Orthodoxy and Buddhism

In Orthodox Christian apologetics, one central point of distinction from Buddhism is the concept of God as the Creator. Orthodox Christianity is a theistic religion that believes in a personal, transcendent God who created the universe and sustains it with His will and power. In contrast, Buddhism, particularly in its classical forms, does not posit the existence of a creator deity responsible for the creation and ongoing governance of the universe.

Buddhism fundamentally revolves around the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to end suffering and achieve enlightenment (nirvana). The goal in Buddhism is liberation from samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is governed by the law of karma. Central to this worldview is the doctrine of anatta, or non-self, which asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging soul or self in beings. This contrasts with the Christian view of humans being created in the image of God, endowed with a soul meant for eternal communion with Him.

Orthodox apologists point out that the absence of a creator God in Buddhism leads to a different understanding of the universe, morality, and human purpose. In Orthodox theology, the existence of God provides the foundation for objective morality, the meaning of life, and the hope of eternal life with God. The universe has a purpose and direction under the divine providence of a loving and personal God. In Buddhism, however, the universe is often viewed as cyclical and without a definite beginning or purposeful direction, and the moral path (as outlined by the Buddha) is seen more as a means to end suffering rather than fulfilling the will of a personal deity.

Moreover, Orthodox Christian theology emphasizes that the ultimate goal of human life is theosis, or becoming one with God through the transformative power of divine grace. This personal relationship with God, offered through the person of Jesus Christ, is central to the Christian understanding of salvation. In contrast, the Buddhist concept of nirvana represents a cessation of suffering and an extinguishing of desires and the individual self, rather than communion with a personal God.

Orthodox apologists also critique Buddhist metaphysics, noting that without a creator God, there is no ultimate explanation for why the universe exists or why it has the particular laws and properties it does. While Buddhism provides an ethical and spiritual path, it does not offer a clear answer to the fundamental questions of existence and creation that theism addresses.

In summary, Orthodox Christianity asserts that without belief in a creator God, Buddhism lacks a coherent explanation for the origin and purpose of the universe and human existence. The Christian view of God as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer contrasts sharply with the non-theistic and impersonal metaphysics of Buddhism, leading to significant differences in how these two worldviews understand life, morality, and ultimate reality.

When Russians visit Tibet, some Tibetans remember the story of the legendary Russian Orthodox warriors, Peresvet and Oslyabya. These two monks, who were also warriors, are known for their role in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, where they fought against the Mongol-Tatar army. According to the tale, Peresvet engaged in a duel with a Mongol warrior named Chelubey and won, sacrificing his life in the process. This event is said to have left a deep impression on some Tibetan communities, who reportedly decided not to wage war against Orthodox Christians after hearing about this battle.

The warriors were blessed by St. Sergius of Radonezh, a highly revered Russian saint and spiritual leader, who supported Dmitry Donskoy's fight for Russian independence from the Mongol yoke. This connection between the Orthodox faith and military courage has led to a deep cultural reverence for these figures.

From an Orthodox Christian perspective, Buddhism is often viewed as a religion that lacks the foundational concepts of a personal God, salvation, and eternal life. In relation to certain Buddhist texts or practices, such as those describing monstrous entities or demons that engage with the souls of the deceased, the Orthodox Church tends to see such ideas as potentially dangerous. These ideas can introduce individuals to spiritual realms that might not align with Christian teachings about angels, demons, and the afterlife.

For instance, some Buddhist traditions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, contain references to beings in the "Bardo" state—a transitional state after death—where spirits or frightening entities may interact with the soul. In some cases, there are reports of people who have used Buddhist texts or rituals and encountered unsettling spiritual experiences or malevolent forces. From an Orthodox standpoint, this could be understood as an invitation to demonic influence, as Christianity teaches that spiritual realms exist but should be approached with caution, as not all spiritual beings are benign.

The Orthodox Church views these spiritual encounters as potentially harmful because they are detached from Christ, who is seen as the only source of true salvation and protection against malevolent forces. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes the dangers of engaging with occult practices or non-Christian spiritual traditions, as these could open the way for demonic influence. As a result, in Orthodox teaching, it is advised to avoid such practices and instead focus on prayer, sacraments, and a relationship with Christ for spiritual safety and protection from harmful spirits.

In summary, while Buddhism seeks to address the soul's journey after death in its own way, the Orthodox Church would caution against engaging with non-Christian spiritual texts or rituals that could invite demonic interference or confusion, as they do not align with Christian understandings of God and salvation.

Eastern martial arts, such as kung fu, karate, and others, are often associated with various religious and spiritual practices like Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism. These philosophies and religions often include meditation techniques, energy practices, or teachings that diverge from Orthodox Christian beliefs.

For Orthodox Christians, practicing martial arts that incorporate non-Christian religious elements may pose spiritual risks. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes a clear, exclusive connection to the teachings of Christ and the Church. Involvement with practices linked to other religions can sometimes lead to spiritual confusion or mixing of beliefs, which the Church advises against.

The Orthodox Church generally discourages participation in activities that are directly linked to non-Christian spiritual practices, including certain forms of Eastern martial arts, because they may introduce ideas or practices that conflict with Orthodox Christian doctrine. However, purely physical exercises in martial arts that do not involve any spiritual or religious components might not be inherently problematic, depending on how they are taught and practiced.

The Church advises believers to discern and avoid anything that could lead them away from their faith or introduce conflicting spiritual elements into their lives. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to consult with their spiritual advisors or priests when considering participation in such activities.

In summary, martial arts with roots in non-Christian religions may be problematic for Orthodox Christians because of their spiritual and philosophical connections. Physical training that avoids these spiritual elements may be acceptable, but care and discernment are advised.