tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post7952310918545382316..comments2024-03-18T16:28:06.364+07:00Comments on Buddha Space: A Muslim Attack on Buddhism Part 2Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-54806594686562120622012-06-13T21:28:57.273+07:002012-06-13T21:28:57.273+07:00Good point, Ain. Investigation is surely superior ...Good point, Ain. Investigation is surely superior to blind faith, and tolerance better than condemnation. May Mr Yahya discover the qualities of honest investigation & tolerance!Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-52016922434104010982012-06-13T15:52:43.423+07:002012-06-13T15:52:43.423+07:00"In this book, we invite Buddhists and all ot..."In this book, we invite Buddhists and all others, for whatever reason, feel sympathy this superstitious religion to understand the truth that there is no god but God; and to accept that God is One and that there is no other.<br />(Ibid. page 177)"<br /><br />This shows how close-minded Yahya and his religion is (in oppose to Buddha who encouraged his followers to examine what he said rather than blindly believing it. So, which one is superstitious!?Ainnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-64398250615038541242012-01-12T19:16:39.720+07:002012-01-12T19:16:39.720+07:00Yes, Shaun, let's hope he finds peace - and th...Yes, Shaun, let's hope he finds peace - and that he then shares this peace with others, instead of spreading misinformation & negativity. <br /><br />Be well Shaun,<br />G.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-85769842601878275022012-01-09T20:53:24.547+07:002012-01-09T20:53:24.547+07:00This man is clearly spouting biased lies to promot...This man is clearly spouting biased lies to promote his own ideas. It should also be noted that he is a holocaust denier and anti-semite. He is obviously filled with much hate and probably many insecurities. I hope one day he can find peace. Metta.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14130131073082472697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-14646778154657824792011-12-21T19:28:39.680+07:002011-12-21T19:28:39.680+07:00Thank you for your well-considered comments, Anony...Thank you for your well-considered comments, Anonymous Buddhist. You make many valid points, and display a wisdom that Mr Yahya clearly lacks.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-33773579233503996392011-12-19T19:12:29.360+07:002011-12-19T19:12:29.360+07:00When one proposes to criticise an unknown area, o...When one proposes to criticise an unknown area, one needs to have a profound konwledge and understanding of it. Did Buddha show us something out of the ordinary as suffering or evanesence? He simply expostulated on the common relaities of beings - as birth, life and death of not only men but also of all things. Why did not many other persons see this fundamental truth of all worldly substances and beings ? ( Of course many philosohers and wise have admitted this phenominon). My feeling is that this truth can never be negated. To practise suffering is just opposed to buddhist sayings. It was another belief that prevailed in India at the time of Birth of Buddha.( "Attakilamatanuyoga"), the other extreme being enjoying this life to the utmost ( "Kamasulallikanuyoga") It is the Middle path that He preached. He has extensively preached on how to be a rich, happy, contented person who will have a comfortable life now and in the next birth. Mr. Yahiya needs to study the real scriptures of "Therawada" buddhism to comprehend its reality before cricising it. As a person who has done a liittle comparative study of many a promonent faith I respect these faiths as means of promoting good human values and emotions. Yet all religions have corrupt versions which must not be accepted as the genuine. By concentraing on these, we will not see the absolute truth I practise "metta" on adversaries of all faiths and will never dare to criticise a faith to hurt the feelings of its followers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-978337318073336422011-02-10T20:22:56.963+07:002011-02-10T20:22:56.963+07:00Hello Anonymous Muslim: Thank you for your comment...Hello Anonymous Muslim: Thank you for your comments.<br /><br />You make a good point about suffering and desire...from a conventional and worldly point of view. Buddhism does not teach that desire only creates suffering, however, but that suffering is caused by human desire. So, you are right that desire can lead to what you call positive results. However, even these results of desire must come to an end, and in their impermanence is more suffering, for we humans cling to what we like, fearing its loss. Allt his is not to be believed, however, but experienced, especially with a calm, wise mind that comes of meditation. It seems unlikely that you are a regular meditator from your comments, so it's understandable that you wouldn't hold this point of view. <br /><br />Your second point that certain behaviour of Malaysian Buddhists shows that Buddhism is flawed I would agree with, Anonymous, because all religions are thus flawed. Nothing is perfect, including Islam. (Your argument that misbehaving Buddhists illustrate the flawed nature of Buddhism also stands for misbehaving Muslims - they show the imperfect nature of Islam!) Perfection does not lie in Buddhism, Islam, or any other conditioned phenomena, but in that which is unconditioned. In Buddhism, this is often called nirvana, and in Islamic Sufism, it is known as fana. To read up a (very) basic definition of this term, please copy and paste the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fana_%28Sufism%29<br /><br />The following statement that you wrote is astounding, however, and it doesn't really derserve any response: "also, i dont think by being a budhist you can contribute to society in any good way possible." How could you write such a thing, Anonymous, when you began your comment by saying that "i am muslim form malaysia.i believe in islam's teachings. and one of them is to respect the faith of others." On this evidence, perhaps you yourself are an example of the flawed nature of Islam and Muslims! ;-)<br /><br />Buddhism doesn't teach that we must not enjoy the fruits of our endeavors, Anonymous, as you claim, but that we should do so with wisdom if we wish to transcend suffering and help others to do so. If we understand the nature of the mind, not from philosophy or books, but from direct experience, we will see the fallacy of the self - this is what the great Sufi masters have known for centuries. Then, we will achieve fana, or nirvana, and we will truly be able to help others to a happy life. <br /><br />Peace be with you, Anonymous Muslim,<br />G (and all 'true' Buddhists).Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-7199583584666477422011-02-10T11:49:29.812+07:002011-02-10T11:49:29.812+07:00Dear brothers and sisters.
i am muslim form malay...Dear brothers and sisters.<br /><br />i am muslim form malaysia.i believe in islam's teachings. and one of them is to respect the faith of others.most of my friends are hindhus.and i get along very well with them.<br /><br />but one thing stood out in harun yahya's book.The fact that whatever created in this world is for us(man) to benefit from for pleasure.We have been blessed with many things in this world.and we should be thankful to God for all of it and use what is gifted to us wisely.<br /><br />From a budhist aspect, the believe that desires cause suffering.when in actual fact, desires also cause happiness.Desire is a human trait.and as long as we look at the positivity behind what we desire; to be a good father or mother, to gain certain wealth and success, to look for knowledge and so on..how is that suffering? in fact if we do not desire anything, if we all lived like budhist, you probably wont be able to have this sort of discussions on the internet.<br /><br />secondly, in malaysia there are pretty much chinese budhist everywhere.they do not behave like budhist at all.in fact, all they do is look for wealth.how is that a budhist trait.it shows that the religion is flawed.it does not teach balance in living life on earth.How do we as humans, disregard the fact that all that is in this world is for us to utilize in a proper way..which is by means of moderation.<br /><br />there are also so called budhist monks selling bracelets or begging for money walking around restaurants.is that budhism? i do not mean any disrespect.but its a fact.<br /><br />also, i dont think by being a budhist you can contribute to society in any good way possible.<br /><br />What happens if this whole universe collapses on itself? what being would they incarnate to? if its the right way of iiving, and other religions are wrong, where do we go? we as the created are limited to this WORLD(universe) we cannot reincarnate to something that does not exist if this world does not exist anymore.<br /><br />it is flawed.the fruits of life is for us to enjoy with a positive mind and to be taken as part and parcel of life.by disregarding it, it means that they do not want to have a anything to do with living.<br /><br />it is sad really..pain is suffering is just part of life that makes us grateful for what we already have.and its a blessing in disguise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-79157259336446324852010-11-24T20:11:42.179+07:002010-11-24T20:11:42.179+07:00This sounds an awful situation, Abdul. Reacting wi...This sounds an awful situation, Abdul. Reacting with compassion and friendship with these intolerant people may well not appeal to their better natures necessarily, but it may well influence wider society to be more tolerant and friendly to minority faiths. Let's hope so.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-20983100578699131162010-11-24T18:35:55.445+07:002010-11-24T18:35:55.445+07:00I'm from Malaysia. There're growing islami...I'm from Malaysia. There're growing islamization going on since the mid-70's. Younger generations of muslims here are getting moe intolerant towards non-islamic religions especially non-abrahamic. Hindu and Buddhist temples were demolished these days. The ustazs (islamic teachers) in schools demonized Hindus and Buddhists as Idol worshippers (Mushrikeen) or false religion followers.Abdul Iblishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03098997765151245677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-20266020520290754592009-12-10T11:25:24.156+07:002009-12-10T11:25:24.156+07:00It is indeed, Anonymous.
Lovely to read of your e...It is indeed, Anonymous.<br /><br />Lovely to read of your expanding awareness of the different paths & the wisdom to utilize them in your own practice. Be well, G.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-76627385220983291552009-12-10T10:08:54.749+07:002009-12-10T10:08:54.749+07:00It's a wonderful thing!
I believe that all ph...It's a wonderful thing! <br />I believe that all philosophers, prophets, messengers, and teachers came and taught for a reason and we should listen to all of them. It goes back to the Taoist philosophy of balance; though I chose Islam (specifically Sufism) as my main "path," I use and revere other religions and philosophies for my spiritual and philosophical growth as well. Everything from West to East. Unlike extremism which chooses one path and one path only, staying blind to others, religious pluralism brings balance and harmony. We can see in this past decade and past century what extremism has wrought. I saw that there was something wrong with that. I saw that extremism, who ever and whatever it was, brought pain and suffering and I didn't like nor wanted that. On the other hand, I saw that balance brought peace, harmony, and justice. There are villages in India where for hundreds of years Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, etc. lived and still are together in peace, prosperity, and love. Why is that? Because of balance and respect! I wanted that. That made me happy and I chose that way.<br />Anyway, sorry for writing so much. Peace and love to you! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-68912137754171585072009-12-09T14:59:57.399+07:002009-12-09T14:59:57.399+07:00Yes, as a Buddhist Sufism has left a positive impr...Yes, as a Buddhist Sufism has left a positive impression on me, too. It's good that some people have the humility to learn from traditions other than their own, isn't it? <br />Be well, G.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-25341620596552339022009-12-09T11:45:42.847+07:002009-12-09T11:45:42.847+07:00I forgot to mention that many Muslims also believe...I forgot to mention that many Muslims also believe the Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was also a prophet. Also, Islamic mysticism (Sufism) has many similarities to Buddhism. <br />Any way, I am studying some Buddhism (and other south and east Asian philosophies) and am trying to apply them to my daily life. I am glad that I found this site and am sure it will help me. :) Keep up the good work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-63656777348439374252009-12-09T09:43:22.824+07:002009-12-09T09:43:22.824+07:00Thank you, 'Anonymous' for your encouragin...Thank you, 'Anonymous' for your encouraging comments. It's great to read the words of a moderate Muslim that has a positive attitude towards Buddhism. Something to reflect on for all those that think Islam is inherently anti-Buddhist.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-51038143473474417532009-12-09T05:28:42.252+07:002009-12-09T05:28:42.252+07:00Hello G,
As a Muslim I just want to tell you that ...Hello G,<br />As a Muslim I just want to tell you that Harun Yahya should not be taken seriously. He is conspiracy theorists and in no way represents majority muslims at all, if any. In fact as of last year he is in jail for some crimes he has committed. <br />Majority Muslims have no such views of Buddhism and in fact many Muslims (including my self) use Buddhist philosophies in daily life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-43653254331576588482009-05-14T23:50:00.000+07:002009-05-14T23:50:00.000+07:00Thank you Kwelos for the link.
