Catholicism, the following of Jesus Christ and the one holy God, and the religion of Buddhism, which follows the teachings of Buddha, are two very distinct religions with many strong similarities and differences. One is a monotheistic religion while the other is more of a spiritual guide, which is just the beginning of the many big differences between the two, but they also have many close similarities. The greatest similarity between Catholicism and Buddhism is their "code of conduct" that the religious followers know and understand. In Catholicism the Ten Commandments are very similar to two Buddhist “codes”; the Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts of the Monk. The Ten Commandments say "thou shalt not kill", which is reflected with the Five Precepts of a Monk which say "thou shalt not take life" and the teaching of the Eightfold Path of right action. The teaching of the Eightfold Path of right action also refers to the Five Precepts of a Monk which says "thou shalt not take that which is not given", which reflects the Ten Commandments which say "thou shalt not steal". Another similarity is that the Ten Commandments say "thou shalt not bear false witness", which reflects the Five Precepts which say "thou shalt not use false words" and the Eightfold Path idea of ​​right speech. A second similarity between the two religions is the use of chant or chant. Buddhists practice with mantras, which are repetitive chants, making sounds like "Ohm." Catholics use songs in church and priests say songs that people repeat. A third and final similarity is the use of meditation or contemplation. Buddhists use literal meditation to reach one's inner self and nirvana. Catholics use prayers to God to reach and get closer to Him. The differences between Catholicism and Buddhism are... middle of paper... from the cycle of karma and rebirth they must reach nirvana, which is a state of ultimate peace . Achieving Nirvana is the main goal of a Buddhist. Catholics believe differently. They believe in only one life, a life lived to please God. When one dies, Catholics believe in a final judgment in which the soul will be sent to heaven or hell. The goal of a Catholic is to live a good life and please God by being sent to heaven. Catholicism and Buddhism are two very distinct religions that originated in two different parts of the world, the Middle East and India respectively, but they relate to each other on many levels. Although followers of these religions believe differently, they both believe in doing good and living a good life without hurting others. The differences separate the religions into two completely different beliefs, but the morality of both beliefs is similar.