Religious Harmony

A Q&A session between Dr. Berzin and his students about similarities between Buddhism and Islam.

The Dalai Lama shares his appreciation for all religions since they bring deep benefit to humanity. Knowledge of each other’s religions brings understanding that they all have that same goal.

Harmony in a multireligious society comes from education about each other’s beliefs and customs and, from knowledge, comes respect.

Dr. Berzin outlines the theoretical and historical features of Buddhism and Islam that indicate a common ground between them, in addition to basic shared ethical principles.

Buddhist science, philosophy and psychology can be of great benefit on a global scale to many issues faced in the 21st century. Dr. Berzin reflects on the particular challenges the major traditional Buddhist countries of Asia face.

An in-depth presentation of the self, self-centeredness and love in Islam, based on the “Quran,” and in Buddhism, based on the Mahayana teachings.

Helping others, if possible, but at least not harming them is the way to live an ethical life.

When, through education, Buddhists and Muslims recognize and appreciate their common universal values of love, compassion, patience and forgiveness, then despite their philosophical differences, they have laid the foundation for religious harmony.

Overview of the basic principles of Buddhism and Islam, comparing the discussions of love, forgiveness and ethics in each.

For Buddhist education to remain effective, it needs to adapt to the present-day needs, as it has always done in the past. Gain an overview of historical precedent to demonstrate that adapting to the times accords with the Buddhist principle of using skillful means.