Issues in Contemporary society

• Interfaith dialogue


  Interfaith dialogue is the positive interactions of the differing world religions and minor traditions to focus on the similarities rather than differences of their respective faiths.

  • The first interfaith dialogue meeting was held in 1893 in Chicago.
  • The purpose is to gain an understanding and tolerance of differing belief systems to sort out universal issues like war, poverty, and environmental issues.
  • Buddhism actively supports the idea of tolerance and respect for the religion of others.
• Interfaith dialogue


  The ideal in Buddhism is to uphold the ideals of your own religion whilst respecting others. (Story of Upali the Jain).

  • No animosity between Buddhist schools and other world religions.
  • Buddhism emerged from a background of differing religious beliefs like Hinduism, Jainism, Ajivikas, Materialists, and Skeptics.
  • Religious harmony is the key to having a tolerant society, religious superiority must be eliminated.
  • The Buddha only rejected other religions at his time because he felt they did not reflect the true nature of reality, however, he still promoted mutual tolerance.
• Interfaith Dialogue:


  Ahimsa:

  • We need to start seeing things globally. Religious superiority leads to more suffering.
  • We don't want a colonial approach where conflict arises from a personal, egotistical view
  • "I hope your God listens to you" - Ticht Naht Han in a letter to George Bush.
• Interfaith Dialogue


  The Buddhist approach to life is to 'live and let live', but also promote peace. It is a Liberalist tradition that does not claim exclusivity of truth. Usually not absolutist.

  • Individuals often use religion to their advantage and corrupt their message of peace. Conflict arises from people (motivated by the 3 fires) eg. Homosexuality causing a split in the Anglican Church.
  • Aim of Buddhism is to promote an ethical lifestyle rather than communicating dogmatic truths.There is a truth but that truth is not exclusive.
• Rhys Davis


  States that Gotama put himself in the mental position of the questioner. He accepts as the starting point of his exposition the desirability of the act or condition priced by his opponent by the union of God.

  In the Sutta Pitaka, we see the Buddha respectfully teaching the dharma on his discourses as Buddha engages with those of other religions.
• King Ashoka


  Rock Edict 12:

  'All should be well-learned in the good doctrines of other religions.'

  Ashoka was the only Buddhist Emperor, ruling in mid-200 BCE

  We should be united in the similarities of religion.
• Interfaith Dialogue


  Buddhism is not a divine revelation, but a realisation of the truth.

  • There is divinity in giving 'the message', but the authority is given due to it being gained from the Buddha's experience. Naturally, this makes it more liberal.
  • The Buddha himself did not think he came up with a new concept, instead, he tapped into the true nature of reality.
  • Each person needs to find their way and this can be done through other religions.
  • Dalai Lama: When someone takes up a new religion, they must avoid a negative view of their past religion. All religions offer hope.
• Interfaith Dialogue

  Takes a liberal approach to the idea of a 'true religion'

  • Buddha taught that the four noble truths can be found in other traditions long as the person is working towards spiritual development.
  • Buddha never had prejudice to other religions`
• Interfaith Dialogue

  The religious principles in Buddhism are for all, not just Buddhists

  • They should promote peace and never shed blood
  • True religious values are fading in modern society and religion is often used as a platform for violence and conflict.
  • Buddhists are not just restricted in being Buddhist, they may engage in other religions
  • The golden rule can be found in many religions like Buddhism, Xianity, Islam etc.
• Interfaith Dialogue


  Mahayana:

  • Upaya is an important concept that identifies how different types of Buddhism are necessary for different types of people
  • Conflicts between Buddhist schools must be sought with understanding the different needs and cultural differences in Buddhism.
• Stephen Bachelor and Paul Knitter


  DUAL BELONGING BUDDHISM IN THE WEST BOOKLET RESEARCH.
• Interfaith Dialogue


  Changing religion can cause confusion

  Education about different religions should help a person grow in their own faith and establish harmony between religions.
• Mother Theresa


  Although a Christian, she displays the qualities necessary to be a Bodhisattva. Karuna is not exclusive to Buddhism and she 'represents love without distinction'.

  The Bodhisattva ideal cannot be limited to Mahayana Buddhists as that would contradict the belief that the Bodhisattva's love is both universal and impartial.

  It is not impossible that Mother Theresa was a Bodhisattva who manifested in. Christian form to propagate the ethic of compassion.

  Principles of the religion are more important than the religion itself.
• Buddhism and Science


  Classical Buddhists are more of the view that the universe is 'brute fact', like Russell. Modern Buddhists are more accepting of science.

  • Modern science can reveal a great insight into the workings of the mind in neuroscience and psychology.
  • Much Scientific research has been done on the benefits of meditation.
  • Doesn't suggest 'blind faith', and wants followers to be inquisitive.
  • Buddhists accept scientific developments on cosmology and the origins of the universe, rejecting ideas of creationism
  • Law of cause and effect, actions do have consequences.
• Buddhism and Science

  Unscientific:

  • Ideas of rebirth/reincarnation, differing the final pari-nirvana.
  • Metaphysical karma
  • Celestial Buddhas and the Life of the Buddha
  • Although they are recognised as a skill in means
  • Mysticism has found its way into Buddhism.
  • The search for the Dalai Lama
• Buddhism and Science

  'If science proves something wrong in Buddhism, they have to believe science' - The Dalai Lama

  • Observes conditions and causes of all things, everything is in motion and changing all the time (anicca)
  • This refers to mind cognition and emotions, the arising of mental states and feelings
  • Based on Empirical methods, the Buddha observed all things, even the metaphysical.
  • No God, seen as a more rational approach.
  • Comparison to literal, fundamentalist perspectives like WBB and DCT, creationism etc.
• Engaged Buddhism

  Refers to the active engagement in social and political activities, coined by Ticht Naht Han.

  • Buddhist monks provided non-violent help during the war
  • In 1963, monks led a movement against oppression from a catholic president.
  • In 1963, Tich Quang Duc set himself alight, a selfless, egoless act, to bring media attention, protesting against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government of Ngô Đình Diệm, a staunch Roman Catholic.
• Engaged Buddhism

  14 Precepts of Engaged Buddhism: (First 5)

  • Do not be bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth.
  • Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views.
  • Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views.
  • Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering.
  • Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry.