Jittananto wrote: “If Buddha Dhamma increases your hatred towards non-Buddhists you are no better than all these radicals.”
I’m sorry but I do not understand how my comments count as “hatred towards non-Buddhists.” I’ve always been honest and have no interest in sugarcoating things just to please others. If my honesty comes across as “hateful” to you, that likely has more to do with your own interpretation than my intent. This is probably why you said: “One thing I notice on this forum, some insult other religions as idiots and imbeciles. This is a wrong speech and, therefore, an Akusala Kamma. You accumulate demerit no matter the target of your insult. “
I agree that insults made out of malice aren’t ideal, but even the Buddha used words like “fool” and “uninformed run-of-the-mill” to describe ignorance. In this thread, I was specifically referring to zealots who aggressively push extreme Abrahamic propaganda. If someone is being an idiot, I don’t see how it’s wrong to call them out for what they are.
“What do you know about Jesus and Muhammad?? I know that many Indians and Nepalese have hatred towards everything related to Islam and Arabs. How will this hatred lead you to Nibbāna?! I understand that according to Buddha Dhamma, they are wrong, but can you say with certainty that you are free from micchādiṭṭhi and that you are sotāpanna??!”
As for Jesus and Muhammad, I don’t even know if they existed. My critique is of the scriptures, not the individuals they endorse (who may or may not be real). For you to say, “many Indians and Nepalese hate Islam and Arabs” is a broad generalization and an unfair way to associate me with that sentiment. I evaluate religious doctrines based on their content, not based on the ethnicity or background of their followers. The Abrahamic scriptures contain numerous scientifically inaccurate claims and endorse outdated moral practices such as slavery, stoning, and genocide. Pointing out these flaws is not an expression of hatred.
“Most Venerable Bhante Nivanthapa Thero (Abbot of the monastery) told the audience, “Give me the bible, the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita, and I will show you Nibbāna.””
I don’t think he was being literal. I’ve listened to his discourses, and he has made it clear that other religions don’t lead to Nibbāna. The monastery takes a more diplomatic approach, likely because people today tend to be easily offended. But I don’t run a monastery, so I don’t feel the need to soften my words in the same way.
At the end of the day, my goal is not to appease or offend but to speak the truth as I see it. If someone finds that offensive, perhaps it is worth reflecting on why that is the case.