Is Buddhism the only religion that has born good fruit?

Question

Jesus said "by their fruit you will know them". Buddhism seems to be the only major faith without a history of religious persecution, bigotry, and hate. Buddhists have a peaceful aura about them and a respect for others' feelings that one would expect from adherants to the teachings of Christ but one fails to find. Am I correct? If so, why is this so?

- borne good fruit.

Answer 1

Of course you can't say everyone belonging to the same religion (whether they chose it or not, whether they actually practice its teachings or not) have the same kind of moral standard or can be seen as representative of the results from practising this religion. There are good people in every religions, there are really bad people in all religions.

Maybe you can make some general observations how the religion affects a whole culture, but still that's very difficult because there are so many other factors to weigh in, like colonial history, non-religious repression, democratic and humanistic traditions, and so on.

Usually you meet the bad representatives of a religion on TV or in newspapers, and the good representatives in everyday situations like at your work or in your neighbourhood. Consequently, many people tend to have a better picture of their own religion (or lack of religion), because that's usually the kind of people that dominate your circle of friends.

Another mistake people tend to do, is seeing the fundamentalist variants as the most "real" or "true" representatives of the religions. This mistaken view is seemingly confirmed when you notice that both the fundamentalists themselves (which are invariably the most vociferous minority in every religion) and there enemies (who are often equally vociferous) agree on this question. The moderate majority you usually never meet or hear from at all, apart from your own religion (if that). You certainly don't meet them in common media reports.

If I would only judge from my travels around the world, I would probably say Islam is the religion that has borne the best fruit. I have travelled in Muslim countries in West, South, Central and East Asian countries, and in North Africa, and I have invariably met people radiating an almost unbelievably high degree of hospitability, generosity, helpfulness and kindness. Also Buddhist countries are often like that, even if many of them tend to be a little more unobtrusive or modest. The only exception is if you travel in touristified areas, where the Muslim sellers tend to be very pushing and obtrusive. This radiating hospitability and generosity is certainly not the picture that is shown in Western media.

I think you're right that Buddhism in itself is more peaceful than other world religions, and are more clear in its teachings on unconditional love and compassion, even towards enemies and animals. However, of course not all Buddhists practice Buddhism seriously and with a pure heart. There are criminals, power-maniacs and heartless people also in Buddhist countries - even the military junta in Burma claim to be Buddhist, in spite of this being unequivocally contrary to all Buddhist teachings.

I think the more interesting question when you want to see the results of a certain religious practice, is to examine the most ambitious practitioners. Now I have came to the point where I have to agree with your conclusion. There are practitioners of all religions who reach an impressive level of spiritual qualities, like love and compassion. There is no doubt about that. However, it seems unquestionable that the Buddhist teachings produce an impressive number of these highly realized beings, at the same time as many of them reach an exceptional level of spiritual realization, probably unequalled in any other spiritual tradition.

Many Tibetan masters I met have reached a level of clarity of mind, mindfulness, compassion, humility, contentment and peace of mind you wouldn't think possible in a human being. Maybe you catched a glimpse if that when you saw HH Dalai Lama speaking on TV or something, but you really can't see the full extent of their attainments before you meet them in person. And most of them you never meet if you don't visit their home countries.

Although I love all religions and think they all have the means to make people more loving and compassionate, ever since I saw the extraordinary results of the Buddhist teachings personified in the great Buddhist masters, I'm fully convinced it is a most fruitful way for everyone who wants to put time and effort into it ultimately leading to unceasing happiness and full liberation from sufferings.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular belief, Buddhism doesn't have a completely peaceful past. Tibet certainly has some dark history.

As for other religions, I can think of many that don't seem to have those things you've mentioned. But they're largely religions that have only been around for a couple of centuries at most, and never were big enough to get wrapped up into a theocracy, so it's not really a fair comparison.

Answer 3

Without attempting to undermine the value of the positive encounters with Buddhism or its practicioners you have experienced, I must say--No.
Buddhism encompasses even more sects / denominations / schools of thought than any of the Abrahamic religions.
Accordingly, schisms, mass excommunications for "heresy," bigotry, nationalism, militancy, and extremism are found throughout its history as well.
I enjoyed reading the different insightful answers to this question.

Answer 4

Well, this one's kind of complicated.

1.) Buddhists tend to be united in many respects, but are willing to accept large amounts of diversity in practice.

This is how you have Buddhist sects of a surprising variety of rituals and different emphasis......that do not go to war with one another. Mind you, they argue of course about the interpretation of scriptures etc.

