what about buddism and other eastern religions?

Question

we all know that the western religions hate each other but what about the eastern ones?

im not trying to start anything here im just interested about what you guys think.

Answer 1

i think that you're talking about monotheism vs. other traditions. the extraordinary conflict that characterizes monotheism has to do with the locus of authority. essentially, monotheistic traditions posit a centralized authority (the one and only god) and the conflict that surrounds these ideologies is about controlling the interpretation of this moral authority.

other traditions have histories of violence and conflict as well--it's a part of human nature--but since the authority these traditions tend to espouse is immanent and diffuse, the conflict doesn't appear so flagrant.

if you think about an ideology as a method of controlling behavior, it will make more sense.

by the way, several non-monotheistic traditions have existed in the west--but the nature of monotheism is such that it divides the world into two camps (believers in the one true god, and non-believers) and its central function is to eradicate all non-believers (hopefully through a peaceful process of conversion--but note that believers are required to conform to the will of a god who always vows to destroy those who will not believe and obey). because of this division, non-believers are always eradicated from the population (unless they can group enough people together under the aegis of an alternate monotheistic view--thus the sectarian violence).


sapnat makes an interesting distinction by claiming that buddhism is not a religion but rather a philosophy--but the claim is somewhat inaccurate. what he is talking about is hierarchical structure, or lack thereof--and it boils down to authority. claiming that buddhism is not a religion is merely stating that buddhism doesn't conform to the parameters of monotheistic institutions. from this standpoint, a religion can only be a religion if it has a clear-cut hierarchy of authority (or chain of command) that is tethered in the monotheistic god. in reality the term religion is more encompassing that sapnat recognizes. it is derived from the word religare, which means "to tie tight." thus the term intends to convey a bond or link--whether between man and the divine or simply between men is unclear. but with either meaning buddhism certainly qualifies. the distinction here is about the locus of authority.

as for nikola's comments, i think that he is confusing a secularist political tradition with the religious affiliation of some of the individuals who helped found "america." the ideology which allowed "freedom of religion" was post-enlightenment humanism, and it set itself in direct conflict with "christianity" which had previously claimed authority over civil governments. if nikola examines the historical context, he will no doubt note that though several of the framers of the american constitution were christians, the political ideology they constructed was directly descended from the distinctly secular school of humanism which had been in stark conflict with the christian religion since well before galileo.

Answer 2

The very premise of the question is flawed. It was "western" religion that left Europe in search of religious freedom. It was these "western" Christians that opened the doors to other religions to worship. Maybe you might recall the 1st Amendment? Oh, BTW that was written and voted on by Christians. They (founding fathers) did not all attend the same church, nor did they have the same identical beliefs. This would lead me to believe that they did not hate each other, but rather worked toward the common good for man. India would be considered an Eastern religion, but they hate Pakistan. America is the most tolerant nation, true Christians the most tolerant people you will ever know.

Answer 3

Eastern religions are the same as in the West, relative to waring against one another. Every religion began by the followers of a Saint desiring to honor the Saint. But, without the God-man, every religion becomes ritualistic and exclusionary. What a Saint imparts to his/her disciples cannot be written down, nor continued by someone other than A God-realized Soul, or Saint. Don't judge Saints by the religions started after they left this plane.

Answer 4

Generally speaking, eastern religions are very supportive of alternate religions and beliefs. In many 'eastern' countries - it is not unusual for someone to go to service/prayer/meditation/offerings to two or even three places representing two or three religions in the same day.

Answer 5

Religions are worldwide. There is no such thing called "western religion" or "eastern religion".

Buddhism is not a religion, it is a philosophy.

Not a single religion encourages violence. But both in western & eastern countires people from various religions, philosophys, beliefs (buddhists, hindus, muslims, christians etc) fight with each other.

It means they are not truly belong to their religions, philosophy or beliefs.

Answer 6

religions are like sign boards. for example. you are standing in side a flower park. a board was kept in front of flower park it is mentioned that"don't plug the flowers. if you go and plug the flowers the board will not come a beat you. religions also like sign board. it will show you where to go. but it will not take you to the destination. Christianity is unique. there is the SAVIOUR to dwell in you and transform you totally. if you surrender to him.

Answer 7

Here he grieves
he grieves hereafter.
In both worlds
the wrong-doer grieves.
He grieves, he's afflicted,
seeing the corruption
of his deeds.

Here he rejoices
he rejoices hereafter.
In both worlds
the merit-maker rejoices.
He rejoices, is jubilant,
seeing the purity
of his deeds.

-Dhammapada, 13-14, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Answer 8

whether they hate each other or not don't seems to be important, the most important rather is that which one is the true religion. and which one we choose.

Answer 9

they pretty much don't like each other either - religion is always a narrow view

Answer 10

Believe you me, if they're not talkin' about 'em in here, I'd leave well enough alone...