In my opinion, Christ's teachings are closely related to Judaism because his listeners were primarily Jews. Gautama's teachings are closely related to Hinduism because Buddhism grew directly out of Hinduism and originated in a Hindu culture. Is it not wisdom for a teacher to teach from a perspective that his students can understand? For example, if I were a spiritual teacher, and you were, say, a Christian who had never had any exposure to Hinduism whatsoever, how much sense would it make for me to then try to teach you using terminology and concepts unique to Hinduism? You'd have no foundation to build on. |