The present study is concerned with the issues of Buddhist attitude toward religious pluralism from the Mādhyamika Buddhist perspective. This study focused on the following issues; (a) the relationship between religious conflict and exclusivism, (b) the general standpoint of Buddhism toward religious pluralism, (c) and the significance of the Mādhyamika view of ‘emptiness(śūnyatā)’ as harmonizing thought in an age of dialogue. Buddhism has consistently kept tolerant standpoint based on teaching of wisdom and compassion. The Buddha emphasized tolerance and peace to the people who were embroiled in conflicts between religion. The exclusive attitude, anger, jealousy, and hatred against other religions comes from ignorance that results from selfish avarice or a prejudiced view on truth. Buddhism accepts diversity as it is and by viewing it without clinging to the concept of ultimate reality. The doctrine of emptiness in Mādhyamika Buddhism might transcends the inclusive exclucivism and has a dynamic and harmonizing power to shatter closed doctrines and traditions. In this respect, ‘Boundless Emptiness’ is compatible with all other religions and could be the foundation of harmonization and reconciliation among all religions.
Ⅰ. The Issue of Religious Conflicts and Exclusivism
Ⅱ. Buddhist Standpoint toward Religious Pluralism
Ⅲ. Buddhist Vision of Dialogue
Ⅳ. Conclusion
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