Buddhism Thread

[Dei Terrare]

I, my self, am Buddhist. Therevada (Sri Lankan, Indian) to be exact.

A Buddhist is a person who learns the ways of Buddha, a king in Nepal. These teachings include peace, kindness, proper conduct, and teaching to others. Buddhism has rules known as the 8 fold path, usually depicted as The Wheel of Life. These ways are Right View (viewing reality as it is), Right intention (intention of renunciation, freedom, and harmlessness), Right speech (saying nice things), Right action (self-explanatory), Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness (Being aware of what things are), and Right concentration (meditating properly). We also follow the 4 noble truths, which is:

The truth of dukkha (suffering, anxiety, unsatisfactoriness)
The truth of the origin of dukkha
The truth of the cessation of dukkha
The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha

Those who has followed the 8 fold path throughout his/her whole life achieves Nirvana (state of peace).

When a person dies, he/she can be reincarnated to:

Naraka beings: those who live in one of many Narakas (Hells);
Preta: sometimes sharing some space with humans, but invisible to most people; an important variety is the hungry ghost;
Animals: sharing space with humans, but considered another type of life;
Human beings: one of the realms of rebirth in which attaining Nirvana is possible;
Asuras: variously translated as lowly deities, demons, titans, antigods; not recognized by Theravāda (Mahavihara) tradition as a separate realm;
Devas including Brahmas: variously translated as gods, deities, spirits, angels, or left untranslated.

Therevada believes in all of the above, but they discourage greed and ignorance.
Anymore questions can be answered by me.

[Prussia-Steinbach]

I like Buddhism, and my interest in it has grown with my abdication of Christianity. In the same vein, so has my interest in many Eastern philosophies and religions, mainly Vedanta. But I'd still identify as an agnostic atheist who is pretty sure of his atheism.

I always found Zen to be the most intriguing, rational, and "true" of the strains of Buddhism. The spiritual and "frivolous" aspects of the others, like Tibetan, put me off.

[Zakuvia]

I've always noticed that the common conception of Buddhism is as a religion of peace that actually walks the walk, if you'll forgive the pun. Most other religions are just religions of peace in a woefully sarcastic vein. I respect this greatly, but I must ask: what is the spiritual/religious justification of violent Buddhists in the Pacific area?

The Abrahamic religions all have lovely misusable quotes about maiming, killing, and burning (BFTBG), but I know very little about the Buddhist traditions or verses. Is there anything in the common books of the faith that can be misconstrued, or are these people just plainly not Buddhists, but wearing the saffron as a political ploy?

[Wulfenia]

Used to be an adherent a few years ago. Felt I wasn't getting anywhere, so I gave it up. Still think it has a few gold nuggets of truth in it.

I like Buddhism, and my interest in it has grown with my abdication of Christianity. In the same vein, so has my interest in many Eastern philosophies and religions, mainly Vedanta. But I'd still identify as an agnostic atheist who is pretty sure of his atheism.

I always found Zen to be the most intriguing, rational, and "true" of the strains of Buddhism. The spiritual and "frivolous" aspects of the others, like Tibetan, put me off.

That's kind of ironic, because Zen typically involves going beyond rational understand. Albeit more realistically than Tibetan, and Vajrayana in general, Buddhism.

[Prussia-Steinbach]

That's kind of ironic, because Zen typically involves going beyond rational understand. Albeit more realistically than Tibetan, and Vajrayana in general, Buddhism.

You know what I meant.

[Neo Telangana]

I've always noticed that the common conception of Buddhism is as a religion of peace that actually walks the walk, if you'll forgive the pun. Most other religions are just religions of peace in a woefully sarcastic vein. I respect this greatly, but I must ask: what is the spiritual/religious justification of violent Buddhists in the Pacific area?

The Abrahamic religions all have lovely misusable quotes about maiming, killing, and burning (BFTBG), but I know very little about the Buddhist traditions or verses. Is there anything in the common books of the faith that can be misconstrued, or are these people just plainly not Buddhists, but wearing the saffron as a political ploy?

