From Quest to Quandary: Buddhism and Islam

Youngpyeungsa Temple


Shortly after arriving in Korea I was made aware of a “temple stay” program that’s promoted and run by the Templestay Division of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Perhaps because it’s one of the few things a tourist can do in South Korea, and partially because it’s also a good cultural experience, it’s touted as a “must-do” for visitors and expats alike.


The revered lotus flower


We’d been meaning to go ever since I landed in Seoul roughly a month prior. Last weekend was finally our chance. First by subway, then by a number of bus transfers we arrived at our destination--Youngpyungsa temple. Nestled in the smokey hills two hours south of Seoul, Youngpyungsa is renowned for its fields of white flowers, chestnut orchards, and lotus flower tea. It doesn’t receive large crowds like many other temples, partially due to the humility of its temple stay host who insists that the temple be listed with “limited translation services” despite his rather firm command of English. Mr. Jang, as he preferred to be called, picked us up from a local bus stop and took the short ride to the temple as an opportunity to enrich our understanding of the local scene.


Demonstrating how to make lotus flower tea


After all of the seven guests were present and fitted with modest robes we began touring the idyllic grounds. First to the main temple for a description of the murals detailing the life of Buddha and his enlightenment, followed by the revered lotus gardens. Mr. Jang explained the basic tenets and philosophies that form Buddhism as we reveled in the beautiful paintings and architecture. It seemed that everything I was experiencing was unfamiliar and mysterious, leading to more contemplation than understanding. That is until it was time to pray.

First we formed lines with small mats at our feet. Initiated by a chanter, we bowed to 45 degrees then back to standing; fell prostrate to elbows and knees with forehead touching the ground; raised our hands to our ears; then sat back onto our feet before standing and repeating the process. As some may have noticed, this is incredibly similar to prostration in Islam.

My amazement and wonder was soon replaced with intense curiosity. From no previous research or conversation had I ever heard about a connection between Buddhism and Islam, but it did make sense. Buddhism spread out of northern India to other areas of south Asia. Large Buddhist statues defiled by religious extremists in Afghanistan evidence the influence that Buddhism once held in these regions.

After further contemplation I recalled a story from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah (Life of Muhammad) in which Muhammad (PBUH) accompanied his uncle and caretaker, Abu Talib, to the Levant, training as a merchant. Later, after marrying Khadijah, Muhammad (PBUH) managed his merchant wife’s trade journeys to the Levant. One of the western-most land routes of the spice trade terminated in what is now Syria/Lebanon. It’s certainly possible that Muhammad (PBUH) was exposed to Buddhist prayer in the Levant and later adapted it to Islam.

Other than prayer form itself there is one other slight similarity between the two religions. Every evening Jogye Buddhists perform 108 prostrations, each one admonishing one of the 108 vices. Performing this daily reminds the Buddhist to conduct his or her life in a manner congruous with religious teachings. Islam has what are called the 99 Names of Allah, each one exhibiting one of God’s traits that should be emulated by the Muslim to draw nearer to Him. The similarity between these two practices isn’t as striking as the skeletal structure of prayer, but I found it interesting.


Two nearly identical lilies emerge from the dark pond below. Task at hand is to discover what's under the opaque surface.


So now I face this vexing question looming above me. What is the connection between Jogye Buddhism and Islam? Did these two nearly identical forms of prostration develop independently? Do they both follow a more ancient form of prostration? Primary research revealed Korea Buddhism's trek from south Asia to China, then to Korea. It’s a start. I’m in the process of obtaining a translation of the 108 prayers, which may offer some insight. Yet, I’m more interested in the possible human connection between Islam’s Prophet (PBUH) and Buddhist merchants. Does it exist? If anyone can point towards a resource with even a brief mention of Muhammad (PBUH) and Buddhist traders or teachers, please email or leave a comment.