Buddhism is Not About Conversions

Buddhism is Not About Conversions,
But the Welfare & Happiness of All Beings
For the good & happiness of the many -

The Buddha's exhortation to the first missioners ...

"Go forth, o bhikkhus, for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the benefit, for the good, for the happiness of gods and men. Let not two go by one way. Preach the doctrine that is beautiful in its beginning, beautiful in its middle, and beautiful in its ending. Declare the holy life in its purity, completely both in the spirit and the letter." ~ Mahavagga, Vinaya Pitaka.

Do not simply Accept but Investigate what has been shared with you -

With so many ideas and opinions being shared through the many lands and ages, many have been mislead or are confused. The Buddha advised the Kalamas, who were similarly confused, ...

'Don't go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture, by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreement through pondering views, by probability, or by the thought, "This contemplative is our teacher." When you know for yourselves that, "These qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless; these qualities are praised by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried out, lead to welfare & to happiness" — then you should enter & remain in them.' ~ Kalama Sutta AN 3.65 

Conversions through the Ages (2,600 years ago till today)
The Buddha was Not interested in gaining Conversions -

'If the ascetics of another sect gained my disciple-ship, they would have carried me about Nalanda saying the householder Upali has come to our discipleship ...' ~ Upali Sutta MN56

The Buddha advices to the contrary ... in a conversation with Upali ... 

‘Venerable sir, even with the first comparison I was satisfied, desiring to hear the various explanations of the Blessed One I purposely opposed the Blessed One. Now I understand venerable sir. It seems as though something. over turned is reinstated. As something covered is made manifest. It is like the path is told to someone who had lost his way. It’s as though an oil lamp is lighted for the darkness, for those with sight to see forms. The Teaching is explained in various ways. Now I take refuge in the Blessed One, in the Teaching and the Community of bhikkhus. May I be remembered as a lay disciple from today until life lasts.’

‘Householder, think again, before you act, famous people like you, should think carefully before you act.’ ‘Venerable sir, I am very much pleased with these words of the Blessed One.’. ’Householder, think again before you act, famous people like you should think carefully before you act.’ ~ Upali Sutta MN56

- Picture: A Relief of the Buddha meditating under the Bodhi Tree.
- Posted by CFFong Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia May 7