The Scientology Comparative Theology Page

Scientology's Relationship With Eastern Religious Traditions,
Stephen Kent, 1991. Journal of Contemporary Religion, Volume 11, No.1, p.21
"...careful examination of Hubbard's claims indicates that he had only a superficial acquaintance with Eastern religions, and most of his attempts to associate Scientology with these faiths are unwarranted. Moreover, social and political pressures against his organisation's alleged healing practices probably provided the catalyst for Hubbard's attempt to portray his creation as a religion with Eastern overtones."

Scientology and Buddhism

 In asserting that Scientology is a religion, Hubbard most often compared Scientology to Buddhism. In his "Minister's Course", Hubbard mistakenly asserts that philosophy and religion are the same thing, and the "applied religious philosophy" recruiting phrase repeats this mistake. While Buddhism and Scientology may appear to be similar philosophies, the similarities are superficial [Kent, 1991]. As a teenager, Hubbard travelled to the Orient [ Miller ], which provided grist for a storyteller's later claims. As Hubbard's references to Buddhism are tallied, it becomes clear that Hubbard understanding was superficial.

While Buddhism is differs from Scientology in many ways, the most glaring difference is Scientology's emphasis on the accumulation of wealth and power through auditing by Hubbard's programmed steps. Buddhism teaches that worldly goods are a trap and that enlightenment comes from within.

Hubbard Maligns Buddhism

Hubbard on Buddha

Hubbard on Buddha's Spiritual Authority

Next: Scientology and Islam