The teachings of Buddhism is a true manifestation of compassion and
unconditional love. It goes beyond common sentiments that "non-believers will go to hell" as taught by the monotheistic faiths. In Buddhism, anybody can go to heaven. You dont even have to be a Buddhist.
Just. Be. Good!
What do we mean by ANYONE? Doesn't Buddhism say that only Buddhists are rewarded in the afterlife?
According to Buddhism, where we go to after this life does not depend on our religion. In fact, there is no requirement to pray to, worship, or even believe in the Buddha to have a good afterlife.
What happens to us after this life depends on how we conduct ourselves in this present life. The path to Heaven is not by faith or worship, but by doing good and avoiding evil.
The Buddha never said anything like ‘worship me and you shall be rewarded’. He also never threatened to punish anyone should they not believe in Him or follow His religion. He said that there is nothing wrong in doubting or even questioning him, as most people will take some time to fully understand His Teachings.
He stressed that everyone should seek, understand and experience the Truth for themselves, and not to have blind faith in anyone or anything.
Thus Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Taoists, and even atheists, are all able to enjoy a blessed afterlife. But providing of course, that they have been 'good' people!
In other words, one will be rewarded a good afterlife if they pledge allegiance to "goodness" rather than the various deities/ God/ gods etc.. etc... Now
THAT is what I call true compassion.
i.e. Absolutely no strings attached, no fine prints that said you must believe in a God before that God show you compasson etc etc.
This is also the reason why I believe Buddhism is the only solution to world peace, for we 'worship' not certain deities (the identities of whom will be disputed), but "good values" that are universally accepted! Not everybody will believe that there is a God, let alone the identity and name of that "God", but nobody can ever deny that "kindness, love and compassion" are desirable values!
However, Buddhism goes even beyond a blessed afterlife... As a Buddhist, our goal is not just to go to heaven, for heaven is but a transient phase of existence. We strive to attain nirvana, or enlightenment.
http://www.justbegood.net/