt and also destined for a life of ease and privilege.

In an effort to prevent the fruition of a prophecy that his son would become a spiritual ascetic and renounce his family and societal standing, Siddhartha's father kept him sheltered from the outside world and its suffering. Moses was also sheltered from the oppression and hardship experienced by his people under slavery as a prince of Egypt and the concealment of his true heritage.

Siddhartha makes four trips to the outside world where he learns about suffering and death. Moses flees his privileged life after killing an Egyptian taskmaster for beating a slave. He witnesses the suffering of the Hebrews firsthand and learns of his true identity.

Siddhartha eventually leaves his aristocratic life behind in a quest to find an end to suffering and death through spiritual practice. Moses also leaves his life as a member of Egyptian royalty behind and enters the sands of the desert where he finds peace and enlightenment.

Siddharths finds enlightenment while sitting beneath the Bodhi Tree and Moses at the Burning Bush. Is it possible that both stories tie back to a common "Tree of Life" tradition and a shared paradise homeland (the Biblical Eden and original Aryan homeland)?

As the Buddha, Siddhartha tries to end suffering by teaching the elimination of desire as the path to ceasing the renewed cycles of birth and existence. Judaism shares a tradition of reincarnation called Gilgulim. Moses taught that liberation from human suffering came through the respect for individual rights and human dignity. He also taught justice and a set of practices designed to raise the former Israelite slaves to become a "nation of priests." Both men rebelled against the established priesthood and taught that individual spiritual growth was attainable and desirable.

A few other historic points deserve mention.

Abraham also left a life of privilege and aristocracy behind seeking spiritual wisdom as the first wandering Hebrew. The texts of the ancient Egyptians and Mesopatamians refer to the "Habiru/Hebrews" as a class of people who left settled city life behind to wander as prophets, nomads and mercenaries. I think of them as the first hippies. In India, it was the aristocratic Kshatriyas who left their societal life behind for a life of meditation and seclusion in the countryside. Is ther a common spiritual/cultural connection?

I'd also point out that the land of Ophir where King Solomon sent ships on a three year voyage is considered by many to have been in India. Is this another historic connection between the Hebrews and India?

All of this raises some questions....

Is Siddhartha/Buddha the reincarnated Moses? He speaks of past lives that lead to his attainment of Buddhahood.

Can the ancient Israelites/Hebrews be considered the world's first Buddhists with a similar spiritual tradition? Both Judaism and Buddhism teach that divinity and enlightenment is found in the heart of every individual, if we just still our minds and listen. This is the core of the Jewish Shabbat practice!

So why does it matter?

First of all, it points to common spiritual truths shared by many traditions.

It also provides a context for Jewish practice and belief at a time when many Jews are seeking a spiritual renewal in their faith. This is not unlike the thoughts of Rabbi Abraham Maimonides and other medieval Jewish mystics who shared and saw the practices of Sufi mystics as a rediscovery of the prophetic practices and traditions of Biblical Judaism.

It helps JuBu's (Buddhist practicioners of Jewish heritage) to understand that their beliefs are not foreign to the faith of their fathers and may actually be at the core of their religion.

It is another step towards the enlightenment of the world towards a time when all men will prophecize, as spoken about in Jewish tradition.

It also helps to explain the similarities in the teachings of Buddha and Jesus, if they both come from a common spiritual heritage.

None of this is likely to ever be proven beyond any doubt, but if it helps to deepen faith and spiritual understanding then the world is a better and more enlightened place. I throw it out there for consideration and discussion.

Until next time....

Shmuel