The Buddha taught what we call The Four Noble Truths. They are the key to understanding all he taught. The first is the Truth Of Suffering. Life is by nature difficult...suffering abounds. The Second Truth establishes that suffering is caused by our grasping and craving for things. Thirdly, there is a liberating inner peace that can end suffering. Finally, the Fourth Noble Truth teaches that the Buddha's Eightfold Path is the way to spiritual peace and well being.

The Noble Eightfold Path instructs us to maintain Right Understanding or View, Right Thoughts or Intentions, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livlihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfullness and Right Concentration. Together with the Four Noble Truths, these concepts make up the whole teaching of the Buddha which we call the Dharma.

Many Budhists believe that one becomes a Buddhist by simply taking refuge in the Buddha, his teachings (The Dharma) and the community of believers (The Sangha). Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are sometimes called The Three Jewels Of Buddhism. It is believed that within this trinity lies salvation through Enlightenment.

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of everything The Buddha taught. He is the perfect Bodhisattva. He taught of Father God and instructed us that no person can approach God except through his example. His example was a life that exemplifies the Noble Eightfold Path. He taught about suffering by word and example. He taught us to release our grasp on earthly possessions and desires. He taught us that by following the concepts of The Eightfold Path one could achieve salvation. Jesus taught that it was not enough to go through the motions. Simply doing what looked to be right was not enough. He was saying that you must do things for the right reason (The right understanding or view and the right thoughts or intentions). For the Buddhist who wishes to follow Jesus to salvation there is no place to hide. The truth is in your heart and mind...in your very soul or spirit. To be saved you take refuge in Jesus, his teachings and his example of living among men with righteousness and love.

Jesus suffered and doubted. He prayed in agony in the Garden Of Gethsemani and when the moment of death approached he acknowledged his doubts and fears before staying true to his teachings. Like the Buddha before him, he was an itinerant teacher who rejected the world's way of riches and greed.