Chapter 47 in conclusion

These days, it is common to see people mixing various religions to suit their needs.Trying to be non-denominational, they try to explain Christian concepts from a Buddhist point of view, or find parallels between Buddhism and Sufism, or Zen and business.Of course, one can always find at least a slight resemblance between any two existing things - but I don't think such a comparison is necessary.Although all religions begin with some kind of philanthropic goal, usually the removal of suffering, they all differ fundamentally.They are all like medicines, designed to reduce pain; but like medicines, they also vary according to the patient or disease.If you've been stung by poison ivy, then zine ointment is the appropriate remedy.But if you have blood cancer, you don't try to find the similarity between Zinc ointment and chemotherapy, and then use this ointment to treat blood cancer because it is more convenient.By the same token, mixing religions is not necessary.

In this book I have tried to give you a glimpse of the essentials of the Buddhist view.In all religions, view is the basis of practice, because view determines our motivation and behavior.The old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is true.We cannot judge our neighbors by their appearance alone.Obviously, we can no longer judge something as personal as religion based on appearances alone.We cannot even judge individual religions by the behavior, ethics, morals, or norms they promote.