Understanding Buddhism: A Cosmic Religion : หน้า 70/115

BUDDHISM ‘The religion in the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal God and avoid dogma and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description.’ Albert Einstein What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a religion based on the Teachings of the Buddha who lived in India more than 2,500 years ago. The essence of Buddhism is freedom from suffering. Buddhism is a practical, logical, scientific and broad-minded religion. It is not a religion based on blind faith, superstition, guilt, or fear. An intelligent man has the ability to look at situations from a neutral perspective. He does not allow emotions to influence his perception, and remains open minded. The Buddha encourages one to be neutral, not to believe or disbelieve until something is proven to be true or false. Buddhism encourages self-reliance and self-liberation through good deeds. Although Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest religions, its principles and teachings are still modern and practical in all situations. Buddhism is a religion of peace, harmony, and loving-kindness. Buddhists have never gone to war in the name of religion.