Buddhism is : A religion of true peace that has never advocated any violence in its name. Buddhism is one of the oldest religions of the world.Yet, it has the distinguished honour as a religion that has never had a holy war.No body has gone to war to vanquish unbelievers or to convert others to Buddhism. The very first precept that every Buddhist takes is to refrain from taking life. A religion that emphasizes compassion, acceptance and kindness. Buddhism has been a great civilizing force. It tamed the nomadic and violent hordes of Asia and brought art, culture and civilization. Buddhists are known for their kind, accepting and non-judgmental ways. Today, as Buddhism spreads to new lands, it is not brought by missionaries intent on converting others but is typically established by the initiative of local people who invite teachers to share the teachings.It does not actively plan to seek converts but assists and provides the opportunities for converts to appreciate the religion for themselves.
A religion that provides a clear path for spiritual and personal development. Buddhism is not a collection of legends and stories.It does not present itself as a mystery that can only be understood by certainpeople. Instead, Buddhism presents itself as a clear and credible path that anyone can undertake according to his own understanding and ability.It is a method that can be applied giving results that can be experienced immediately. A religion that teaches us to take full responsibility for our actions. Buddhism does not attempt to explain the problems in the world as part of a mysterious plan. It does not blame fate or any divine being for whatever good or bad we experience in life.Instead, it teaches that we are accountable for the results of our past actions and that we are the masters of our own destiny. Buddhism insists that mankind takes responsibility for its own actions. A religion that discourages blind faith or unthinking worship. Buddhism does not insist that people accept dogmas or doctrines on faith.It actually suggests its adherents to think, to reason and to challenge its teachings. A religion that welcomes questions and investigations into its own teachings. Being totally self-confident, Buddhism opens itself to query and scrutiny.There is no concept of blasphemy in Buddhism. People are encouraged to question the Buddhist teachings and they can
expect to be answered with rationality, respect and honesty. A religion that says sincere followers of other beliefs are also rewarded in the afterlife. Buddhists are taught not to condemn followers of other faiths but to see the good that they practice.Buddhism teaches that what happens to us in the future depends not on our beliefs but on what we do in the present. This is a natural law in accordance with scientific principles and applies to everyone regardless of their religious label.
A religion that is very much in harmony with modern science. Buddhism does not conflict with science. It does not attempt to bend the facts to suit its faith.Indeed, much of modern science, particularly in the fields of psychology and physics supports the tenets of Buddhism.
Buddhism can be summarized as : "Avoid wrong actions, do good, and purify the mind." Just by putting its teachings into practice, you will gain good results in this life and plant the seeds of good for the future. Buddhists believe that world peace is not an impossibility.Instead of seeking divine assistance, it asks mankind to take responsibility for its own actions, speech and thoughts and seek to overcome greed, hatred and delusion.
Wesak Publicity Committee Bandar Utama Buddhist Society http://www.parami.org/bubs/ Sender: Lee Yu Ban15 Lrg PJU 3/23 DSunway Damansara019-2291881
