Buddhism: harmony amongst religions

Like many of you, I have been upset by the recent cancellation of Mozart’s “Idomeneo” because of a perceived threat from unknown Muslims because of possibly offensive material… (the opera house has since reconsidered) The material in question is a scene in which the opera’s protagonist takes the stage and places four severed heads on chairs before the audience: those of Poseidon, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. The scene relates the sentiment that “the gods are dead” and that man has seized control of his fate: that humanity is now responsible for itself…

Nobody seems to worry about the offense to Poseidonists (if there are any), Buddhists, or Christians. It’s just the Muslims that caused the cancellation. The theatre is worried after the violent reactions to the Pope’s recent words (more on that to come, hopefully).

Concerning the two issues, I have been at a loss to formulate a ‘Buddhist’ approach – to propose something in my own words that would bring reconciliation and a movement forward on the path of caring and compassion for both parties. Today I did find the Dalai Lama touching lightly on the subject:

The Dalai Lama has distilled his personal belief system to a simple phrase: “My religion is kindness.”

While he would not comment directly on the furor aroused in the Muslim world after recent remarks about Islam by Pope Benedict XVI, the Dalai Lama warned in the interview against the misuse of religion to foment social divisions.

“Mischievous people often use religious faith for their own interests and create conflict,” he said, adding that any religion, including Buddhism, could be used for the wrong reasons. “We have to look at the real message of all these traditions.”

(from here)

For some reason I want him, or some other Buddhist leader(s) to step out and comment directly, to challenge (skillfully) both sides to move closer together, to mend this conflict, or at least show that path to both parties. If, as Buddhists, we cannot “speak truth to power” in the interfaith community, we are destined to remain in the background of religious thought during difficult times.

So, if you’ve heard anything, or have skillful suggestions of your own, please let me know.