Holistic Befriending of the Other in Buddhism

Buddhist befriending is holistic: it befriends
human beings, even enemies, and nature too. In Buddhism
one befriends others, in all circumstances and without
discrimination, whether they are friends or enemies,
offenders and prisoners, the poor and the needy. It also 
includes other religions and cultures as well as nature. We 
find several examples in the Buddhist texts, in history and
in the contemporary world. This befriending is done with
an altruistic spirit, with forbearance, loving friendship and
compassion. As in all religions, however, there are exceptions
in the texts, in history and in the modern world. Still, overall,
Buddhism has been more peace-loving and non-violent than
several other religions. Buddhist and Christian befriending
do resemble each other, e.g., both are opposed to malice and
both go to the extent of loving one’s enemy. Although there
are similarities, there are also differences between Buddhism
and Christianity with regard to the presuppositions, the
cultivation, motivation and expression of befriending.  While divergent world-views result in such differences, Buddhists,
Christians and others need to hearken to the call of peace and
altruistic love, to heal a broken world and build bridges of
friendship and harmony with other human beings and with
nature.