As catholics I would agree and say the Magisterium is where to go. I am a theist and that’s what makes me turn to the Latin rite and have an interest in hinduism (the old brahminism during buddhism) But the thing about that is this. One must be open minded else you get into a typical brainwashing situation.
Code:
When you have a foot problem you go to the podiatrist, not the plummer. When your child is ill you see a pediatrician, not an architect. Why would one want to go to the magisterium about buddhism. The church will tell you all about it surely and not know a thing. We must be wise. Wise as serpents. I'm just opening up to you because when I have spiritual problems I go to my preist or the church. I don't talk to Lamas anymore *unless the situation specifically called for it*. Like a question concerning Shakyamuni or buddhism. Buddhism doesn't teach fear. The most disquieting thing I have about the church is that all seems to be ruled in fear. They keep you afraid. God is not the author of fear. One should repent for love of God and pleasing him. Not being afraid of damnation there's something wrong there.
Pax.
Very, very, very good! I would recommend to you to read
Nostra Aetate. It mentions Buddhism by name.
'Buddhism, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which men, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination. Likewise, other religions found everywhere try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing “ways,” comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites. The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men. ’
But it is, as you say, that the Church has no official word on the specific details of Buddhist thought. What she teaches, above, can be taken at face value, as the Truth. The First Noble Truth is thus clearly expressed above as “the radical insufficiency of this changeable world.” The Second Noble Truth is not mentioned in this passage, but it is mentioned in Scripture, as “desire gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, too has a child, and the child is death.” (James 1:15) The Third Noble Truth is again expressed in the passage above, as "men [and women] may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain. . . supreme illumination. " Finally, the Fourth Noble Truth is mentioned, as "by their own efforts or through higher help. " — the ellipsis just above.
Thus the Church explicitly acknowledges the Four Noble Truths, although she does not go into detail, because her mission is not to expound Buddhism but Catholicism.
Also I recommend to you
Lumen Gentium, which teaches,
" Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel."
Is 0 a number, or not?
