Buddhists/TESTING

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Expert: - 7/8/2006


Question
Is there any notion in Buddhism of a need for testing its beliefs? Does Buddhism tolerate debate and the idea of, for instance, introducing changes or is everything fixed? Thank you.

Rafey (London, England.)

Answer
Hi Rafey,

Thank you for asking me.

The most salient aspect of Buddhism is its encouragement for its followers to use their common sense and human intelligence to analyze its teachings.  The Buddha emphatically encouraged his followers to question his teachings, and never to accept with blind faith.  The freedom of enquiry is the epitome of Buddhist practice.  We are free to think and anaylze.   Buddhists are really free citizens of the world.  Just like freedom in a democracy, it encourages its citizens to express their opinions and to progress.  In a country without much freedom, the society is stifled and stagnant with fear.  This happens to most religions; but not Buddhism.


The teachings of the Buddha is so universal that they transcend race, nationality, belief, culture, and space and time.  People are free to interprete his teachings.  His teachings are based on universal truths that they stand the tests of time and space (geographical differences).  Buddhism is the most tolerant religion.  The essence of Buddhism is tolerance, non-violence and compassion.  Although there is freedom of enquiry, the beauty of Buddhism is that when a person fully understands the Buddha's teachings, he will realize that there is nothing more to change or doubt.

Smile from justinchoo :-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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