There is no spiritual justification whatsoever for violence by Buddhists. On the contrary, a central tenet of Buddhism is ahimsa, which translates roughly to "non-harm". Buddhists strive to minimize suffering in the world, which necessarily involves abstaining from violence and killing. Ashoka, the ancient Indian emperor, is famous for renouncing warfare, adopting vegetarianism, and banning the killing/sacrifice of animals (or at least claiming/attempting to do all of these things) after his conversion of Buddhism.

In places where Buddhists have/are engaged in violence, it is entirely due to political, social, and/or ethnic tensions, and these people are indeed violating core teachings of the Buddha.

[Aalmark]

Buddhism is a neat religion that promotes a degree of balance, simplicity, and a lack of fundamentalism in any society. I can respect that. However, I laugh at the kale eating, cross fit loving San Francisco/Seattle 20 somethings who adhere to buddhism because "it's like, totes peaceful and eastern man." Fuck those people.

[Meryuma]

I like Buddhism, and my interest in it has grown with my abdication of Christianity. In the same vein, so has my interest in many Eastern philosophies and religions, mainly Vedanta. But I'd still identify as an agnostic atheist who is pretty sure of his atheism.

I always found Zen to be the most intriguing, rational, and "true" of the strains of Buddhism. The spiritual and "frivolous" aspects of the others, like Tibetan, put me off.

Yeah, Zen Buddhism seems pretty cool. Have you looked into Taoism at all?

[Russels Orbiting Teapot]

The best thing that I've personally taken out of Buddhism is the understanding that my suffering arises.from my desires. I find this to be very helpful, as I can limit the suffering I experience by limiting or giving up the associated desires.

I may be unusual in my ability to do so.

[The Conez Imperium]

Sorry if I confuse Hinduism with Buddhism however they seem rather similar. I don't have my guide on me but could you explain what happens after death. Is it still a continuation of the senses?

[The Island of Quickscopers]

Sorry if I confuse Hinduism with Buddhism however they seem rather similar. I don't have my guide on me but could you explain what happens after death. Is it still a continuation of the senses?

You will reincarnate as another being. You can reincarnate as an animal, another human, in hell, or even in the place of Brahmas.

[The Nocter Empire]

too many Hells. what's the point of going to Hell if I can't even meet Dolfy there ?

Just kidding. Buddhism is amongst my favorite faiths, but I'm far too attached to the pleasures of ordinary life to follow in the teachings of Buddha, I'm afraid.

Also, isn't Shintoism also an important variety of Buddhism ?

[The Island of Quickscopers]

too many Hells. what's the point of going to Hell if I can't even meet Dolfy there ?

Just kidding. Buddhism is amongst my favorite faiths, but I'm far too attached to the pleasures of ordinary life to follow in the teachings of Buddha, I'm afraid.

Also, isn't Shintoism also an important variety of Buddhism ?

KInda, but Shinto has different rituals than us. People in Japan practice both Zen Buddhism and Shintoism.

[Neo Telangana]

too many Hells. what's the point of going to Hell if I can't even meet Dolfy there ?

Just kidding. Buddhism is amongst my favorite faiths, but I'm far too attached to the pleasures of ordinary life to follow in the teachings of Buddha, I'm afraid.

Also, isn't Shintoism also an important variety of Buddhism ?

As far as I know, Shintoism is the traditional faith of Japan and not a variety of Buddhism, though it may have some influences from Buddhism

I am hesitant to use the term "faith" to describe Buddhism, since the Buddha made no mention of any "God" or even any supernatural force/entity in any of his sermons. If anything, Buddhism is an agnostic religion.

[The Island of Quickscopers]

As far as I know, Shintoism is the traditional faith of Japan and not a variety of Buddhism, though it may have some influences from Buddhism

I am hesitant to use the term "faith" to describe Buddhism, since the Buddha made no mention of any "God" or even any supernatural force/entity in any of his sermons. If anything, Buddhism is an agnostic religion.

