Buddhism Debunked: The Path to Enlightenment?

By Constantine I. Nightingdale

IS BUDDHISM JUST ANOTHER CULT LIKE ISLAM, HINDUISM, SIKHISM, OR THE BAHAI FAITH? 

• I grew up as a Buddhist. How do I ensure that I will go to heaven?
• How do I become truly enlightened?
• Can I be a Buddhist and a Christian at the same time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Jul 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887381688

Constantine I. Nightingdale

My name is Constantine I. Nightingdale. I am the "End Times" Apostle to the world from Hawaii. My biography is not import- ant. But I praise and glorify the One who sent me-Jesus Christ.

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Buddhism

Debunked

Constantine I. Nightingdale

The End Times Apostle to the World from Hawaii

Trilogy Christian Publishers

TUSTIN, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Buddhism Debunked

Copyright © 2023 by Constantine I. Nightingdale

Scripture quotations marked ASV are taken from The Holy Bible: American Standard Version (ASV). Copyright © 1901 by Thomas Nelson and Sons. Public domain. Used by permission. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/American-Standard-Version-ASV-Bible/#booklist

Scripture quotations marked BSB are taken from the Berean Study Bible®. Copyright © 2016 by Bible Hub. Public Domain. https://biblehub.com/bsb/. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version®. Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769.

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ISBN 979-8-88738-167-1

ISBN 979-8-88738-168-8 (ebook

There are 506 million Buddhists in the World, 6.6% of the World Population.¹

Buddha is considered an extraordinary being but NOT God. So what is Buddhism’s concept of Heaven?

Will all Buddhists (unintentionally) end up in Hell if they don’t know the One True God?

Tripitaka (Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka) and Sutras vs. the Bible.

The Tripitaka and Sutras were written over 500 years after Buddha’s Death.

A Very Important Letter to Our Lord Jesus

Dear Jesus:

My hope and prayer are that people around the world reading this book never see me, Lord, but see You, Lord Jesus. I initially thought not to give my name as the author, nor did I wish to publish my photo as the book’s author, but You showed me I needed to include my name and photo to bear testimony of You.

Lord Jesus, You recall that in 2005, it was prophesied to me that I would write these books. I wrote these books out of obedience and love for You, Lord Jesus. Let every word glorify Your holy name, not mine.

Let every soul touched by reading this book Lord, give You honor and pluck them out of hell into Your loving arms in Heaven. Lord Jesus, never let us lose sight of You. Amen.

In His service,

Constantine I. Nightingdale

The End-Time Apostle to the World from Hawaii

Special Thanks and Acknowledgments

The Fivefold Ministry (Ephesians 4:11)

My Friends, Christians and Born Again

John and Linda Keough, The Healing Rooms of Honolulu

Pastor David and Virginia

The Prayer Center of the Pacific (prayercenterofthepacific.org)

Joe and Prophetess Phyllis Ramia

Prophetess Michelle Ramia

Hawaii Dream Service Center

Hawaii Christian Community Land Trust

Hawaii Pacific Christian Community Foundation

Pastor Wade Boo Soares, Hawaii Coalition of Christian Churches

Chaplain Dennis Yokota, Good News Prison

Lyn, JoAnn, Karlyn,

Island Women Empowered by God

Pastors Glenn and Sandy Shimabukuro

Prophetess Charene Davis, Editor

And to Many Other Friends and Servants of the Lord

Many Thanks To:

Founding Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, NHI (enewhope.org)

New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu, Hawaii

John Tilton, Senior Pastor of New Hope Oahu (enewhope.org)

Pastor Donovan Sabog (enewhope.org)

Pastor Keola Richards (enewhope.org)

Pastor Pua Palakiko (enewhope.org)

Pastor Gavin Tsuda (enewhope.org)

Pastor Elwin Ahu (newhopemetro.org)

Pastor Brandon Ahu (enewhopemetro.org)

Paul and Cheryl Okimoto

Matt and Laurie Crouch (tbn.org)

Lester Sumrall (familybroadcastingcorporation.com)

Marcus and Joni Lamb (daystar.com)

Edward G. Atsinger III (salemmedia.com)

Prophet Morris Cerullo (mcwe.com)

Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

Evangelist Nick Vujicic

William Lile and My Cell Group (pearlside.org)

Greg Tavares

Norman Nakanishi, Sr. Pastor of Pearlside Church (pearlside.org)

Pastor Parris Hayashi (pearlside.org)

Pastor Billy Lile (pearside.org)

Pastor/Apostle Cal Chinen (mgmchawaii.com)

George and Murle Milles

Pastor Paul Brown (enewhope.org)

