If we view the world's religions from the widest possible viewpoint and
examine their ultimate goal, we find that all of the major world religions,
whether Christianity or Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism, are dedicated to the
achievement of permanent human happiness. They are all directed toward that
goal. All religions emphasize the fact that the true follower must be honest
and gentle, in other words, that a truly religious person must always strive
to be a better human being. To this end, the different world religions teach
different doctrines which will help transform the person. In this regard, all
religions are the same, there is no conflict. This is something we must
emphasize. We must consider the question of religious diversity from this
viewpoint. And when we do, we find no conflict.
...Different kinds of food have different tastes: one may be very hot, one
may be very sour, and one very sweet. They are opposite tastes, they
conflict. But whether a dish is concocted to taste sweet, sour, or hot, it is
nonetheless made in this way so as to taste good. Some people prefer very
spicy, hot foods with a lot of chili peppers. Many Indians and Tibetans have
a liking for such dishes. Others are very fond of bland tasting foods. It is
a wonderful thing to have variety. It is an expression of individuality; it
is a personal thing. Likewise, the variety of the different world religious
philosophies is a very useful and beautiful thing. (p.13)
-- "Answers: Discussions with Western Buddhists by the Dalai Lama", edited
by Jose Ignacio Cabezon, published by Snow Lion Publications
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