Buddhism actively embraces interfaith understanding and dialogue. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has met with the pope and routinely meets with leaders and lay people of all faiths — and those with no faith whatsoever — with the same level of compassion and equanimity. He has said, “All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness is the important thing and should be part of our daily lives.”
A practice known as Engaged Buddhism is where Buddhists “leave the meditation mat” and directly help the suffering, actively confront despotism, and purposefully engage in politics and civic activities. Included in all of this is the aspect of promoting interfaith cooperation to ease the suffering of all, regardless if they are religious or nonreligious. When people who have an underlying faith foundation of love, compassion, and service join together in addressing the suffering around us, all benefit as the goal is service.
It is not complicated or difficult. It is simple kindness and cooperation instead of competition or adherence to rigid dogma. In keeping with his simple Buddhist monk identity, the Dalai Lama writes: “There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.”
May all faiths extend compassion and kindness to all and may all living beings be free from suffering.
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