To be truthful, I ...Thank you Kwelos for the link.<br /><br />To be truthful, I found the references to pedophilia more distressing than the accounts of attacks on Buddhism; particularly the story of the Prophet's apparently pedophiliac relationship with his child bride Aisha. (Here in predominately Buddhist Thailand, pedophile activity appears to be rife, and the main culprits are not foreign 'sex tourists' as so often reported in the news, but native, presumably Buddhist, men. The difference with Islam is that Buddhism does not promote marriage with children, however; these men are acting in such ways despite the influence of the Buddhadharma on Thai society.)<br /><br />As to the descriptions of historical attacks on Buddhists by Muslims, Buddhists can at least be thankful that Mr Yahya is not (apparently) advocating violence against us. Also, despite what is written in many of the articles linked to on the site you've referenced, most Muslims are ordinary, peace-loving people, surely? Is replacing the previous cold war with the Soviet Union with a much hotter one with Muslims going to make the world a more peaceful and happy place? How we respond to those that we perceive as doing harmful things is better motivated by trying to encourage the moderate majority rather than driving them into the arms of extremists, isn't it?<br /><br />You have given us much food for thought, Kwelos. <br /><br />Be well,<br />G.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-33784651566493066812009-05-14T20:03:00.000+07:002009-05-14T20:03:00.000+07:00For the historical background to this attack see l...For the historical background to this attack see links under 'Buddhists - attacks on' at the <A HREF="http://kwelos.tripod.com/subjects.htm" REL="nofollow"> Religion of Peace™ Subject Index. </A>Kwelosnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-38759482613959683272009-04-12T16:34:00.000+07:002009-04-12T16:34:00.000+07:00Yes, it's an ongoing challenge for us all that...Yes, it's an ongoing challenge for us all that still have defilements, Justin. <BR/><BR/>Being aware of what's going on in the mind and not following negative trains of thought, instead focusing on feelings of goodwill & compassion is a wise course of action.<BR/><BR/>Be well in your practice, Justin,<BR/>G.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-49145126684509095212009-04-12T05:05:00.000+07:002009-04-12T05:05:00.000+07:00It's certainly a challenge Gary, but it's most lik...It's certainly a challenge Gary, but it's most likely what the Buddha would do. I have work to do in metta practice but that is something I've realized lately and have been trying to attend to it.JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07062221333467776105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-31425314091927505142009-04-10T23:51:00.000+07:002009-04-10T23:51:00.000+07:00We've already "opened our doors" to ...We've already "opened our doors" to 'them', Justin; 'they' are 'us.' There are over two million American Muslims, another two million plus British people, over four million French Muslims, over three million German Muslims, and about a million Canadian Muslims, etc. The West is, in part, Muslim. Indeed, many countries, Britain, France, and Germany for instance, have more Muslims than Buddhists in their populations. Not only is it too late to talk of not opening 'our' doors to 'them', it's also too late to consider closing the door on 'them.' <BR/><BR/>Part of Buddhist practice is to see beyond labels and religions, to see that all human beings are suffering, whether Muslim, Buddhist, or whatever. Yahya Harun is suffering, and, by the looks of things, doing his best to increase the amount of suffering in the world, probably in ignorance. In this regard, even if we consider his views of Buddhism highly distorted and misleading, he is worthy of our goodwill (metta). <BR/><BR/>Buddhism, unlike Christianity & Islam, does not view the world as a battle between good and evil, between 'us' and 'them.' It shows the interconnectedness of us all. This doesn't mean that we allow the Dharma to be misrepresented, but it also does not mean that we can dismiss Muslims or any other group of individuals as being unworthy of our friendship, compassion, and kindness. <BR/><BR/>Reflecting on the suffering of all human beings reveals the causes of their behavior, colored by cultural, religious, political, and other factors. It's a complicated web of interdependent elements, much as we are as individuals. How would the Buddha have responded to Islamist terrorists? Well, how did he respond to the warmongering of the ancient rulers that inhabited Northern India, as described n the Tripitaka? With wisdom, compassion, patience, kindness, and serenity. We can learn a great deal from his example. <BR/><BR/>As many commentators have written, the best thing we can possibly do in this current climate, as at any other time in history for that matter, is practice. Cultivate mindfulness, awareness, goodwill, compassion, equanimity, and sympathy. And, extend these qualities in all directions to all suffering beings. Not easy, sometimes, but definitely worth the effort.