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**AriaDesser** · 02-19-2012, 11:11 AM

It is my understanding that Buddhists generally don’t evangelize…is that correct? But the Four Noble Truths are grounded in recognizing and understanding suffering. With this comes a development of compassion for all living things. So when I see other people suffering, I have the desire (craving?) to help them by sharing the Middle Way with them in hopes of ending their suffering…which I guess I consider evangelizing. Am I thinking about this the wrong way?

Imo it is fine to bring awareness of Buddhism to those who are ill-informed of it, if you think it is appropriate under the given circumstances. For example, you can nudge a freind in the right direction if you seem him/her suffering due to an unhealthy belief or lifestyle. This is not necessarily craving. The Buddha taught dhamma to others out of compassion rather than an interest to spread his techings or to gather up a following.

Imo, the word evangelism does not even apply to Buddhism because the core Buddhist concepts are hardly based on beliefs but verifiable facts. Evangelism is a term commonly used in Christianity where you feed your beliefs to others in subtle ways. It is not necessarily forcing others but long-term, subtle persuasion to take up a belief system. In Buddhism, we do not ask anyone to believe. We just invite them to learn and practice so they can see for themselves if what they took up on faith is true. There is a difference between verifiable faith and a belief.

02-19-2012, 11:11 AM	#6
AriaDesser Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 433 Senior Member	It is my understanding that Buddhists generally don’t evangelize…is that correct? But the Four Noble Truths are grounded in recognizing and understanding suffering. With this comes a development of compassion for all living things. So when I see other people suffering, I have the desire (craving?) to help them by sharing the Middle Way with them in hopes of ending their suffering…which I guess I consider evangelizing. Am I thinking about this the wrong way? Imo it is fine to bring awareness of Buddhism to those who are ill-informed of it, if you think it is appropriate under the given circumstances. For example, you can nudge a freind in the right direction if you seem him/her suffering due to an unhealthy belief or lifestyle. This is not necessarily craving. The Buddha taught dhamma to others out of compassion rather than an interest to spread his techings or to gather up a following. Imo, the word evangelism does not even apply to Buddhism because the core Buddhist concepts are hardly based on beliefs but verifiable facts. Evangelism is a term commonly used in Christianity where you feed your beliefs to others in subtle ways. It is not necessarily forcing others but long-term, subtle persuasion to take up a belief system. In Buddhism, we do not ask anyone to believe. We just invite them to learn and practice so they can see for themselves if what they took up on faith is true. There is a difference between verifiable faith and a belief.
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