Buddhism and interfaith dialogue

Book Description

In our interconnected world, religious traditions increasingly encounter one another, creating both opportunities and challenges for meaningful dialogue. Masao Abe, a prominent Buddhist thinker, offers a distinctive perspective on how Buddhism approaches these interfaith conversations, revealing fundamental differences from other religious viewpoints.

Unlike Christianity, which centers on the unique incarnation of Jesus Christ, Buddhism presents a radically different framework for understanding spiritual awakening. Gautama Buddha represents not an exclusive figure, but rather the first among many enlightened beings throughout history. This perspective opens entirely new possibilities for how religions might relate to one another.

Abe explores how core Buddhist teachings, particularly the concepts of dependent co-origination and emptiness, create a dynamic foundation that can accommodate multiple religious paths. Rather than viewing different traditions as competing truths, these Buddhist principles suggest ways that world religions might discover common ground and work together creatively.

Through various perspectives and ongoing conversations with Western theologians, this work demonstrates how Buddhist philosophy can contribute to more productive interfaith relationships. Abe's approach moves beyond mere tolerance toward genuine cooperation, showing how ancient wisdom traditions might address contemporary spiritual challenges.

For readers seeking to understand how different religious paths can enrich rather than threaten one another, this exploration offers valuable insights into building bridges across spiritual traditions while honoring their distinct contributions to human understanding.