Buddha Response to the Rg Veda

ÐŽoÐŽ¦Thinking to make merit, he makes demerit; thinking to do good, he does evil; thinking he seeks the way of happy going, he seeks the way of ill going.ÐŽ±

The Buddha criticizes the actions and intentions of Brahmanism. He sees they are full of sacrifices and ritual and surround themselves with gold, beautiful women. They intend to do good and live their lives sacrificing and doing all kinds of ritualistic deeds. The Buddha questions these intentions, however. The quote above, I feel, sums up how he feels about Brahmanism. They sacrifice and intent to do, but are they really doing. They can perform ritual after ritual and sacrifice after sacrifice but if the good intentions are not in their heart then all the sacrifice and rituals in the world do not mean a thing. What matters to the Buddha is the intentions within your heart and being. If you intend to do good for others and yourself then just do it. Be at peace with yourself and your heart and forget the cows and corn and sacrifice and women. Those worldly treasure will only lead you astray from what the true desire should be.

The BuddhaЎЇs main point is that all is good and well to intent to do good and set up a fire alter and sacrifice animals to achieve happiness and life after. But only will these things be achieved when you have peace and happiness and good intentions in your heart and mind. One should not do something only to reap the benefits hereafter. They should do things because of the good nature and will in their heart. It is not ok for a Christian to say he or she believes in Christ and that he died on the cross and expect to go to heaven because they go to church every Sunday. A Christian has to live a life that is Christian like and do good and want to do good in his or her heart. This is what the Buddha is saying as well.