Blind Faith

Speaking at an international seminar entitled '21st Century and Buddhism' in India this week, the Dalai Lama said, "Buddhist faith must come from analytical meditation. Analyse using our intelligence maximum way, throughout that way. Faith should not just be blind faith or without reason."

We don't switch off our brains when we meditate.

Meditation can make us more focused and alert, improve our learning ability and our memory skills and increase our sense of awareness and perception.

In a wider context, we need to apply common sense and judgement when being introduced to new systems of thought.

We don't need to accept fads or gurus blindly and without discernment nor should we reject unusual (to us) ideas with dismissive cynicism.

It is sometimes a challenge to remain open-minded and grounded at the same time.

"Believe not because some old manuscripts are produced, believe not because it is your national belief, believe not because you have been made to believe from your childhood, but reason truth out..." Buddha