Criticism of Buddhism

Criticism of Buddhism has taken numerous different forms, including philosophical and rational criticisms, but also criticism of praxis, such as that its practitioners act in ways contrary to Buddhist principles or that those principles systemically marginalize women. There are many sources of criticism, both ancient and modern, stemming from other religions, the non-religious, and other Buddhists. Critiques can be philosophical, questioning doctrines such as impermanence, interdependence, and emptiness, or practical, focusing on instances where practitioners may have acted inconsistently with the religion's core ideals such as compassion, nonviolence (ahimsa), and the alleviation of suffering. Some Buddhist communities work to address historical inequalities and reinterpret teachings in ways that are socially inclusive and ethically consistent.