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by AntigoneRising on April 2nd, 2007

AntigoneRising

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Do you believe your religion to be the one "true" religion? (I'd appreciate it if you also would list your religion.)

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  • by Stableboy on April 3rd, 2007

    Stableboy

    I'm Zen Buddhist.

    I have to twist your question around a bit in order to make a sensible-sounding answer, because Buddhism isn't about capturing the Absolute Truth into a belief system. Some religions do this: they compete for dominance in the game of "our beliefs are truer than yours".

    In Buddhism, it's considered that the truth is not something which can be neatly wrapped up into a package of beliefs -- each person must develop their ability to SEE the truth in it's original, "unpackaged" form in order to really understand reality. Consequently, Buddhism doesn't offer a package of things you should believe in, and really can't enter the game of "our beliefs are better than yours".

    Instead, Buddhism offers METHODS and PRINCIPLES which can be used to hone one's ability to perceive without distortion and to expand one's awareness, all in an effort to aid a deep understanding of life which is grounded in personal experience and insight.

    Some other religions also offer some of these methods and principles, and do give at least some attention to awareness and insight instead of belief systems. However, in my opinion Buddhism is the "purest" form of this kind of religion, because it steadfastly refuses to be distracted into philosophizing, theologizing, and theorizing about metaphysics and other matters which can be so divisive and dogmatic in religious contexts.

    Overall, I'm supportive of religions... especially the ones which have been around for a long time and have proven they can produce human beings with wisdom, compassion, and creative action. Even when religion gets tangled up into belief systems and self-righteousness, it still provides a framework for spiritual development.

    Of course, we mustn't be blind to the downside of religion, either -- lots of evil has been done in the name of religion, and anyone practicing in a religious tradition needs to be willing to face the mirror and ask "am I contributing to the suffering and divisions in the world, or am I helping it heal?". That awareness needs to guide us all, regardless of religious persuasion.

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