The Geneva-based International Coalition for the Advancement of Religious and Spirituality (ICARUS) has bestowed The Best Religion In the World award this year on the Buddhist Community.
This special award was voted on by an international round table of more than 200 religious leaders from every part of the spiritual spectrum. It was fascinating to note that many religious leaders voted for Buddhism rather than their own religion although Buddhists actually make up a tiny minority of ICARUS membership. Here are the comments by four voting members:
Jonna Hult, Director of Research for ICARUS said It wasn't a surprise to me that Buddhism won Best Religion in the World, because we could find literally not one single instance of a war fought in the name of Buddhism, in contrast to every other religion that seems to keep a gun in the closet just in case God makes a mistake. We were hard pressed to even find a Buddhist that had ever been in an army. These people practice what they preach to an extent we simply could not document with any other spiritual tradition.
A Catholic Priest, Father Ted O'Shaughnessy said from Belfast , As much as I love the Catholic Church, it has always bothered me to no end that we preach love in our scripture yet then claim to know God's will when it comes to killing other humans. For that reason, I did have to cast my vote for the Buddhists.
A Muslim Cleric Tal Bin Wassad agreed from Pakistan via his translator. While I am a devout Muslim, I can see how much anger and bloodshed is channeled into religious expression rather than dealt with on a personal level. The Buddhists have that figured out. Bin Wassad, the ICARUS voting member for Pakistan 's Muslim community continued, In fact, some of my best friends are Buddhist.
And Rabbi Shmuel Wasserstein said from Jerusalem, Of course, I love Judaism, and I think it's the greatest religion in the world. But to be honest, I've been practicing Vipassana meditation every day before minyan (daily Jewish prayer) since 1993. So I get it.
However, there was one snag - ICARUS couldn't find anyone to give the award to. All the Buddhists they called kept saying they didn't want the award.
When asked why the Burmese Buddhist community refused the award, Buddhist monk Bhante Ghurata Hanta said from Burma , We are grateful for the acknowledgement, but we give this award to all humanity, for Buddha nature lies within each of us. Groehlichen went on to say We're going to keep calling around until we find a Buddhist who will accept it. We'll let you know when we do.
Dear Brother and Sister, Mindfullness Way on Vipassana Meditation is the only way to Nibbana. There is no branch off. The only one way to purified the mind of all living being. Free yourself from craving, attachment, jealousy, anger and ignorance. The end of suffering for all of us.
Published on 2010-02-01
its a great news for all buddhist
Published on 2010-01-28
Probably Buddhism is the best religion in the Earth.. i don't know, but as I understand from the basic doctrine of the Buddhism is teaching humanity and the right of every natural life from the earth are equal. moreover, Buddhism is teaching human is not a slave of ANYONE. Human is a free man but not belongs to SOMEONE. May the human of the Earth become Buddhism and Peace..
Published on 2010-01-18
Buddhists r happy while others r in jealousy
The eight worldly conditions are being seen
Take in mind n strive for releasing
At last ,award is nothing
Published on 2010-01-03
I love Sigh comment immensely. Thanks Sigh.
Published on 2009-12-25
all religions are against life. Buddhism is not excuse!! Mr.Buddha has never said that the peace is on this earth. He of course said that this earth is full of suffering and not worth to live. Nirvana can happen in this life , but Ultimate peace happens only afterdeath .(Mahar parinirvana). All the fools claiming my religion ur religion are childish . Shameful!!! all religions are against life. Buddhism is not excuse!! Mr.Buddha has never said that the peace is on this earth. He of course said that this earth is full of suffering and not worth to live. Nirvana can happen in this life , but Ultimate peace happens only afterdeath .(Mahar parinirvana). All the fools claiming my religion ur religion are childish . Shameful!!!
Published on 2009-12-25
all religions are against life. Buddhism is not excuse!! Mr.Buddha has never said that the peace is on this earth. He of course said that this earth is full of suffering and not worth to live. Nirvana can happen in this life , but Ultimate peace happens only afterdeath .(Mahar parinirvana). All the fools claiming my religion ur religion are childish . Shameful!!!
Published on 2009-12-25
All religion are against life. Buddhism is not excuse!! Peace on Earth is not mentioned in Buddhism. Mr.Buddha just pointed to the place other than this verdant earth. Life negative!!! This life is suffering. U can not get bliss in this life. The Ultimate Bliss ( Mahar Parinirvana) is only attainable after death. What the hell this so called filthy and flashy organization is doing?
