Genuine exceptions in both lists

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Positive factors about Buddhism

 

1. Endorses widespread inquiry through knowledge, discourses, texts, dialogue

2. Ends rebirth (rebecoming, renewal) of the ego, of problematic personality.

3. Exploration of relative/ultimate truth.

4. Explores ethics, mindfulness, calm and insight meditation and wisdom

5. Offers centres, monasteries and forests for practice.

6. Points to liberating love, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity

7. Recognises mara (the power of temptation, the power to deceive, shadows)

8. Recognition of five domains – heaven, human, animal, hungry ghost and hell

9. Reveals the emptiness of “I” and ‘my.”

10. The Dharma stands free from limitations of Western categories such as theism, atheism, agnosticism dogmatism, philosophy, theology, psychology and scientific materialism.

 

Negative factors about Buddhism

 

1. A patriarchal religion with exceptions East and West

2. Ignores repressive political/military regimes running a country.

3. Beliefs in physical miracles, power of sacred objects.

4. Emphasis on a better rebirth for lay people by making merit.

5. Chanting, rituals and religiosity overshadow wisdom and compassion.

6. Little lack of application of Dharma to social, political and global issues.

7. Beliefs and views about karma used to judge individuals, groups and nations.

8. Unwillling to make progressive change for the 21st century.

9. Blind devotion to lineages, traditions, Lamas, Ajahns and Zen masters.

10. Worship of the Buddha rather than application of the Dharma.

 

May All Beings Live With Wisdom