Siddhartha Gautama was the creator of Buddhism. He was also known as the Buddha which means "the enlightened one". There are many ways in which Gautama's life, the way he was brought up and the way he lived it, can be compared and contrasted with the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. From the early years to their ascetic years their lives were completely different, in fact in way they were almost complete opposites.

Over 2,500 years ago Siddhartha Gautama was born into a wealthy warrior caste in Nepal. Old Brahmin at the court predicted that the child (Buddha) would one day become either a world emperor or a world savior. This story is similar to the one we know about Jesus. Over 2,000 years ago, in Bethlehem, even though Jesus was born into a family who was not very rich (like Siddhartha's) the angels, wise men and Shepherds all traveled to see Jesus whom they knew was a special young infant and woul

Gautama was brought up in a very high class environment. His father had spoiled him and was given everything he desired. All this was done to protect him from what was actually going on in the real world; old age, sickness and death. Guatama was given a life of beauty and luxury and was deprived the actual hard factors of life. He never knew that pain and suffering existed. On the other hand, Jesus was brought up in a warm, caring environment. His parents taught him about life and He was aware of what went on around Him. He was never spoiled.

Gautama's teachings are said to be rather pessimistic, but Buddhists believe that their teachings are realistic. They see suffering as the overriding truth about life. In a way, I can relate this to what I have interpreted in my religion. In order to succeed, it takes a lot of hard work, not necessarily suffering, but you have to strive for the best. Also, Jesus suffered on the cross for us, he died for us. Is it not right that we should experience some sort of hardship? Just to keep us grounded and to remind us of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for us.

In Christian faith, suffering and sin will ultimately be overwhelmed by the greater reality of God's

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