Expert: John Willemsens aka Advayavadananda - 2/27/2011

Question
Is peace truly always the best answer? If war comes to you, should you not make a stand and fight? All largely accepted religions have a natural aversion towards violence, why is yours so much more pacifistic in nature? Do you believe in God or do you just believe in attaining spiritual and/or physical enlightenment? What do Buddhists think of Confucians and Taos?

Answer
Hello Dennis,
I speak only for myself as an Advayavadin:
1-2) I believe that self-defence is justified;
3) It is not - see e.g. recent events in Sri Lanka;
4) Advayavadins seek to accord with overall existence, with the course of nature;
5) Confucians learn, Taoists unlearn, Buddhists follow the Middle Way.
Does this help?
Kind regards,
Advayavadananda.