Where is the One Dharma toWhich all Dharmas Return?: The Horizon of Buddhist Inclusivismin Religious Pluralism

Where is the One Dharma toWhich all Dharmas Return?: The Horizon of Buddhist Inclusivismin Religious Pluralism

The Present study is concerned with the problem of Buddhist attitude toward other religions and religious pluralism from the Mahayana perspective. The Buddha discoursed with many religious people which enabled him to see the true nature of dharmas, from a diversity of religion’s claims on truth, in accordance with dependent origination. But at the same time, Buddha emphasized generosity and peace towards other religions. Open inclusivism in religious pluralism towards other religions is a preferred attitude by contemporary Buddhists. By embracing the twin ideas of ultimate truth as emptiness and Buddhism as open and boundless, in its foundational principles and religious expression, we may potentially inherit dharma by helping others through dialogue to attain their own enlightenment. In this manner of dialogue we can obtain peace which is naturally desirable to Buddhists. In general, Buddhists are inclusive in their interpretation of Buddhist doctrines but tend to be pluralistic toward religious experiences. As a religion embracing inclusive and pluralistic thought, Buddhism has a doctrinal base which supports understanding and cooperation with other religions, particularly the Mahayana teachings on emptiness, with its dynamic potential to promote harmony by dissolving all exclusive boundaries concerning doctrines or traditions. It is a maturity of perspective which offers opportunity for dialogue and a conceptual framework that can acknowledge the essence of all religions.

The Present study is concerned with the problem of Buddhist attitude toward other religions and religious pluralism from the Mahayana perspective. The Buddha discoursed with many religious people which enabled him to see the true nature of dharmas, from a diversity of religion’s claims on truth, in accordance with dependent origination. But at the same time, Buddha emphasized generosity and peace towards other religions. Open inclusivism in religious pluralism towards other religions is a preferred attitude by contemporary Buddhists. By embracing the twin ideas of ultimate truth as emptiness and Buddhism as open and boundless, in its foundational principles and religious expression, we may potentially inherit dharma by helping others through dialogue to attain their own enlightenment. In this manner of dialogue we can obtain peace which is naturally desirable to Buddhists. In general, Buddhists are inclusive in their interpretation of Buddhist doctrines but tend to be pluralistic toward religious experiences. As a religion embracing inclusive and pluralistic thought, Buddhism has a doctrinal base which supports understanding and cooperation with other religions, particularly the Mahayana teachings on emptiness, with its dynamic potential to promote harmony by dissolving all exclusive boundaries concerning doctrines or traditions. It is a maturity of perspective which offers opportunity for dialogue and a conceptual framework that can acknowledge the essence of all religions.