Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

What are the main differences between Christianity and Buddhism?

Answer

If you think differences exist, they exist. If you think there are no differences, there are none. The source is the same; but people are always trying to set up categories. When you look at them from the outside they're completely different. But in their deepest spirit I find no difference. They are interdependent. Buddhism has had a strong influence on some Christian theologians and vice versa: there are priests and pastors who have influenced Buddhism. Both influences have been profound. In essence, it comes down to one and the same religion. Father Lassalle never lectures on Christianity; he talks about Zen. Lots of other Christians do the same. Sometimes I talk about Christianity in my lectures; sometimes I forget Buddha and talk only about God and Christ. According to some authors, the founders of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism were five great Initiates. So you must understand the roots. Zen means trying to understand the roots of all religions. Everything else is decoration.