I'm going to Thailand in a few weeks for three weeks. Our group of friends are going to visit some temples so I became a little curious. It's pretty easy to discount any cultural aspects of other countries or groups of people when you are an American. The constant barrage of "#1 USA and everything we do and stand for is the best" bullshit makes it easy to dismiss the way others live. So, I downloaded some podcasts regarding Buddhism. I am listening to podcast #1 of the Buddhist Boot Camp podcast series. Within 3 minutes, I'm in awe after listening to these lines:

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"...that's the idea behind Buddhist Boot Camp. It's not about being Buddhist at all. It's about being Buddha-like or Christ-like or whoever inspires you-like. Because you see: Your beliefs don't make you a better person. Your behavior does."

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Now, I know I'm listening to a podcast. I'm not studying the teachings or anything...but that hit me so differently than a guy standing behind a podium demanding that I pray this way or do that and believe this, but not what they teach at that church down the street and go out and try to convert/save all these people...whew...

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In closing...that line is going to stick with me a long time. Your beliefs don't make you a better person. Your behavior does.