Published on 2009-12-25
It is a tiny award comparing with 3Gems of Buddha,Dhamma(Buddhism) and Sanga
Published on 2009-12-19
I am born hindu but always felt attracted towards buddhist teaching and philosophy of life. Its not that the philosophy is missing in hindu scriptures but just that it get shadowed by useless things. Its unfortunate that budhist philosophy could not spread much in India. Buddhist principle are easy to follow, understand and live without getting myself into any kind of restriction. Its one of the religion where you feel peaceful and free.
Published on 2009-12-16
Oh! Great new for all Buddhist
Published on 2009-12-09
I Love The Buddhism because Buddha gave us the Democracy of Religion since 2500 years ago.
Published on 2009-12-05
It’s true.. always changing..
It’s true.. thus miserable..
It’s true.. irrepressible..no one..
all are engaged …with one at a time…
for that reason, please try to smile.....
Thanks..
Published on 2009-12-05
It’s true.. always changing..
It’s true.. thus miserable..
It’s true.. irrepressible..no one..
all are engaged …with one at a time…
for that reason, please try to smile ...
Published on 2009-12-05
Buddha is really a mankind. He was really given birth in the world, he cut off all attachment, he guided himself to be a venerable Buddha, his teachings are acceptable even to our advanced people, the ism he left is still living. Buddha's four kinds of truth, practical way that we cantry today to gain peace and tranquility.practicing Sila, sharing Myitta ( loving and kindness) , Meditationas of Vipassana to get rid of the impurities of our mind and immoral behavior are invaluable medicine and practice to our advanced world people.
Published on 2009-12-01
I am really pleased with this news. But I am eager to read about it in more detail. If the news is not fake, it is great, but if fake, it is grave. Be careful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published on 2009-11-30
First of all buddhism is not a religion its way to life and the region they are giving for giving award is not digestive because all the saying by god buddha is same that in hindu jain religion and we can not say that this religion is good or this is bad if we have follower of something its good and one should have belief in one almighty that is param pita parmeshwar
Published on 2009-11-28
buddhism is not competing it's followers in quantity. buddha does not advise to be his follower without investigating yourself. it is also not a religion. it's the teachings of buddha to practice for yourself to liberate from the worldly sufferrings. we don't argue with any. we just do it for ourselves and show the way to liberation. you can take it or leave it. we don't need to be very happy because it's been awarded. we are happy by ourselves to recognise the path to freedom.
Published on 2009-11-25
I am always believe that Buddhism is the most peaceful religion on earth. I am glad that the world recognize the goodness of Buddha.
Published on 2009-11-12
Let us not be deluded by perceptions of "greatness" (of Buddhism)
Published on 2009-11-10
when talk about religion, even in this small forum,is already generating hates & argument...well I'm a non believer.,i beg everyone just cool down,seat quietly and listen and ask yourself,what would u wish tomorrow to be? most answer :to be happy,beautiful, harmony everywhere u go right..well MJ leave us with this song..change the man in the mirror..don't blame other that slow u down..happy day everyone..
Published on 2009-11-02
can u give me a real proof for this news,
Published on 2009-10-26
this is a fake...
1st there is not 1 buddhism but many different schools so why did "buddhism" win?
moreover this journalist doesnt exist. the Tribune de Geneve has never published an article like this one. finally you won't find a Burmese Theravada monk acknowledging the existence of the "human buddha nature"...
check your facts before posting anything...
Published on 2009-10-23
Wow...I love Buddhism
Published on 2009-09-19
Buddhism not a another religion. i't is the reality of all things.
nature and rhythm o all lives.
Islam growing with ordering but Buddhism is Calmly with intelligently.
Published on 2009-09-19
buddha can change world ..unless you become buddha ,you are not live long.....finaly world agree with buddha thought...mind will change...
Published on 2009-09-09
yes ..realy buddism is best .this is the greatest news that ever before
it will remove ignorence
Published on 2009-09-08
yes ..realy buddism is best .this is the greatest news that ever before
it will remove ignorence
Published on 2009-09-08
This is for Affa:- My dear freind, we are not in the race to take the buddhism on top of the world that because we don't want to rather it is the self awareness & self actualization that one has gone through with personal experience by following the vipassana or straight and simple literature given by GAUTAMA the Buddha. A simple example for us: I have heard so many riots & bloodshed happend in the Islam or Hinduism but we never heard in Buddhism. I think this is sufficient for you that why the buddhism is rated world best religion. Gud Luck Dude.
Published on 2009-09-06
Namo Budday!
Bhavatu Sabba Mangalam!
