Muhammad Eusha
The commonality between Buddhism and Islam is indeed remarkable. Apart from the fact that there is little that can differentiate a Muslim’s Hajj attire from what the Buddhist monks wrap around themselves except the colors, the tranquil pacifism present in both the philosophies indeed astound us with solemn wonder. Both the religions assert the importance of peace and suggest separate, at the same time similar and different, ways of achieving it. While the “middle way” is one of the chief doctrinal components of Buddhism, one is surprised when it is observed that it would be irrational to interpret the far Eastern religion as a temperate balance between spirituality and attachment to the material world. Buddhism has a rather pessimistic view of the common pleasures of life. Marriage, sexuality, engagement in pursuit of mundane achievements, somatic drives etc. are all considered hardly anything better than nuisances; these are more appropriately seen as obstacles to the path of refinement of one’s soul and attainment of peace. It is certain that it can be confidently asserted that this is a form of extreme pacifism and austerity. The inter-contradiction of such extremity in abstinence and at the same time underscoring of importance of the “middle path” probably are a result of introduction of impurities in the original teachings of Buddha. Islam, on the other hand, is a rather peculiar and extremely prudent epitome of practicality and viability. While there is adequate amount of admonishing for those who stray from the path of spirituality and indulge unnecessarily in the pursuit of transient material accolades, a Muslim is still encouraged to marry, have children and be a social being. Astonishingly, then, the so called “middle path” in essence and practicality is conspicuously present in the philosophy of Islam. There are quite clear warnings for