Buddhism

[EternalStorm]

I want to have a serious discussion about Buddhism. I might be becoming one.

Now, first things first, for those who will say that Buddhism is a religion and I'm violating forum rules by posting this, let me correct that ignorance here, and now.

Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion. It has no deity, and in fact, it believes that all religions are a path to god. One of it's clear distinctions from religion is in fact the lack of a deity. Now, before you so cleverly point out Buddah, himself as the deity, I point out that he was simply a man, who wanted to seek reasons for the suffering around him, and in doing so, came to found Buddhism. He did not claim to be any sort of god or messiah, nor is he worshipped as such. He is simply seen as a very wise man, hence the name Buddah, which means "Enlightened one".

So, I want to know what you people have to say about Buddhism, so long as it's intelligent, and devoid of ignorance and flaming.

[Nerevar2]

Not a bad belief to follow. I myself hold some beliefs from Buddism like reincarnation, balance, and peace (although I am not above using violence to obtain peace). Karma is also a very good thing to pick up.

[ratan]

bro if you see about any religion only few religion is there.

other are just a mentality that we follow this rules so we need different community so they maken Buddhism community.

[Nerevar2]

bro if you see about any religion only few religion is there.

other are just a mentality that we follow this rules so we need different community so they maken Buddhism community.

Ummm....can someone translate?

[EternalStorm]

Ummm....can someone translate?

Allow me to try.

bro if you see about any religion only few religion is there.

other are just a mentality that we follow this rules so we need different community so they maken Buddhism community.

If you are looking into any religion, few are there???

Others are a mentality (Philosophy?), that follow certain rules, so we need a different community, so they're making Buddhism a community.

Now, I have no idea what that means, but I suppose you're trying to say that few religions do what religions are interpreted as.

I suppose that's true. However, what I percieve to be a religion is a form of ignorance, prejudice, and controlling the minds of those people.

But that isn't the topic.

Looking into Buddhism, I don't believe I'll be able to fully conform with all of the beliefs, but it still appeals to me greatly. Not to mention it's a complete change from my nature. But it isn't about the beliefs, or the tenets. It's about enlightenment, at least for me.

[Alusair]

Now, first things first, for those who will say that Buddhism is a religion... let me correct that ignorance here, and now.

Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion. It has no deity, and in fact, it believes that all religions are a path to god. One of it's clear distinctions from religion is in fact the lack of a deity.

I'm interested to know the source of your belief of Buddhism not being a religion. I'd say Buddhism is one of the best examples of the core definition of religion.

With that said, religion does not exclusively mean the worship of a deity, either. While more prominent religions may be centralized around a deity, they are not about the worship of a higher being, but rather a way of life encompassing certain beliefs, practices, lifestyles, and philosophies of a certain truth or purpose of human nature, morality, existence as we know it, and all that jazz.

While some religions may use a higher being as the focal point of their religious beliefs, not all religions do so, as Buddhism shows us.

[Wildor]

Storm, I can only advise to hasten slowly on this. You might not like all that revolves around buddhism.
Myself, I don't care to hear the Dalai-Lama speak of nation's karma. And that whatever tragedy striking a people is just some kind of expiation for past sins. Nor do I subscribe to that view when it comes to individuals.

[Rodri]

Buddhism is a philosophy. The fact that it has taken on the trappings of a religion was not the intention of Siddhartha.
The traditions and practices are additions, not part of the true path. [EDIT] It is still vallid but is a much slower path and it would take many lifetimes to reach nirvana. [/EDIT]

I cannot go into too much detail here. It would be boring anyway.
I would suggest exploring Zen Buddhism as a true path.
But read the texts first, so you know where the path leads.

One reason Buddhism is not a religion is because it offers no heavenly rewards. In fact full enlightenment will gain you...

...nothing.

You can also be part of a religion and still be buddhist. It doesn't matter.

[Lord Arumen]

Buddhism is a philosophy. The fact that it has taken on the trappings of a religion was not the intention of Siddhartha.
The traditions and practices are additions, not part of the true path. [EDIT] It is still vallid but is a much slower path and it would take many lifetimes to reach nirvana. [/EDIT]

I cannot go into too much detail here. It would be boring anyway.
I would suggest exploring Zen Buddhism as a true path.
But read the texts first, so you know where the path leads.

One reason Buddhism is not a religion is because it offers no heavenly rewards. In fact full enlightenment will gain you...

...nothing.

You can also be part of a religion and still be buddhist. It doesn't matter.

True. In fact, history shows Siddhartha didn't want Buddhism to be a religion. Some do follow it as a religion though. I do happen to know Buddhist Christians.

[Alusair]

The fact that it has taken on the trappings of a religion was not the intention of Siddhartha.
The traditions and practices are additions, not part of the true path.

Whether it was originally intended to be a philosophy or not, it has evolved to the point that it now has a religious following. I believe the Mahayana branch falls in line with that primarily.

On another note, Nirvana is a concept of mysticism, not philosophy.