Buddhism vs. Rastafarianism

Attribute	Buddhism	Rastafarianism
Founder	Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)	Haile Selassie I
Belief in God	Varies among different branches, some believe in gods, others do not	Belief in one God, Jah
Origin	India	Jamaica
Sacred Texts	Tripitaka, Mahayana Sutras	Holy Piby, The Kebra Nagast
Goal	Attaining Nirvana, liberation from the cycle of rebirth	Repatriation to Africa, unity with Jah

Origins

Buddhism originated in India around the 6th century BCE with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. It has since spread to various parts of Asia and the world. Rastafarianism, on the other hand, emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, influenced by the teachings of Marcus Garvey and the coronation of Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.

Beliefs

Buddhism is a non-theistic religion that focuses on the teachings of the Buddha, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It emphasizes the importance of meditation, mindfulness, and compassion. Rastafarianism, on the other hand, is a monotheistic religion that believes in the divinity of Haile Selassie I as the messiah and the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. It also places a strong emphasis on social justice, equality, and the use of marijuana as a sacrament.

Practices

Buddhists engage in various practices such as meditation, chanting, and rituals to cultivate mindfulness and compassion. They also follow ethical guidelines outlined in the Five Precepts. Rastafarians, on the other hand, engage in practices such as Nyabingi drumming, reasoning sessions, and the use of marijuana in rituals known as "reasoning sessions." They also follow dietary laws, including the consumption of Ital food, which is natural and unprocessed.

Community

Buddhism is practiced by millions of people around the world, with different traditions and schools such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Buddhist communities often gather in temples or monasteries for meditation and teachings. Rastafarianism, on the other hand, has a smaller following primarily in Jamaica and the Caribbean, as well as in other parts of the world with Jamaican diaspora communities. Rastafarians often gather in informal settings such as reasoning yards or reggae concerts.

Views on the World

Buddhism teaches the concept of impermanence and the interconnectedness of all beings. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of attachments and desires to achieve enlightenment. Rastafarianism, on the other hand, views the world as a place of oppression and injustice, particularly for people of African descent. It calls for the liberation of African people from mental and physical slavery and the establishment of a new society based on love and unity.

Approach to Authority

In Buddhism, authority is often derived from the teachings of the Buddha and the guidance of experienced teachers or monks. There is a strong emphasis on personal practice and realization of the teachings through meditation and mindfulness. In Rastafarianism, authority is often seen in the figure of Haile Selassie I, whose words and actions are considered sacred. Rastafarians also place importance on the guidance of elders and the wisdom of the community.

Conclusion

While Buddhism and Rastafarianism have different origins, beliefs, practices, and views on the world, they both offer valuable insights into the nature of existence and the human experience. Whether through meditation and mindfulness in Buddhism or social justice and unity in Rastafarianism, both religions provide paths for individuals to find meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives.