1. it's known throughout the intellectual and civilised world that
Buddhism does not subscribe to the idea of a 'soul'. As I have
pointed out in my previous mails, a quick flip to Britannica or any
good encyclopedia will reveal that. Imagine some people going to a
Christian (online) community and claim God never exist. These people
ARE trouble-makers.
2. the basis of Buddhism is three fundamental principles: the Four
Noble Truths, the Middle Way (Noble Eightfold Path) and Dependent
Origination. And, there is a central theme to these three principles.
We call them the three universal characteristics: Transience
(Impermanence), Insubstantiality (Lack of essence / Soulessness), and
Unsatisfactoriness (Suffering). All schools in Buddhism teach them.
3. Buddhism has come a long way. I have mentioned briefly that the
idea of soulessness was challenged before in history, so it's no big
surprise, really.
4. anyone who is really confident and want to discuss such issue
should (i) discuss it at the academic level first, show substantial
research and get the support of the academic community; or (ii)
discuss it with the leading buddhists and convince them first.
5. In Chinese, there is a phrase call "duan zhang qu yi", that is
exactly the tactics these people employed when they misinterpreted
the Tipitaka. The only wise step left for them is to write their own
suttas.
6. Do you think there are still people out there who want to con
others using religion, in this modern age? It will be very tough.
First, they have to make themselves an authority, a master of some
kind. Then they have to come up with their own version of religious
ideas. Then they have to go around getting innocent followers before
making any con-money. Trust me, they should go into internet hacking
instead. :-)
7. This group does not welcome conmen and their shadows.