..續本文上一頁to respect the other man”s religious belief even if we cannot accommodate it; tolerance is necessary for the sake of harmonious and peaceful living.

　　反過來說，如果信徒只是一味的去爭執或企圖推翻其它宗教或它們的修持方法──特別是在證實或駁斥「神」的存在，以他們自己的宗教觀點，對其它宗教進行破壞，這會造成宗教間的仇恨和不協調。這世間有各種不同的宗教存在，但是，我們的任務是實踐容忍、耐心和了解。我們有責任去尊重其它的宗教，即使我們無法順應它，爲了融洽與協調的生活，容忍還是必要的。

　　However, it does not serve any purpose to introduce this concept of god to those who are not ready to appreciate it. To some people this belief is not important to lead a righteous life. There are many who lead a noble life without such belief while amongst believers there are many who violate the peace and happiness of innocent people.

　　Buddhists can also co-operate with those who hold this concept of god, if they use this concept for the peace, happiness and welfare of mankind but not with those who abuse this concept by threatening people in order to introduce this belief just for their own benefit and with ulterior motives.

　　然而，對于那些不願意接受「神」的概念的人，向他們推薦「神」是沒有意義的，對某些人來說，這種信仰是沒有意義的，沒有這種信仰，他們也一樣能過正道的生活。反而那些對「神」有所信仰的人，阻礙了無辜人們的幸福與甯靜。佛教徒一樣可以和信仰「神」的人合作，只要是爲了人類的和平、幸福與利益。不要濫用自己的觀點，強迫或威脅人們接受對「神」的信仰，存有這種動機的人，都是自私自利者。

　　For more than 2,500 years, all over the world, Buddhists have practised and introduced Buddhism very peacefully without the necessity of sustaining the concept of a creator of God. And they will continue to sustain this religion in the same manner without disturbing the followers of other religions.

　　Therefore, with due respect to other religionists, it must be mentioned that any attempt to introduce this concept into Buddhism is unnecessary. Let Buddhists maintain their belief since it is harmless to others and, let the basic Teachings of the Buddha remain.

　　二千五百多年來，佛教徒在修持或弘法，都顯得非常的平和，不需要透過「神」或「造物者」的觀念。佛教徒將以同樣的態度，繼續爲佛教服務。因此，在尊重其它宗教的同時，我們也要注意到，以「神」的概念來推薦佛教是不必要的。佛教徒應該在不傷害其它宗教的情況下保持自己的信仰。讓佛陀的基本教義源遠流長。

　　From time immemorial, Buddhists have led a peaceful religious life without incorporating the particular concept of God. They should be capable of sustaining their particular religion without the necessity, at this juncture, of someone trying to force something down their throats against their will. Having full confidence in their Buddha Dhamma, Buddhists should be permitted to work and seek their own salvation without any undue interference from other sources. Others can uphold their beliefs and concepts, Buddhist will uphold theirs, without any rancor. We do not challenge others in regard to their religious persuasions, we expect reciprocal treatment in regard to our own beliefs and practices.

　　從曆史證明，佛教是一個純淨且非「神」的宗教。他們必須有堅持自己信仰的能力，抗拒那些強加予他們的不良意識。對佛陀的教義，要有虔誠的信心。佛教徒必須尋求自我解脫之道，不受外來力量的幹擾。佛教徒也可以和其他宗教徒一樣，無嗔恚的堅持自己的信仰和理念。佛教從不挑戰其它宗教，佛教希望其它宗教也能以同樣的態度對待佛教。臨終前更換宗教有些人相信某些力量會清洗他們的罪孽，如果不抑製內心的邪惡，是不符合佛陀的教義。

　　Changing of Religious Label Before Death

　　Merely to believe that there is someone to wash away our sins without suppressing our evil state of mind, is not in accordance with the Teachings of the Buddha.

　　Very often we come across cases of people who change their religion at the last moment when they are about to die. By embracing another religion, some people are under the mistaken belief that they can ”wash away their sins” and gain an easy passage to heaven. They also hope to ensure themselves a simple and better burial. For people who have been living a whole life-time with a particular religion, to suddenly embrace a religion which is totally new and unfamiliar and to expect an immediate salvation through their new faith is indeed very far-fetched. This is only a dream. Some people are even known to have been converted into another faith when they are in a state of unconsciousness and in come cases, even posthumously. Those who are over zealous and crazy about converting others into their faith, have misled uneducated …

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