Originally posted by path_seeker:ya if i criticise/argue them back..then i'll be no better than them. get wat i mean.
My view is that the email was written by someone who have absolutely no clue of what he's writing, as if he knew it all about Buddhist, but seems like it's not a discussion which was in his email, rather a one way criticising of Buddhism.
Anyway, agree that there's no point emailing back, because that will only turn a "discussion" into an argument. The email is a good exhibit of the writer's level of maturity.
There is one story of Upali, a great Jain disciple and debator. See/\
what Buddha said.
quote:
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Upali was one of the chief followers of the Jain master, Mahavira. Because of his intelligence, Upali often appeared in public debates on behalf of the Jains.
There was one incident where Upali had a debate with the Buddha. At
the end of the debate, Upali was so impressed with the Buddha's teachings that he asked to be the Enlightened One's follower. "Venerable Sir, please allow me to be your follower".
To that, the Buddha answered, "Upali, you are at the height of your emotions. Go home and reconsider it carefully before you ask me again".
Upali was extremely impressed, "If it was any other guru, he will parade a banner saying, 'Mahavira's chief lay-disciple has become my follower'. But you, Venerable Sir, you asked me to go home and reconsider. Now, I want to be your follower even more. I will not stand up until you accept me".
Finally, the Buddha agreed to accept Upali, under one condition, "Upali, as a Jain, you have always given alms to Jain monks. When you become my follower, you will CONTINUE to give alms to Jain monks. This is my condition".
Upali agreed to this condition.
Dalai lama urges Christians not to convert to BuddhismMy master said, "Buddha never do converting. Buddha was not discriminating to race, countries and religions. People of other faith went to ask Buddha, Buddha was always delighted to help. He never tell them to convert. You never see it in the texts/sutras. If they are Brahma/Jain religion, they can still have faith in their own religion. They went to Buddha to seek for wisdom. Buddha always respect all the many religions in India during that time. He never even criticize them in anyway. Rare and understanding was Buddha. Look at Ksitigarbha Sutra, a Brahma girl was still a Brahma(aka hindu) even when she attain enlightenment."
By Fran Race
Ekklesia, UK
21 November 2005
The Dalai Lama has urged Christians not to convert to Buddhism.
The controversial words were spoken by the spiritual leader of Tibet and the
leader of the Tibetan Government in Exile at a conference entitled "Ethics
for a New Millennium" in Edinburgh, Scotland this weekend.
Instead, the Dalai Lama urged Western Christians and Muslims embrace the
teachings of compassion and peace that can be found in their own religious
traditions.
"All major religions carry the same messages. Messages of love, compassion,
forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. I have Muslim
friends, Christian friends. All have these same values."
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, but has lived in exile for
nearly 50 years since his homeland was invaded by China.
Despite the continued use of violence against his people by the Chinese he
has inspired the hearts and minds of many across the world with his
teachings of non-violence and compassion.
For his tireless work to promote human rights and peace he was awarded a
Nobel Prize in 1989.
As part of his address he urged the USA and Britain to take a "firm stand"
with China regarding democracy, freedom of speech and human rights.
These words come days after British Prime Minister Tony Blair engaged in
discussions with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and at a time when US
President George Bush is in Beijing.
Proposals to increase trade with China has been met with fierce opposition
by both human rights and free Tibet protestors.
Fran Race is a reporter for Ekklesia and a member of All Hallows Anglican
church in Leeds.
HiOriginally posted by sinweiy:My master said, "Buddha never do converting. Buddha was not discriminating to race, countries and religions. People of other faith went to ask Buddha, Buddha was always delighted to help. He never tell them to convert. You never see it in the texts/sutras. If they are Brahma/Jain religion, they can still have faith in their own religion. They went to Buddha to seek for wisdom. Buddha always respect all the many religions in India during that time. He never even criticize them in anyway. Rare and understanding was Buddha. Look at Ksitigarbha Sutra, a Brahma girl was still a Brahma(aka hindu) even when she attain enlightenment."
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I didn't born in Buddha's era, so I can't say the exact meaning, hence I could only guess that what Buddha was criticising, was not towards the whole structure of the faith, but on the specific practise, especially on the caste system.Originally posted by earthling82:Hi
Beg to differ. The Buddha did criticise the religious and social context of India during his time. For example he was very vocal towards aspects of extreme ascetism e.g. Dog duty ascetism, irrational worship, traditional views, caste systems as well as the lesser arts (fortune telling etc) and systems of governances. His form of criticism are usually in the form of "by engaging in such thoughts and acts, one would move to a woeful plane". It can be easily seen as a criticism.
I think no, unless they "abuse" your faith and religion, and there's presense of a witness, then it's against the law. It's probably comes under Nuisance Act.Originally posted by concerned_man:Today there were missionaries knocking on my door, but I politely shunned them away.
Just wondering is it against the constitutional law to do missionary work knocking on house doors? I believe I've learned somewhere that this is illegal, can anyone confirmed?
Thanks.
Like path_seeker had mentioned, if they 'abuse' your religion, meaning that if they verbally insult and/or making any guestures, most probably he/she has violate section 298. But again, you need evidence and witness to bring up the case.Originally posted by concerned_man:Today there were missionaries knocking on my door, but I politely shunned them away.
Just wondering is it against the constitutional law to do missionary work knocking on house doors? I believe I've learned somewhere that this is illegal, can anyone confirmed?
Thanks.
Now "nuisance" is exactly the correct word to describe these..., these.... erm, people.Originally posted by path_seeker:I think no, unless they "abuse" your faith and religion, and there's presense of a witness, then it's against the law. It's probably comes under Nuisance Act.