Religions of the World: Why Does Buddhism Stand Apart from Politics?

Even as science advances, religions continue to flourish. A dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang reveals the complex relationship between religion and politics, and Buddhism's unique position within it.

Recently, a devastating storm struck Da Nang, claiming hundreds of lives and destroying thousands of homes. We saw it coming from satellite imagery and evacuated people in time, yet we cannot comprehend why it formed exactly there, moving on that specific path. Science can predict but cannot fully explain. Perhaps there is a supernatural power behind such events? It is precisely because science reaches its limits in such matters that religion persists and thrives.

The more science progresses, the more religion flourishes

Many once believed science would render religion obsolete. The reality is the opposite. Religion today is more vibrant than a thousand years ago, thanks to the internet and technology. Venerable Chân Quang observes:

It is the very development of science and technology that has allowed religion to spread and grow so rapidly.

Why is this so? Because people still suffer, wars persist, and much remains unexplained. Faith in a divine force remains powerful, even among intellectuals.

The power of the masses: A concern for politicians

Religions win the hearts of people because they represent divine forces. Monastics, drawing closeness to the Buddha, earn the affection of devotees. The Venerable says:

If we hear a prime minister is going for an appendectomy, we remain calm. But if we hear the abbot of a temple is having surgery, our heart leaps and we rush to visit.

For this reason, every governing authority remains wary of religion. They understand that whoever holds the masses holds power. A religion that gathers many people can become the seed of political change. History shows: The Trần dynasty usurped the Lý throne, yet the people still supported them because Emperor Trần Thái Tông was a man of faith who renounced his palace life for monasticism. In contrast, when the Hồ dynasty seized power, the people turned against them, and they lost the nation in a single battle against the Ming. This clearly demonstrates the immense power of religion within the people's hearts.

The three major world religions: Which is tied to politics, which stands apart?

Every religion tends toward competing for power. Christianity initially allied with the Roman Empire. Islam, from its beginning, viewed its religious leader as a temporal ruler. Buddhism alone is entirely different. The Buddha, a prince who could have been king, renounced everything to seek liberation. He did not leverage political power but solely served as a teacher of moral virtue for the world. Venerable Chân Quang emphasizes:

Only Buddhism clearly affirms stepping beyond the world's fame and profit to firmly stand in the role of a teacher guiding moral virtue for the world.

This is what makes it unique and precious.

Buddhism: A religion that spans the globe without an international organization

Buddhism lacks an international organization like other religions. When it arrives in any country, it becomes the heritage of that nation. For instance, Vietnamese Buddhism is inseparably bound to the nation's destiny. This allows Buddhism not to compete with national power but to always support stability. This is why many nations favor Buddhism.

Beware the tactic of "proselytizing"

Many people knock on doors to preach their faith. Do not hastily assume it is out of love for you. The Venerable says:

Do not think that they love you... the truth is they want you to become their soldier.

Some promise money, seeking to convert your family into their force. We must keep our mind clear, discern the true purpose of each faith, and not go astray.

Through this, we see that religion is an incredibly complex spiritual realm. As children of the Buddha, let us cherish the purity of Buddhism—a religion that does not seek worldly power. Let us remain mindful, cultivate our practice, and live in peace, thereby helping to preserve the seed of compassion for the world.