<BR/><BR/>Be well in the Dharma,<BR/>G.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-21019941520484028322009-04-10T23:06:00.000+07:002009-04-10T23:06:00.000+07:00Gary-I really don't harbor hatred towards Muslims ...Gary-<BR/><BR/>I really don't harbor hatred towards Muslims nor am I considering it. I guess what I mean is that I struggle with my worldview and the view of the Buddha. <BR/><BR/><BR/>I can't lie to you, I am very skeptical and wary of Islam and see no reason why we in the West should open our doors to them and trust them when there are mountains of historical evidence to support the folly of doing that. <BR/><BR/>I'm trying to start where I am and work with what I have. True, all those things that I and others can obsess about are just mental objects in the mind right now,just one of the 5 khandas in the language of classical Buddhism. It's helpful to think about that in those terms and I'm appreciative of that reminder.<BR/><BR/><BR/> You are probably right in saying that there are probably people in all religions that exhibit the peace and calm of that gentleman in the North of Ireland. <BR/><BR/><BR/>I struggle a lot with certain things Gary, but as you say, if I'm serious about the Buddha's way I have to try to see things in line with the Dhamma and all the challenges that looking at the world like that entails. Thanks for all the comments and the discussion and may you be well.JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07062221333467776105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-65596403022473108912009-04-10T09:25:00.000+07:002009-04-10T09:25:00.000+07:00As mentioned previously, Justin, the call to viole...As mentioned previously, Justin, the call to violence is found in the Old Testament. There, too, the 'chosen people' are encouraged to attack & kill non-believers, and take their land, property, and wives! Other religious works probably contain similar admonishments. Thank God (!) we're Buddhists! ;-)<BR/><BR/>One thing I find worrying in your words, Justin, is that you write that you're struggling not to harbor hate towards Muslims, rather than Muslim extremists. Really, we should be careful not to lump all these people together - they are not all the same! Perhaps it's just your phrasing. (Also, when was the last time you projected metta towards President Obama?)<BR/><BR/>One thing I've found is that when someone really gets up my nose, a bit of metta-bhavana goes a long way. I did metta meditation for the Burmese generals, as well as their victims. Did it improve the situation in Burma? Probably not. Did it improve my outlook on the people focused on? Most definitely yes. <BR/><BR/>There can be no hate figures in Buddhism - not if we're serious about cultivating a pure heart. One of the most moving things I've ever seen is a father in Northern Ireland whose son was killed by terrorists there. Rather than indulging in his pain and criticizing his son's killers, this amazing man talked to the press about peace and the hope that 'the troubles,' as they were euphemistically called, would come to an end soon. Many reporters commented about this man's apparently genuine behavior & sentiments. I think he was a Christian, which illustrates perfectly how non-Buddhists can also be our teachers. (I'm absolutely sure that there are such people amongst the suffering Palestinians & Israelis, and the Singhalese & Tamils in troubled Sri Lanka.)<BR/><BR/>Buddhist or Muslim, Republican or Democrat, black or white - we all have the capacity for greed, hatred, and delusion. We also have the ability to transcend them. It would be somewhat presumptuous of us to assume that only Buddhism can lead to spiritual emancipation, wouldn't it? What of (some) Sufis, Daoists, Hindus, and Christian mystics, etc? If we believe that the Buddhadharma is superior to other spiritual paths we've fallen into the trap that Mr Yahya & the Islamists have. Personally, not having practiced any of these paths, I keep the 'don't know' attitude towards them, never presuming that they are devoid of enlightening factors.