Response: Buddhism's Compatibility

In response to Brian Fitzpatrick's post "On Rerererererereading the Dhammapada" (April 5, 2012):

The non-mystical, detectable results of practising Buddhism are, I think, a very large part of its appeal.  Particularly to those who grew up with traditions such as Christianity (wherein the results of belief and practice do not become manifest until after death), getting actual results within this lifetime may seem like a refreshing change.  Furthermore, I think that the compatibility of Buddhism with other religions may also seem welcoming to many, as they do not have to abandon their previous religious affiliation in order to practice at least a large portion of the advice of the Buddha.

While Buddhism does contain some metaphysical and spiritual elements which contradict the doctrines of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and so on, the actual practices (meditation, letting go of attachments, etc.) do not clash at all with these religions.  As such, it is possible for someone who is, for example, Muslim, to also practice Buddhism as part of their daily life.