An Introduction to the Doctrines of Soul and Enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism and the Bahá'í Faith
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Singapore Bahá'í Studies Review 3, 35-68Abstract: Examines the development of Mahayana Buddhism, its spread to China, and how Chinese people adopted and adapted it. The Buddhist teaching on "non-self "and "enlightenment" are correlated with Bahá'í teachings on the soul. In particular, the journey of the soul described in Bahá'u'lláh's Seven Valleys ("True Poverty and Absolue Nothingness") is likened to the Mahayana "Sunyata" (emptiness) of nirvana. Parallels are drawn between the Bahá'í "Valley of Unity" and Buddhist monism. Central roles of the founders of the Bahá'í Faith and Mahayana Buddhism on unlocking spiritual potential are compared. In both cases, their teachings are best understood as ways for their followers to explore the expanses of their own hearts.
Examines the development of Mahayana Buddhism, its spread to China, and how Chinese people adopted and adapted it. The Buddhist teaching on "non-self "and "enlightenment" are correlated with Bahá'í teachings on the soul. In particular, the journey of the soul described in Bahá'u'lláh's Seven Valleys ("True Poverty and Absolue Nothingness") is likened to the Mahayana "Sunyata" (emptiness) of nirvana. Parallels are drawn between the Bahá'í "Valley of Unity" and Buddhist monism. Central roles of the founders of the Bahá'í Faith and Mahayana Buddhism on unlocking spiritual potential are compared. In both cases, their teachings are best understood as ways for their followers to explore the expanses of their own hearts.