Suppose... you try to convert someone from another religion to the
Buddhist religion, and you argue with them trying to convince them of the
inferiority of their position. And suppose you do not succeed, suppose they
do not become Buddhist. On the one hand, you have failed in your task, and on
the other hand, you may have weakened the trust they have in their own
religion, so that they may come to doubt their own faith. What have you
accomplished by all this? It is of no use. When we come into contact with
the followers of different religions, we should not argue. Instead, we should
advise them to follow their own beliefs as sincerely and as truthfully as
possible. For if they do so, they will no doubt reap certain benefits. Of
this there is no doubt. Even in the immediate future, they will be able to
achieve more happiness and more satisfaction.
...When I meet the followers of different religions, I always praise them,
for it is enough, it is sufficient, that they are following the moral
teachings that are emphasized in every religion. It is enough, as I mentioned
earlier, that they are trying to become better human beings. This in itself
is very good and worthy of praise.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Answers: Discussions with Western Buddhists",
edited by Jose Ignacio Cabezon, published by Snow Lion Publications
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