Buddhist view of other Religions

Abstract

Religions make individuals more social friendly as its teachings mainly focusing on social responsibilities. Yet, conflict among the devotees of different religions can be seen very commonly in the modern world. Misunderstanding of one’s own religion is the main reason for these conflicts. The purpose of this research is to understand the Buddhist point of view on other religions. Documentary study is the method used in this research. The religion of a person can be defined as ones point of view on self and the world. Buddhist teachings name these views as ‘Dhitthi – viewpoint. According to Buddhist teachings, individual viewpoint on self and world can be categorized under sixty two types. Based on the effect each viewpoint is having on the individual, these sixty two types can be divided into two main groups. Without bias to any of the two groups, Buddhist teachings are encouraging individual to follow the middle path which is not leading to any extreme. For that, individual should become independent and open minded regarding the concepts of self and the world. Buddhist teachings even give the freedom to test and criticize Buddha, Doctrine, and also the followers, and also encourage individuals to check on whether the criticisms are true or false. Buddha discouraged one’s blind faith even on Buddha, Doctrine and the Disciples. He encourages to be more critical and test before to check on whether to have faith in Buddha, Doctrine and the Disciples. On the other hand, Buddhist teachings give ten reasons which should not be used to follow a religion to have faith on anything. And also gives indicators to identify the positive aspects of any religious teaching based on the outcome. The Buddha advises his followers to respect to other viewpoints. He also emphasizes that each individual has the right to have one’s own viewpoint. Others should not disturb the right.