..續本文上一頁rary China, most people are psychologically empty, and so many religions want to exploit this weakness. A means of identifying cults, generally speaking, is to consider whether or not the group is in harmony with the human mind and morals. If it is not, then it is a cult, and even if you encounter it and are mentally drawn into it, the cult will not last long and will eventually be eliminated and become history.

　　Since ancient times, the world”s major religions have promoted their doctrines in eastern and western cultures. From a broader perspective, all religions should coexist with each other in harmony. Many Buddhist masters advocate this idea: whether Christian, Catholic, Muslim, or Buddhist, we should all respect the rites of other religions. By doing this, we demonstrate that religion is bringing about improvements in the world and making positive progress. Between religions, there should not be any intolerance and conflict. If you claim that “Only Buddhism is the correct faith, all other faiths, such as Christianity and Islam, are cults,” this is very unreasonable.

　　How do we distinguish a cult from an ethical, authentic religion

　　 To summarize, a cult has neither beneficial physiological nor psychological effects on us, and can even have harmful effects on us. Nowadays, many of the world religions do not harm humanity and are playing a particularly positive role in promoting kindness in human beings. Confucianism is an example of this, with its excellent ethical and moral standards. Also, Christian groups are building many hospitals, schools, and carrying out many charitable causes. These are all worthy of our praise. I have spoken before about Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun. From the age of just twelve years old she had already started to help the poor. In just six years, she had provided shelter for sixty thousand abandoned babies. Such an achievement is incredible. This is something we as Mahayana Buddhists can aspire to equal.

　　Each inpidual religion”s doctrines and views can coexist in harmony; they do not necessarily need to be integrated with those of other religions. Establishing your own views using unique doctrines is reasonable. For example, in Tibetan Buddhism, we have many different lineages, such as the Nyingma and Gelug schools. Each of these can establish their own views and expound correct logical reasoning to support their doctrines, but at the same time not assume that they are the only one which is true Buddhism, and believe that others are not.

　　In the past, due to lack of understanding and communication, the world witnessed a lot of conflicts involving followers of different faiths and religions, causing many evil and ugly incidents between religious groups. They rejected and killed each other. Such behavior is the manifestation of a lack of wisdom. As long as a religion is beneficial to human beings, it can be considered a decent religion; conversely, whatever is harmful or useless to human health and humanity”s development is a cult. This is the fundamental principle with which to distinguish them. Of course, to identify them specifically, we need to analyze with wisdom. It is not appropriate for me alone to point out which is a correct religion and which is not

　　 (4) Question: I am a third year student at Minzu University of China. While engaging in and studying Buddhism, I don”t know why my mind is increasingly becoming narrower, getting more and more stressed. I am no longer as cheerful and relaxed as before. How do I deal with this phenomenon

　　Answer: Ah, what should I do

　　 I am nervous now too. (Laughter.)

　　The reason why you are not able to relax your mind could be due to the following two reasons: One is because of the effect of bad karma from your past lives. The Abhidharmakosha commentary say…

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