Cristians, Mulsims, Jews, Hare Krisna etc all try to convert people to their religions but Buddist dont try to Convert anyone. Why is that?
2007-01-19 04:54:36 · 9 answers · asked by zed10096 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's against our religion.
In all honesty, Buddhism teaches that we have no corner on the truth. That all truth must come from within, not from a Buddhist teacher or anyone else, but from within yourself. The idea that a Buddhist would know better what to tell someone else is antithetic to Buddhism.
Most Buddhists consider other religions just different fingers pointing at the same moon. i.e. we are all headed for the same goal. Other teachings may be better for other people. One size does NOT fit all.
Besides, many sects of Buddhism are not incompatible with other religion views, simultaneously. i.e. we have Christian members of our congregation. People who are Christian and Buddhist.
2007-01-19 05:01:47 · answer #1 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Maybe it might be a good idea to first of all get some preconceived notions corrected. No one converts no one. People choose to convert to a religion. Forced conversion is not a genuine conversion by standard of any missionary religion whether it is Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Genuine conversion be done by choice. Now, before I go on, I must state that I come from a country which is predominantly Buddhist, followed by a significant Muslim presence and then Christians and Hindus. I would say Hinduism is the only non-missionary religion as far as I know. Missionary religions are religions that seek to expand their religion through preaching and evangelism. Buddhism is a religion that began in India and now it actually has a stronger presence in Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Japan and Nepal. These places were either formally Hindu, Taoist or Confucianist. Some strand of Buddhist allows people to incorporate their previous religious practices into Buddhism. However, Buddhism is a missionary religion like Christianity and Islam etc. I guess the reason for the missionary activity is the same for every religion. It is a positive reason. People believe that they found something good and they wish to share it everyone. This is part of being generous. The problem is not so much whether people share their faith but it is whether they do it in a respectful manner. It is a virtue in most religions to respect the feelings and convictions of the other person. This is always considered as a sinful characteristic in all religions when one fails to do this. Therefore, the religion is not bad but how people go about sharing it sometimes leaves much to be desired. I hope this answer helps you.
2007-01-19 05:13:36 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen D 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because you either can understand the concepts the Buddha teaches or you can't... and it's not a "bad" thing if you can't it's just different. Western philosophy, via Catholic control since it's beginnings, and science etc. is so DUALISTIC and swayed by that dualism. It's all Westernized people learn... so the concepts that Eastern philosophy pop forward can be hard to grab onto... one of the reasons Japanese were/are so picked on because of their values, Tibetans have a hard time understanding Westerners and vice versa, ancient China and Japan were a "mystery"....
Why bash people over the head with something that will only cause them to suffer more if they can't understand it? Buddhism ALSO understands that whatever religion that works for others to create relatively "calm" societies, help people to develop altruism and kindness towards others and brings THEM happiness is GOOD... for them. This is the goal of humanity... "happiness"... along with all sentient beings... when people are ready, they will find Buddhism.
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2007-01-19 05:04:00 · answer #3 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism knows it is an individual path and often private...it is not something you go out of your way to talk about. That would only strengthen the ego or sense of self.
You may share the dharma with people - if they seem interested, but why force anything on anyone and create suffering (which Buddhism trys to overcome and eliminate).
Lastly, Buddhism doesn't really have a problem with other religions. They look for harmony with others of diverse beliefs.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-01-19 05:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well as long as you are not an Oriental I really don't think they would except you,
To be totally honest I am not sure why but you are right they do not even try to convert their own people to Buddhism. hummm, never gave it much thought, but your right.
But there is only one thing Buddha is not God he is just and Idol. A false god one with no power to heal the sick raise the dead are to save the lost.
2007-01-19 05:08:20 · answer #5 · answered by Tom Sawyer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well because they are more enlightened and know the people will come to see the truth if not in this life then another.
2007-01-19 05:01:11 · answer #6 · answered by Love United 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Buddhists love self responsibility.
2007-01-19 04:59:55 · answer #7 · answered by Sara 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Guess they don't want to change. Maybe they think they can perfect the old carnal nature of sin.
2007-01-19 05:01:57 · answer #8 · answered by justice 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
sure they do - I was just asked about that very question about 5 minutes ago
2007-01-19 05:00:27 · answer #9 · answered by servant FM 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