I work at a hospital that, according to its mission statement, strives to follow “the healing mission of Jesus Christ by promoting personal and community health, relieving pain and suffering, and treating each person in a loving and caring way.”

My background in the New Testament, having grown up in this Judeo-Christian society, gives me perspective for my Buddhist practice based upon Shakyamuni’s Lotus Sutra.

Two words best describe the Buddhist philosophy: compassion and wisdom. These are also chapter titles in “Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings” by Oregon State University religion professor Marcus Borg. American Buddhist monk Jack Kornfield wrote in the book’s introduction, “Jesus and Buddha speak with one heart. There is a brotherhood of these sacred physicians, healers of the sorrows of humanity.”

Comparing these two teachers on compassion, Jesus says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In the Dhammapada, the Buddha is quoted: “Consider others as yourself.”

On wise judgment, Jesus says: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? You hypocrites; first take the log out of your own eye.” In the Udanavarga, the Buddha says: “The faults of others are easier to see than one’s own … one’s own faults are hard to see.”

Also, both the Buddha and Jesus wisely addressed materialism. The Bible quotes Jesus as saying: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” In the Jatakamala, the Buddha is quoted: “Riches make most people greedy, and so are like caravans lurching down the road to perdition.”

Both wise prophets spoke often about the inner life. Mark’s Gospel quotes Jesus: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The Buddha is quoted in the Dhammapada: “What good is hide clothing? While your inward state is a tangle, you polish your exterior.”

Salvation is an ultimate challenge in religion, west and east. The Bible quotes Jesus: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The Buddha is quoted in The Dhammapada: “One who acts on truth is happy in this world and beyond.”

Our Buddhist sect follows the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese sage Nichiren. In one of his letters to his followers, “The Opening of the Eyes,” Nichiren writes: “If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.”

At work, I remind myself that every one of my patients has a Buddha nature like mine, and they expect me to use my wisdom and compassion as an emergency physician. My professional work and personal life are lived best when in sync with the parallel sayings of Jesus and the Buddha.

Dr. Gary Young is a member of the Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai International. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and world. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-5693.