One of the advantages of Buddhism (and similar religions/philosophies) is that Buddhists are able to view themselves as Buddhists, and are therefore able to act accordingly. e.g. I am a Buddhist, and my outlook is altruistic; therefore, in this situation, as with all other situations, I shall endeavour to act altruistically.
Buddhism gives the Buddhist the excuse to become something, and to act and think in certain ways. It provides a reason, a reason that, significantly, comes from outside.
The non-Buddhist who wanted to act altruistically may find their will faltering at a crucial point, and, not having the backing of a wise and formidable institution - not having a good enough reason - may find themselves unable to act as they, in their stronger moments, would have liked to.
Non-Buddhists have to construct their own reasons - their own Buddhism - from shards of philosophy, psychology, etc.
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1 comments:
In providing a bridge between theory and practice, Buddhism is a very pragmatic philosophy. If refuses to leave its knowledge as just theory, and finds ways to weave it into everyday existence.
Prescription becomes medecine.
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