Did you know Buddhists have respected other religions since the time of Buddha? Yes, inter-faith has a long history. Buddhism has always been remarkably tolerant. How other religions fared when it became the state religion is well illustrated by the reign of King Asoka. While a devout Buddhist himself, Asoka wrote this advice to his subjects: The king honours both the ascetics and lay followers of all religions and he gives them gifts. But the King does not value gifts and honours as much as he values this - that there should be growth in the essentials of all religions. This can be done in different ways but all of them have as their root, restraint in speech, that is not praising ones own religion or condemning the religion of others without good cause. And if there is cause for criticism it should be done in a mild way. But it is better to honour other religions for this reason - by doing so ones own religion benefits and so do the other religions.. therefore contact between religions is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others. The king desires that all should be well-learned in the good doctrines of other religions. Despite being written in 256BC these words have a remarkably modern ring to them.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 01:47:31 +0000
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