Pastor Justin Smith (enewhope.org)

Richard Waialeale (enewhope.org)

Pastor Fred Alcain (enewhope.org)

Pastor Scott and Katie Hogle (enewhope.org)

Pastor Ty Tamaska (enewhope.org)

Pastor Kyle Lum (enewhope.org)

Prophetess Helena Cochran

Pastor/Apostle Eric Hurd

Prophet Nathan Pakai

Apostle Ed and Ruth Silvoso (edsilvoso.com)

Terlie Joy Perceda

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Nabeel Qureshi

Pastor Mike and Lisa Kai (inspirechurch.live)

Pastor Ralph Moore and Ruby Moore,

Hope Chapel (churchplanting.com)

Dawn O’Brien

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (billygraham.org)

Kathryn Kuhlman (watch on YouTube)

Dr. Pat Zukeran (evidenceandanswers.org)

Evangelist Elijah Pierick

Evangelist Kanoe Morihara (cru.org)

Dr. James Kwong

Dr. Corey Miller (ratiochristi.org)

Pastor Randy and Louise Manley (molokaibaptist.com)

Sandra Young, Attorney (hawaiichristianfoundation.org)

Thomas A. Rulon, Attorney

(hawaiichristianfoundation.org)

Messianic Rabbi Daniel Yeshurun Vargus

(bethisraelministries.com)

Colonel Donna Gamboa

PragerU.com

Dr. Leon Watson

Pastor Richard and Vicky Knox and Charlie Kirk—Turning Point USA

Podcast—Charlie Kirk Show (KTIE Radio)

Michael J Lindell (mypillow.com)

Pastor Jack Hibbs (JackHibbs.com)

Bob Fopma, TBN

Tom Newman, TBN

Shane Harwell, TBN

Bryan and Misty Norris, TBN

Ashley Welch, TBN Trilogy Publishing

Allison Dyer, TBN Trilogy Publishing

Shelley Jobe, TBN Trilogy Publishing

Jeff Summers, TBN Trilogy Publishing

Contents

A Very Important Letter to Our Lord Jesus

Special Thanks and Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1. Beginnings of Buddhism

Chapter 2. Similarities between Jesus and Buddha?

Chapter 3. Tripitaka, Pali Canon, or Three Baskets

Chapter 4. Buddhism through the Eyes of a Child

Chapter 5. Buddhist Practices

Chapter 6. Characteristics of the Godhead

Chapter 7. What’s Up with Russia and the EU?

Chapter 8. NATO and Its Significance

Chapter 9. Revelation 6 Explained

Chapter 10. Heaven or Hell?

Chapter 11. A Contrast between Heaven and Hell

Chapter 12. End-Time Apostle

Chapter 13. End Game Unfolding

Chapter 14. Ask God for a Dream or Vision

Appendix. Bible Study Tools

References

Endnote Call to Action—Review Request

Disclaimer

Foreword

It is not hard to see that the times we live in are indeed a call to wake up. That we need to wake up to the truth, search for a solid foundation, and search for things in which to believe.

In a post-Covid pandemic society, people have emerged knowing that the lockdown forced them to be at home and look within their families, their relationships, the important things that really matter, and their souls.

We searched for peace, the absence of strife. For those of us who were fortunate to do so, we followed every precaution to be healthy in the hope-for absence of sickness. What if we were to have called upon God and asked for the peace of God, which, incidentally, transcends the peace of men (Philippians 4:6), and exercise faith and wisdom in everything we do? Would we have emerged differently?

I would like to offer another challenge to my readers: Turn off mainstream media for a week, month, or year. Do your own research to find out what is really going on in our city, state, nation, and the world—socially, economically, and politically and consider what is happening spiritually.

The author, Mr. Constantine Nightingdale, has spent years literally searching for the truth. When he found it, he could not hide under a rock or stay silent. That is why you are now reading this book, Buddhism Debunked, and by virtue of that, you are, in effect, seeking the Lord. Mr. Nightingdale has spent years researching and compiling facts about the times we live in, all the while seeking the Lord.

Once you read this book, it is the author’s hope and prayer that you will emerge with a sense that you are a bit more prepared for what is coming than prior to reading the book.

In this book, there are answers to these questions:

Is Buddhism a religion that promises heaven? Buddhism has its origins in Hinduism.

Does Buddhism replace the one true God, the Creator of all of the heavens and universe, with many different gods?

Who is accountable for whom if one just reaches Nirvana (there is no proof that Nirvana exists) or if we are reincarnated from one life to another?

Is Buddhism, in a very true way, a form of denial?

Are you 100% certain that you will go to Heaven and not end up in Hell?

I hate to put it so bluntly, but I would hate more knowing that one less soul made it to Heaven.

While Buddhism seeks peace and tranquility and being one with God and the universe, Christianity gives you an everyday instruction manual for life and then provides a way to Heaven along the way.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(John 14:6 KJV)

If it matters to you that you end up in Heaven after your days on earth comes to an end and that you wish not to take any risks with your eternal destiny, read further, my friend. It is my hope and desire that we one day meet in Heaven.

—Charene D., Editor

Introduction

Just so you know, the ongoing spiritual warfare for me to complete these books, in which sharing the truth with others is heavy. Satan does not want me, my publisher, or my distributor to place these books in the hands of Christians, Islamists, Hindus, Buddhists, or other groups.

Just as I was wrapping up the last chapter of another book, Islam Debunked, it was suddenly wiped clean from my desktop. I was days away from being able to submit the book to the editor. I could become all upset and say forget it. I could have the attitude that I do not want to spend hundreds of hours researching, studying, and typing with two fingers anymore. However, I can overcome all things through Christ that strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). So, here we go for the second time around.

This time I will outsmart satan and make a backup copy every few minutes.

Thank You, Jesus!

End-Time Apostle Constantine Nightingdale is pictured here looking up to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He is wearing the gown he wore when he was baptized on March 20, 2018 (while on a TBN tour led by Matt and Laurie Crouch) in the Jordan River, Israel. Notice the lei, which is a Hawaiian kukui nut lei. Fifteen kukui nuts on each side represent grace—five for a total of fifteen. A total of thirty nuts symbolizes the Trinity—three times ten equals thirty—the number of completion. As Mr. Nightingdale travels around the world to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the End Game with those who have an open heart—this signifies completion as an Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 1

Beginnings of Buddhism

Buddhism was started in Siddartha Gautama, India, in the fifth to sixth century BC. Siddhartha Gautama (563–483 BC) was the awakened one and known as Buddha.² Siddhartha Gautama was in an upper-class and wealthy clan. In a search for life’s sufferings and pain, he had a pilgrimage or journey to find out how to solve these life issues. He sought out Hindu teachers but was not satisfied with their teachings. While sitting under a Bodhi Tree in India, Siddhartha Gautama began teaching, which is Dharma, to understand his truth of existence.

Buddha’s main thought was Sabbam Dukkam, or all is suffering. Buddha believed in four truths or mediations, which would give you supernatural powers:

The reality of human suffering.

The cause of human suffering or your desire or cravings.

The cessation of human suffering. This is Nirvana.

The middle-way following, the enlightened path, or following the path to Eightfold, or you must do everything right like thinking, speech, endeavors, actions, concentration, and everything!³

Compelling statues of Jesus and Buddha. Jesus is the one true God who died on the cross for the sins of the world. Jesus is the only way to Salvation, which is Heaven. Buddha only borrowed from the teachings of Christ and did not want his followers to make him a god. Sorry, but reincarnation does not exist.⁴

It could be said that generally, Buddhism does not believe in a personal God or a divine being, it does not have worship, praying to, or praising of a divine being (although some sects do).⁵

Buddhism does not offer a form of redemption, forgiveness, heavenly hope, or a final judgment to those practicing its system.⁶ The challenge to you, the reader (if you are a Buddhist or thinking about becoming a Buddhist or any other religion tied to Hinduism), is to find the facts and the truth that there is only one God… For the truth will set you free (John 14:6).

Buddhism is a moral philosophy, an ethical way to live for the here and now of this world to gain the ultimate state. It has more in common with humanism and atheism than its original religion Hinduism from which it separated. But Buddhism is not atheism just because they don’t believe in a personal God. ⁷

It is more like pantheism, which identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God.⁸

Buddhist do not really believe in salvation like many cults, such as Hinduism. Hinduism, for example, believes only monks can receive salvation and be taken out of the endless cycle of reincarnation.

Again, in Buddhism, Nirvana is called salvation, but this is not the same as salvation with Christ. In Buddhism, once you die, that is it—no more existence. Your death or a human’s death goes from birth, life, and death, and that is the end! This end is called Sunya or great void, which means your life is empty of all things.

Buddha Statue⁹

Buddhists realize that Buddha (enlightened one) is an extraordinary being, but not God, so how can you go to Heaven? Or do you go to Hell?

Buddhists believe you should meditate, gain wisdom and have a path to enlightenment, which will awaken the truth in you, but this is not a guaranteed path or even an indirect path to Heaven. When one does not recognize the one true God and accept Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior is like being on a path to Hell. Again, very sobering, and my only solace in sharing this harsh reality is that your soul ends up in Heaven.

