The Dalai Lama

I don't speak too much, and probably not enough, concerning the Congregation for Religious Tolerance.  If you consider your self part of the movement for more tolerance of other's spiritual beliefs, I applaud you.  I have tried to supplement my modest posts with the occasional item on tolerance.  I preface the titles of these with "Tolerance:" to make it easier for you, and me, to differentiate them from the other issues I write about.

 

I also try to mix it up a bit so we can all entertain a broad spectrum of religious and spiritual thought.  I feel that, in this way, I might best be able to pique you interest in learning more about other beliefs.  I firmly feel that knowledge is the first step to tolerance.

 

I was just reading an address by the Dalai Lama to the inter-faith seminar on August 25, 2013, which was organized by the International Association for Religious Freedom.  The entire address was very interesting, but I always find His Holiness to be interesting.  Of particular note for me and the Congregation was the following excerpt.  I think it defines what we are be all about.

"As far as the Muslims are concerned it is appropriate for them to have complete devotion to Allah while praying in the mosques. This is also the same with Buddhists who are completely devoted to the Buddha when they pray in Buddhist temples. A society, which has many religions should also have many prophets and sources of refuge. In such a society it is very important to have harmony and respect amongst the different religions and their practitioners. We must distinguish between belief and respect. Belief refers to total faith, which you must have in your own religion. At the same time you should have respect for all other religions."

Consider it, think on it, and form your own opinion as it is your path. 

I have nothing else.