<BR/><BR/>Viewing our opinions about politics and other worldly issues through the contemplative practices of Buddhism can help us to transcend our egoistic tendencies on such topics. After all, right now, where is President Obama, Harun Yahya, and all the others? In our minds! We take these figures & related issues and turn them into mental objects to obsess over, losing our mindfulness & serenity. Meditating on them, by using techniques like metta-bhavana and awareness of space around thoughts, can liberate the mind from its self-made sufferings. <BR/><BR/>Be well in the Dharma, Justin.<BR/>GGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-60023161534349200212009-04-10T02:51:00.000+07:002009-04-10T02:51:00.000+07:00I tell you Gary, I honestly struggle with the whol...I tell you Gary, I honestly struggle with the whole Islam thing. I can see what you are saying there about how things change. <BR/><BR/>I have heard that the call to violence is so clear cut within the Koran and the other Muslim religious literature attributed to Muhammed that one would pretty much have to deny Muhammeds words or pretend that the bad parts don't exist in order to act otherwise. Somehow the sufis have managed to eschew violence which should be an encouraging thing.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>I guess I could consider that I am just a product of my time and that Islam is, unfortunately, in a virulent stage right now. As a Buddhist I've been trying my best to not hold ill will towards Mulsims but it's a real struggle for me.<BR/><BR/><BR/>On the one hand, a Buddhist is to show loving kindness to everyone, but the question I always think about is this; what about a nation state? Should a nation state always be non violent and peaceful even when history shows that wars and fighting to keep your nation and culture around are necessary? It's a question I haven't really figured out yet even though I know as a Buddhist I need to keep the politics out of it and let others deal in those things since the Buddha abhorred violence and cautioned against any kind of warlike conflict.<BR/><BR/><BR/>The way i see it, if Obama keeps apologizing for the USA and buying into the lies of every third world thug and Muslim theocrat then we are lost as a nation. Historically we cannot turn the tide around and save our nation buy pretending no one is out to harm us and that negotiation is the way to solve all problems. <BR/><BR/>The unenlightened heart is privy to all sorts of defilements and the unenlightened heart is what moves most of the world. So what to do as a Buddhist? Or should I or others in my predicament do or say anything at all?<BR/><BR/><BR/>I struggle with these type of thoughts very often. At heart I don't really believe in world peace as a possibility unless the majority of people are enlightened or at the very least streamwinners. Considering the narrative of history I don't see much hope outside of personal practice and acting kindly to those around you. Still, these things obsess me at times because it seems like to even entertain some of the thoughts I do makes me less of a Buddhist then the standards I read about in the Canon. What do you think Gary?JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07062221333467776105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-32022054806711112902009-04-09T09:45:00.000+07:002009-04-09T09:45:00.000+07:00Hi Justin.If we look at another monotheistic relig...Hi Justin.<BR/><BR/>If we look at another monotheistic religion - Christianity - we see that in its 'holy book' there are numerous incitements to violence. Most of these occur in the Old Testament, a Jewish work, but throughout history there are plenty of examples of Christians willing to use any part of the Bible they could to justify war, oppression, slavery, sexism, animal cruelty etc. <BR/><BR/>Today, on the whole, moderates dominate Christendom, with even the Catholic Church ostensibly a peace-loving organization. (And, this, after a history of crusades & inquisitions.) Islam, also, can develop in the same direction: all things change, including religion. Look at how diverse the Buddhist traditions are, due to this law of change.<BR/><BR/>Obviously, at this point in history there are problems with Muslim extremists - but it won't, it can't last, because all things and processes are impermanent. In the meantime, as Buddhists we can cultivate peace & tolerance, but without compromising on the truth. <BR/><BR/>Keep up the good reflections, Justin.<BR/>GGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.com