Exploring and deciding on religious choices

Spnw07 SG

I can't remember what was the exact date of the article, but I remember it was published in Straits Times and it mentioned that more and more people are getting religious in Singapore and provided statistics to give the readers an overall picture.

I shall be discussing only about Christianity and Buddhism here for the following reasons:

1) Differences in essential beliefs and approach

It is common knowledge that Christianity is very proactive in spreading their teachings to the masses. This is assumed to be the common understanding for all who are reading this topic.

However, most of the other religions in Singapore, some which are monotheistic like Christianity, do not proactively try to convert others to their faith while Buddhism, in essence, is neither monotheistic or pantheistic and its approach towards conversion or spreading the faith is viewed by most as passive and at times indifferent. Hence it is worth learning and discussing about.

2) Medium of communication

Most Singaporeans, especially the younger generation now, are readily exposed to different world cultures and thinking, especially Western ones and enjoy speaking, reading and thinking in English. It is a known fact that English is the preferred and commonly used language in the spread of Christianity in Singapore, though not exclusively. Whereas in temples and related Buddhist organisations, the general impression is that there are more materials in Mandarin compared to that in English.

Yet, I must add that more and more Buddhist organisations are realising the need to reach out to English-educated youths and adults interested in learning about Buddhism and have been proactive in making various English works about Buddhist teachings easily accessible and available to this group and the general public.

3) Youthful or Elderly image?

Partly linked to the reason above, it is widely observed that youths and young adults who speak, read and think in English are usually later found out to be either Christians or Catholics. Compare this to that who are later known to be Buddhists (excluding those who still believe in and practise taoist and folk beliefs).

Spnw07 SG

If a free thinker member of the public is deciding between Christianity and Buddhism, and asks me about what I know about Buddhism, what should I tell him/her?

My knowledge is pretty limited, but I will not just tell him to go read books and watch any audio-visual materials on his own.

I will provide him/her a simple summary plus short elaboration on what I know about Buddhism so far at that particular point in time:

1) Buddhism is neither monotheistic nor pantheistic.

2) Buddha is not a God and neither is he a creator of living or non-living things.

3) The relationship between Buddha and us is that of teacher and student whereas for other monotheistic religions, it is primarily that of a master and servant.

4) Buddhism teaches us that the most important thing is to understand the laws of Cause and Effect for all things in the universe, and the primary goal of practising the Buddha's teachings is not just to do good and earn merits for a good life in the present and thereafter, but to aim for progress in cultivation which helps us to be completely free from endless cycles of birth and death as different form of living beings. And in doing so, we must also help others to be free from future rebirths.

5) All living beings have the potential to become a Buddha, a completely awakened being, who has achieved perfection in all aspects of human virtues and wisdom through diligent and determined practice of the Truth during countless rebirths. Whereas for other monotheistic religions, the most you can attain while in Heaven with God is to become the best follower or servant of God. You can never become God. There is only One God.

6) The ultimate aim of a Buddhist practioner is to become a Buddha, be it for one who starts from either Hinayana practice or Mahayana practice. It is mentioned or more or less directly implied by the Buddha himself that eventually all beings will attain Buddhahood in their own time and space.

When you attain Buddhahood, your status, wisdom and compassion is the same as the Buddhas before you and Buddhas yet to be.

After telling him/her roughly the above, I will take my leave and not talk further about the differences between Buddhism and other religions, as a mark of respect.

selfobliged SG

All I could say is that, it’s up to individual. Grown ups are able to think for themselves on which is the correct path.

Beyond Religion SG

True. But the individual needs to be well informed first before he can make a decision to choose the path that is suitable for him. It will be a pity if he only gets to learn Buddhism from the joss-stick-ex-Buddhist-turned-Christian-converts.

The trick in my opinion, is how to reach out to the masses without appearing as offensive as some of the over-zealous Christians.

justdoit77 SG

I normally don't go out preach to the masses one.
I will introduce buddhism to my close friends only.
Another way is by practicing diligently and correctly, people will notice the change of quality in you, and your words will become more convincing.

Herzog_Zwei SG

Any religion is offensive to anyone. So forget it.

Spnw07 SG

Hi, I agree with both of you. Indeed it can be a little regrettable if the general view of Buddhism is that of a religion which revolves mainly around joss stick and praying to many deities (which is not true at all) and this view is further reinforced by those who were previously half-taoist and half buddhists but has since converted to other religions.

It is my concern too on how to reach out to the masses without coming across as being pushy or manipulative.

As said by justdoit, the only thing we can do is to improve the public's view about Buddhism is to consistently apply the teachings into our lives and let our positive changes in behaviour be our best spokesperson.

bohiruci SG

I trust u have the genuine concern to project Buddhism image

but let me say , becos of media , we dun get things we wanted at times and its often alot of $ must be pumped to make the headline then ppl will be interested to know Buddhism.Else , i said its not that easy task .

Well, If u wish to change the situation, practise seriously and
you can speak out to the masses , let them be in awe of your personality changes rather than being showy

Herzog_Zwei SG

First, tell me the message spread is not about compassion and wisdom. That there will be no chanting and talks. Meditation is not required. A total change in one's lifestyle is not required. Once Buddhism is projected by practitioners like that, I believe more people would come to know more about Buddhism.

bohiruci SG

u are ignore ... ur rationality dun make sense ..herzog_zwei

time to pawn u real hard Twisted Evil

Beyond Religion SG

This is good, but merely projecting a high level of personal ethical and moral standard, and living by the Buddhist teaching is, in my opinion, insufficient to bring Buddha Dharma to the masses.

I have several Christian friends who exhibit very high moral/ ethical standard. They are kind hearted, considerate, responsible, patient and simply nice all round. They also do not proselytize and they respect my belief in Buddhism. I admire and respect these few Christians very much, but I still do not respect the core teachings of their religion (though I respect their right to believe what they will)

What I am saying is that in order to reach out to the masses, we need to do two things: (1) Self cultivation, to live by Buddha's teaching by example. That thread by Cheskiz really made a point about many of us not really practicing what the Buddha taught. (2) Propagate the dharma, but in a much less offensive way. We are spreading the dharma, not a communicable spiritual disease!

Spnw07 SG

Yes, I also have a few Christian friends who are like yours, kind hearted and all that. They also do not proselytize or even invite me to church upon knowing I am a Buddhist. I really respect them for both their high moral behaviour and their respect for me as a friend. I respect Christianity for their main message of love and peace for all mankind.

Indeed the dharma is not a communicable spiritual disease. It is completely beneficial to all who comes into contact with it. It's a matter of personal commitment that makes the real difference.

Herzog_Zwei SG

How hard can you pwn me? I am mentioning about the truth in why people don't want and don't need a religion.