But they aren't about to stamp out your sect for believing that say the Gods do not exist, or Demean you for believing that they do. For such matters would violate the teachings of the Buddha.

2.) As for religious persecution and hate - i freely admit this as a Buddhist - do not view us as saints, are hands may be not dirty but a close look at the history of the countries will show you that there are indeed spots on us as well.

Answer 5

Buddhists have of course persecuted other religions.

"It was not until 1587, when there were 200,000 Christians in Japan, that an edict of persecution, or rather of prescription, was passed to the surprise of everyone, at the instigation of a bigoted bonze, Nichijoshonin, zealous for the religion of his race. Twenty-six residences and 140 churches were destroyed; the missionaries were condemned to exile, but were clever enough to hide or scatter. They never doubted the constancy of their converts; they assisted them in secret and in ten years there were 100,000 other converts in Japan. We read of two martyrdoms, one at Takata, the other at Notsuhara; but very many Christians were dispossessed of their goods and reduced to poverty. The first bloody persecution dates from 1597. It is attributed to two causes: (1) Four years earlier some Castilian religious had come from the Philippines and, in spite of the decisions of the Holy See, had joined themselves to the 130 Jesuits who, on account of the delicate situation created by the edict were acting with great caution. In spite of every charitable advice given them, these men set to work in a very indiscreet manner, and violated the terms of the edict even in the capital itself; (2) a Castilian vessel cast by the storm on the coast of Japan was confiscated under the laws then in vigour. Some artillery was found on board, and Japanese susceptibililties were further excited by the lying tales of the pilot, so that the idea went abroad that the Castilians were thinking of annexing the country. A list of all the Christians in Miyado and Osaka was made out, and on 5 Feb., 1597, 26 Christians, among whom were 6 Fransciscan missionaries, were crucified at Nagasaki. Among the 20 native Christians there was one, a child of 13, and another of 12 years. "The astonishing fruit of the generous sacrifice of our 26 martyrs" (wrote a Jesuit missionary) "is that the Christians, recent converts and those of maturer faith, have been confirmed in the faith and hope of eternal salvation; they have firmly resolved to lay down their lives for the name of Christ. The very pagans who assisted at the martyrdom were struck at seeing the joy of the blessed ones as they suffered on their crosses and the courage with which they met death"."

From wikipedia:

"However, the Tokugawa Shogunate decided to close off Japan from foreign contact except for government sanctioned trade. As a part of this policy, in 1614 Shogun Ieyasu issued an edict of persecution and ensured its implementation: churches were destroyed, any foreign missionaries caught were expelled. Also all Japanese were required to register with a Buddhist temple as Buddhists.[citation needed] Japanese Christians modified statues and icons in Buddhist fashion to continue their faith. The defining moment was the Shimabara Rebellion (ja: 島原の乱, shimabara no ran), a massive uprising of Japanese peasants in Shimabara, many of them Christians, in 1637-1638. Tens of thousands of rebels were killed, many being burned alive or crucified. While the main cause of the uprising was protesting against a harsh taxing policy, the Shogunate suspected that Western Catholics had been involved in spreading the rebellion and Portuguese traders were driven out of the country. The Dutch were allowed to continue trading because they assured the Shogunate that they had no interest in spreading Christianity. An already existing ban on the Christian religion was then enforced strictly. The punishment of being a Christian was now execution. Many Christians were forced to convert to Buddhism. Christianity in Japan survived only by going underground, turning into something called kakure kirishitan. Shusaku Endo's novels Silence and The Samurai recount some of these events."

Answer 6

The fruit of which is referred is labors done through The Holy Spirit, that does not mean people who do not know persecution or hate....True followers of Christ will come to suffer those things and from their suffering they will bear good fruit even amongst adversity

Answer 7

I have also noticed this to be the case. Compassion for others is at the core of their beliefs and for some, you can see their genuineness in their smiles. Their own peace of mind seems to affect those around them. They know the benefits of a genuine kind word. They treat others with the utmost respect and reverence. They seem to literally see the buddha nature within everybody.

Answer 8

The Moromons are pretty nice people too. But they are Christian, so they get the whole "Guilt by association" thing going.

Answer 9

its BORE good fruit, brother.
anyway, NO. look at all the contributions ppl of different religions have brought. i am muslim, but im talking abt EVERY OTHER RELIGION.

ALL RELIGIONS HAVE CONTRIBUTED BOTH GOOD AND BAD.

PERIOD.

edit: WHOOPS! i mean sister...