Quotation by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

"Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many."
"Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books."
"Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders."
"Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed down for many generations."
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it."
"But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."

The importance of Buddha's teachings is not limited to Buddhists.

One can vow to follow his teachings without having to vow that one is a Buddhist.

No one has to convert to Buddhism in order to follow his teachings because what he teaches is the truth of the universe. Buddha explained the truth to lighten up the wisdom which is hidden in the human mind. No matter who you are, or what religion you believe in you will always have to face the ever changing nature of things which is the fact of life. To face the changing nature of things means to face misery. Buddha has found the way to end the suffering through his major teaching called "the Noble Path".

Harmony from within

When one practices Buddha's teachings, one will find peace from within. This reflects on the way of living and love of peace in the characteristics of Buddhists. You will see that they always bow their heads and always humble. You will never find a Buddhist war in history because we believe that people should have the freedom to choose their own faith. Strong faith is the freedom of believing without being forced. Faith should fly in like a bird, not enchained like a prisoner.