Chapter 2

Similarities between Jesus and Buddha?

Are there similarities between Jesus and Buddha?

One need only perform a cursory check on the world wide web to find many claims of similarities to relics (statues, icons) in both Buddhism and Christianity.¹⁰ However, the Bible specifically addresses creating statues and relics and worshipping them "as wrong and calls the usage of these as idolatrous. Throughout the Scripture, this is specifically addressed as an affront to God."¹¹

Ancient Isaiah Text¹²

Buddha was passive in his outlook of the ultimate eternal existence of humanity.¹³ "He was engaged in self-discovery to change himself, which can be good if one comes to the conclusion that the answers are not found within us and looks toward the creator of all mankind."¹⁴ However, Buddha’s followers made him into a demigod and built huge, larger-than-life statues at their temple sites.

Statues such as the one depicted on the previous page have been molded and fashioned by human hands, and Our Lord God warned us about casting idols in the Books of Leviticus and Exodus in the Bible.

Christ did not have to search for [self-discovery or] wisdom since he was the wisdom and power of God before and during his coming to earth. He came from Heaven as a servant to mankind. He grew in understanding in his humanity only, but even at an early age he was aware of his purpose and who he actually was.

Buddha, [as a mere human being albeit a very influential one,] needed to make sense of the world and its suffering for himself. He was in turmoil in his soul seeing the condition of life being unfavorable for so many. So, he searched for enlightenment to have answers to the dilemmas he saw in the world.

Christ exhibited love, which is active, as it participates in others’ lives. He did not tolerate falsehood or have the same reaction for one being sad or happy. He taught objective truth, the true reality of life is that it is real and there are consequences here and now as well as afterward.¹⁵

Are you looking for the truth or just another path of enlightenment?

Theravada says Buddha did not claim to have a special relationship with God. The fact that Buddha did not consider the existence of God to be important shows that he is not in any way related to biblical prophets or Jesus. Buddha said it doesn’t matter whether you believe in him or not. Buddha claimed to point to the right way to escape suffering and attain enlightenment. Contrary to this, Jesus claimed to be the way [John 14:6]. Christianity teaches there was only one incarnation of God, and He came to relieve the source of all suffering sin.

It is said Siddhartha became the Awakened one, so if a practicing Buddhist says that Jesus became the Anointed one, this is a common misconception. Christ was the anointed one from eternity while Siddhartha became the Buddha by searching and self-discovery became illuminated. Anointing and enlightenment are two very different concepts[—Jesus was God and His Anointed Son from the beginning of time, whereas Buddhists seek enlightenment through meditation.]

Buddha came [on the scene] at a time when the people were perhaps tired of Hindu sects, castes and teachings. Buddha discovers a new way [for himself,] and he discards some teachings and upholds others.

Christ came when the people were oppressed by religious leaders; but they did not know the truth nor were they asking for deliverance spiritually. Jesus only explained what they already had in the Scriptures giving the correct interpretations and fulfilling the [ancient] prophecies [of the Old Testament].¹⁶

Buddhist Monk¹⁷

A Buddhist Monk seeks enlightenment through meditation, yet mere enlightenment will not take him to Heaven.

Buddha died at the old age of 80 years old by eating rotten food, his life was lived without exaggerations of either luxury or asceticism. Jesus ate fish, meat and did not have people give up their possessions unless it interfered with their relationship with God. He died at 33 years old, sentenced to death like a criminal, tortured and executed for something he did not do.¹⁸

Not much similarity here.

Very compelling and thought-provoking through the Ages is that in Revelation 1:17–18 (BLB), Jesus is speaking to the Apostle John in a vision: …Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

This scripture verse has inspired the most thoughtful theologians, zealous evangelists, and incredibly talented artists to interpret the keys as literal as seen in this artist’s rendition of Jesus descending into Hell to retrieve the keys.

Jesus Has the Keys to Heaven and Hell¹⁹

This artist’s depiction is of Jesus after His crucifixion, descending into this cursed place to obtain the keys of Hell.

However, we know that Jesus’ resurrection from death and, most importantly, over the enemy of our souls is a spiritual symbol for having possession of these keys.

Below is a chart that outlines similarities and differences between Jesus and Buddha. The Holy Spirit kept prompting me as to why there are similar concepts within Buddhism (which came from Hinduism), and yet the doctrines and practices are so far off from Christianity as to be considered a cult. I could not say it better than what the chart shows below.

Buddhism versus Christianity Comparison Chart