Pablo: view of aftelife, Rituals and practices.

Soto: God or higher power.

 Chambi: Moral and ethical teachings,Do not harm or kill living things.
 Do not take things unless they are freely given.
 Lead a decent life.
 Do not speak unkindly or tell lies.
 Do not abuse drugs or drink alcohol.
, Concepts of salvation or enlightenment: Buddha taught that salvation is obtained by letting go of
all attachments and the release of the cycle of reincarnation. The goal is Nirvana. What Nirvana
specifically is depends on which teacher you ask. It’s neither existence nor nonexistence, uncaused,
and is the ultimate goal after enlightenment.

Emm: Social justice and activism: Engaged Buddhists see their social and political activities as extending
Buddhism’s classical focus on individual suffering to the suffering generated by unjust structures and systems
and set collective as well as individual liberation as a soteriological goal .

1. Challenges and opportunities for religious coexistence and understanding: Cultural

Diversity and Adaptation:
a. Buddhism spread from India to various Asian countries, each adopting it to their unique
culture. Different brands of Buddhism emerged across Asia, including Theravada Buddhism
in Southeast Asia, Mahayana Buddhism in China, Japan, and Korea, and Vajrayana
Buddhism in Tibet and Mongolia.
b. The challenge lies in preserving the essence of Buddhism while adapting to diverse cultural
contexts.
2. Globalization and Western Influence:
a. As Buddhism encounters Western countries, it faces the appeal of Christianity, which is
often perceived as modern and progressive. In contrast, Buddhism may be associated with
traditional elites, superstition, or cultural stagnation.
b. The opportunity lies in presenting Buddhist science, philosophy, and psychology as valuable
contributions to global issues.
3. Secular Materialism:
a. Materialistic views can pose a significant challenge for Buddhism. The emphasis on inner
transformation and mindfulness clashes with materialistic consumerism.
b. The opportunity lies in promoting Buddhist practices that counter materialism and cultivate
contentment.
4. Interfaith Dialogue and Coexistence:
a. Buddhism’s non-missionary nature contrasts with Abrahamic religions (Judaism,
Christianity, Islam). Understanding this difference is crucial.
b. Opportunities arise from engaging in respectful interfaith dialogue, emphasizing shared
values, and promoting religious harmony.
5. Ethnic Coexistence:
a. In countries like Thailand, where Buddhism is deeply ingrained, fostering generous
coexistence among ethnic groups is essential.
b. The challenge lies in balancing tradition with openness to diversity.
6. Synthesizing Teachings and Methods:
a. An experimental approach involves integrating teachings and methods to address global
challenges.
b. The opportunity lies in creating an integrated stance that responds to contemporary issues
while respecting Buddhist principles.