The term "Christ" and the term "Buddha" are synonymous. They both mean one who has entered into his godhood. One who has attained to cosmic consciousness, leaving forever the limitations of the lower self. CHAPTER X PAUL OF TARSUS The system of worship known as Christianity owes its systematic foundation to Paul of Tarsus. Paul's sudden conversion from zealous persecution of the followers of Jesus of Nazareth to an equally zealous propaganda of the gospel of Light, offers a perfect example of the peculiar oncoming of cosmic consciousness. Paul evidently occupied a position of authority among the Jews and it is equally probable that he was near the same age as Jesus, as he is referred to as a "young man named Saul" in Bible accounts of the persecution of the early Christians. His illumination occurred shortly after the crucifixion, probably within two or three years. In Acts, chapter 8-9, we read: "And Saul was consenting unto his death (Stephen). And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles. "And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women, committed them to prison. "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings, and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound, unto Jerusalem. "And as he journeyed he came near unto Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven. "And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him: 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' "And he said: 'Who art thou, Lord?' And the Lord said: 'I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.' "And he trembling and astonished, said: 'Lord, what wilt thou have me do?' "And the Lord said unto him: 'Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.' "And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no man. "And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened he saw no man; but they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. "And he was three days without sight and neither did eat nor drink.