Similarities in beliefs--Vajranyana Buddhists and LDS

[Sky Dancer]

There are a few.

Secret practices for one. Multiple heaven realms is another.

Being able to become a god yourself is an LDS belief, becoming a Buddha is a Vajrayana one.

Both Buddhists and LDS feel one's employment should be honorable.

 

[Avatar4321]

There are countless similiarities with many religions.

 

[Sky Dancer]

The question is: can we find common ground and live with our differences?

 

[Avatar4321]

The question is: can we find common ground and live with our differences?

Of course we can. Obviously that doesn't mean we have to agree on every single point. But we can help one another live better lives.

I know I've quoted this from the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr before, but I think it sums up nicely what the attitude we need to have is:

“I have the most liberal sentiments, and feelings of charity towards all sects, parties, and denominations; and the rights and liberties of conscience, I hold most sacred and dear, and despise no man for differing with me in matters of opinion.”

“The Saints can testify whether I am willing to lay down my life for my brethren. If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a ‘Mormon,’ I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.

“It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race. Love of liberty was diffused into my soul by my grandfathers while they dandled me on their knees. …

“If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way.” - The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Living with others in Peace and Harmony

Finding that quote I found the section on being a peacemaker especially moving again. I have to say I love this chapter. And I love this quote:

“Humanity towards all, reason and refinement to enforce virtue, and good for evil are … eminently designed to cure more disorders of society than an appeal to arms, or even argument untempered with friendship. … Our motto, then, is Peace with all! If we have joy in the love of God, let us try to give a reason of that joy, which all the world cannot gainsay or resist.”