Startling Superficial Soteriological Similarities

Inspired by a listener question, we explore some of the superficial similarities between Pure Land Buddhism and the monotheistic religions. After considering the difficulty of really knowing the historical origins of Mahayana Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism, let alone what sort of connections may have existed between South Asia and the Near East, we think about the idea of universalism between religions. What lies behind this longing to see similarities between religious traditions? What is our attachment to the idea of a universal religious Truth? Can we live in difference with other traditions, or even other Buddhists? All this and more in this episode!