Is Buddhism the most peaceful popular religion?

Question

I have never heard of any violence associated with this religion, nor any "persuasion" by any Buddhist to convert to their religion or visit their temple ;) (there are many buddhists where I live). Seems like a religion that actually serves its purpose.

Answer 1

In my opinion, Buddhism IS them most peaceful of the popular religions.

For those who don’t think it is a religion, it is. Merriam-Webster defines religion as: 1 a: the state of a religious b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance. Merriam-Webster defines religious as: 1: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity. 2: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances.

Buddhism does not meet the first definition of religion since it does not provide service or worship to a god or supernatural. However it does observe and devote itself to an acknowledged ultimate reality. (The definition of religions) so therefore IS a religion. It deals with the ultimate state of being, not just walking, talking and living but how to live and how to reach enlightenment through understanding and accepting reality for what it is. Thus, Buddhism is both a philosophy AND a religion.

And yes, Buddhist do spread the words of Buddha. They sponsor social and civic events, advertise in Buddhist friendly media, publish books and when asked why they do what they do, act as they act or say what they say, they explain that it is a part of the Buddhist tradition and faith and why. They don’t walk around telling people, follow the way of Buddha, it's the only way to be enlightened. Or, Follow Buddha or rot in hell for all time. Also, they don’t avoid non-Buddhist believing themselves to be superior to those that follow a different path.

For those who like to look for the worst in things a point it out as the general rule, there have been some bad Buddhists. But their karma is their karma and will catch up with them. Sure There are Buddhists involved with the Hate groups in Sri Lanka, Sure, there was a dark period in Tibetan history, and if you look close enough, you could find a few other examples as well. If all Buddhists were perfect, then they wouldn’t be Buddhists, they would be Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. However, over the curse of history, Buddhism, one of the older religions, has had far less violence associates with it then any of the Abrahamic religions, including Christianity and Islam. Father Onesimus 'claims' that the Burmese Buddhists burn Christian homes. What he is failing to tell you is that it's not the devout Buddhists that are dong the Burning, it's usually those, like many Christians in America, that pay lip service to the faith. I do not agree with burning the Christian homes. I think it is a horrible and heinous act, but it isn’t because loving, caring god fearing people are different then the others. It's out of misguided retaliation for insults and abuse perpetrated by the Christians on the Burmese people.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Oh, there has been violence associated with Buddhism. Look up King Songtsen Gampo, the fifth Dalai Lama, for example.

But overall, it's definitely true that Buddhism is FAR less violent than, say, the "Abrahamic" religions, particularly Christianity and Islam.

Answer 3

Yes, but not so much because of the religion itself. It has more to do with the kind of people that are attracted to the religion, as well as the environment in which it developed. The day a major state adopts it as their state religion, however, that will change in a hurry. Power corrupts.

Answer 4

Yes, if you want to consider Buddhism a religion. Buddhists do not consider Buddha a god, but an enlightened man.

Answer 5

If you want to call it a religion, then sure, I guess it's the most peaceful 'popular' religion. However, do not be fooled by the fact that they are peaceful. They've done a lot of active converting throughout history. Why do you think that religion reached Japan, and China? Somebody was spreading the "Good News."

Answer 6

HA! You should live where I live. Not violent, but hell bent on persuading and converting others, and it is very much a religion in Taiwan with missionaries, televangelists, and all the trimmings. It is very much a religion in Thailand as well and not always peaceful.

A central teaching of the Baha'i Faith forbids any kind of violence or involvement in partisan politics. Of course, Baha'is can protect others or themselves if they are attacked. They're not doormats. Baha'is are well-wishers of all peoples of all religions in all countries.

Answer 7

You are half right, Buddhism is not a religion it is a way of life.
And yes it is peaceful you never ever see anything on them causing wars or anything like that.

Answer 8

As far as that goes, Buddhism is more of a philosophy of life than a religion.

Answer 9

Buddhism isn't a religion, but if you want to consider it as such, then, yes, it's the most peaceful.

Answer 10

I would say that they are all equally peaceful... and they really are peaceful. Any example of violent attitudes are examples of corruption and misinterpretation... not examples of the teachings of the religion.