Published on 2009-09-06
wow, great news, I ever heard. buddha,s messeges is really relevent and helpful to ease the tension prevailing among mankind.
Published on 2009-09-04
Hoax or not, Buddhism is a good religion
To me all religions are good It is the people who lead it that makes a difference between a good and a not so good practical relifion
Just think of the Holy war and the Jihat business Can a god actually decree killing other human beings?!!
Sydnet
Published on 2009-08-09
Fastest growing religion in the world is Islam..!!
As per Buddhist scripture.. its mentioned in the Gospel of Buddha about the coming of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), which the Quran will be the last and final revelation to Mankind the guidence given to last and final Prophet Muhammed (pbuh).
Similar message is also mentioned in the Bible old testimont as well as the new testimont and king james version where Jesus Chris (PBUH) said i have many things to say unto you that you cant bear them now when the spirit of truth shall come he will guide you.etc..
Similar message also mentioned in Zoras persian scriptures
Also mentioned in Hindu scriptures in Vedas ..about Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) and about his companion and oneness of GOD almighty.
All the major religion scriptures talks about ISLAM ..Quran said in every age and to every nation we have sent a warner and the last and final Messanger Prophet Muhammed and Quran was sent to the whole of humanity.
It is time to think about the true GOD and his creations.
go back to your scriptures and realize GOD is one and the last and final Messanger is Prophet Muhammed pbuh. before giving a way an Award
for a religion before knowing what the scriptures has to say about it.
“It is mentioned in the Readers Digest magazine as per a survey done regarding the growth of religions during the period of year 1934 - 1984, which stated”
Islam - 235% growth
Christianity - 47% growth
Assalamu aleikum..
Published on 2009-08-08
This is such a good news! If this news can encourage people to try to learn what the Buddha said, that would be the most wonderful thing that ever happened to them.
Published on 2009-08-08
It is a great news for all Buddhism. As a believer, I want to encourage all Buddhism to believe in who you are n practice for what had Buddha said.
Published on 2009-08-07
Best Great News for our world in 2009. All the religions have good practices. I would like to learn their award criteria & comparison of each religion. Where can I find it?
I think, because of the absolute truth and practical nature of Buddha basic & higher concepts, principles, and practices upon individual body, mind and environment, leading towards peacefulness, harmony and tranquility of the human societies & living creatures of our world by practicing Sila (Morality/at least 5 Precepts), spreading Metta-loving-kindness, as well as implementing Sa-Mar-Dhi (Concentration) and achieving Panna (Wisdom) by the best Vipassana Insight Meditation Practices to get rid of the impurities of our mind and immoral behavior.
(May all beings be Free from sufferings and wars.
May all beings be Well & Happy.
Have a wonderful, peaceful and prosperous world.)
By: Milton Chit Zaw, USA.
Published on 2009-08-04
It looks like a hoax because the news is not found in Tribune de Geneve or any other news portal.
I've written a post on this at
http://dhammaprotector.blogspot.com/
Published on 2009-08-01
thanks for providing such a wonderful news.
Published on 2009-07-31
Couldn't find ICARUS this organization in Wiki :( but, good news :)
Published on 2009-07-30
Great news for every buddhist including me, peace.
Published on 2009-07-29
This may be the best thing for the year 2009 for our world peace if our people will have some time to ponder why the award was given Buddhism. LET ALL OF US OBSERVE BUDDHISM MORE TO PROVE THAT THIS AWARD IS TRULY WORTH IT!!!
Published on 2009-07-29
It's a wonderful and great appreciation. May all the creatures always be blessed by the Lord Buddha. As a Buddhist, we also ought to practice the Buddhist way in our whole life for the peacefulness of all human beings...
Published on 2009-07-29
This is indeed a great news. Hope people around the world gets an opportunity to feel the great serenity of Buddhism. Hope the bloodshed wars around the corners of the world come to an end and the world be blessed with peace and harmony
Published on 2009-07-28
Is there such organization as ICARUS in the first place?? Please find out the truth before it become a Hoax!!
Published on 2009-07-28
It's a great news for all Buddhist around the world.
Hope it's will countinue..........
Published on 2009-07-27
Wow!!! this is the greatest news that ever before.
But it is a great mistaken to refuge the award.
If it were accepted the world medias might known more better.
Published on 2009-07-27
Oh I m very very delighted to know this news.
This is the greatest news of the year
Published on 2009-07-26
I have heard this great news from DMC Buddhist satellite channel of Dhammakaya temple, Thailand.
www.dmc.tv