Question 61: IF SOMEONE FROM ANOTHER RELIGION NOW WANTS TO TAKE REFUGE AND BECOME A DISCIPLE OF BUDDHISM, IS THERE ANY OBSTACLE?

Answer: We can ask a similar question to followers of other religions: if a Buddhist wants to become a follower of your religion, would there be any obstacles? The answer would most likely be: “No, there is no obstacle.” The same goes for Buddhism – there is no obstacle for someone from another religion to take refuge and become a follower of Buddhism.

Many people embrace two or even three religions in their lifetime, and they still live happily, just like how people today can have multiple nationalities and the world still gets along just fine.

Moreover, having multiple religions might even contribute to a more united world, as long as religious leaders and followers maintain a positive outlook.

For example, if Christians wish to take refuge in Buddhism, they will have the opportunity to learn new teachings. This is not because they reject the Christian teachings they previously followed. By learning from different sources of teachings, they can wisely select and integrate the most appropriate approach to cultivate themselves more profoundly.

The Author

JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…