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[Victoriala]

This thread is relevant to my interests.

Avalokitesvara bless this thread.

[The Nocter Empire]

too many Hells. what's the point of going to Hell if I can't even meet Dolfy there ?

Just kidding. Buddhism is amongst my favorite faiths, but I'm far too attached to the pleasures of ordinary life to follow in the teachings of Buddha, I'm afraid.

Also, isn't Shintoism also an important variety of Buddhism ?

As far as I know, Shintoism is the traditional faith of Japan and not a variety of Buddhism, though it may have some influences from Buddhism

I am hesitant to use the term "faith" to describe Buddhism, since the Buddha made no mention of any "God" or even any supernatural force/entity in any of his sermons. If anything, Buddhism is an agnostic religion.

Yeah I know, but I couldn't find another, more fitting word...

Doesn't Shintoism have Buddha as the supreme deity though ? So that would make them a form of Buddhism ? Or at least a dissident form if Buddha is normally not supposed to be a god ?

[Victoriala]

As far as I know, Shintoism is the traditional faith of Japan and not a variety of Buddhism, though it may have some influences from Buddhism

I am hesitant to use the term "faith" to describe Buddhism, since the Buddha made no mention of any "God" or even any supernatural force/entity in any of his sermons. If anything, Buddhism is an agnostic religion.

Yeah I know, but I couldn't find another, more fitting word...

Doesn't Shintoism have Buddha as the supreme deity though ? So that would make them a form of Buddhism ? Or at least a dissident form if Buddha is normally not supposed to be a god ?

Buddha isn't a deity, nor the Devas and Bodhisattvas. Gods in the most classical sense are discarded actually, since they are viewed as distractions from Enlightenment. However, devotion and veneration is centered pretty much on these enlightened beings.

That's one of the reasons we havr Buddhist Temples

[New Werpland]

I like Buddhism, and my interest in it has grown with my abdication of Christianity. In the same vein, so has my interest in many Eastern philosophies and religions, mainly Vedanta. But I'd still identify as an agnostic atheist who is pretty sure of his atheism.

I always found Zen to be the most intriguing, rational, and "true" of the strains of Buddhism. The spiritual and "frivolous" aspects of the others, like Tibetan, put me off.

A Nietzschian Buddhist, this goes beyond imagination.

[New Tuva SSR]

I made one of these earlier,got no replies.Tibetan Vajrayana myself.

[New Tuva SSR]

What happened to Dei Terrare?

[Prussia-Steinbach]

I like Buddhism, and my interest in it has grown with my abdication of Christianity. In the same vein, so has my interest in many Eastern philosophies and religions, mainly Vedanta. But I'd still identify as an agnostic atheist who is pretty sure of his atheism.

I always found Zen to be the most intriguing, rational, and "true" of the strains of Buddhism. The spiritual and "frivolous" aspects of the others, like Tibetan, put me off.

Yeah, Zen Buddhism seems pretty cool. Have you looked into Taoism at all?

Not really. I mean, I probably know more about it than your average American, but that isn't exactly a high bar.

[Prussia-Steinbach]

I like Buddhism, and my interest in it has grown with my abdication of Christianity. In the same vein, so has my interest in many Eastern philosophies and religions, mainly Vedanta. But I'd still identify as an agnostic atheist who is pretty sure of his atheism.

I always found Zen to be the most intriguing, rational, and "true" of the strains of Buddhism. The spiritual and "frivolous" aspects of the others, like Tibetan, put me off.

A Nietzschian Buddhist, this goes beyond imagination.

Who's the Nietzschian Buddhist, exactly?

Buddhism is a neat religion that promotes a degree of balance, simplicity, and a lack of fundamentalism in any society. I can respect that. However, I laugh at the kale eating, cross fit loving San Francisco/Seattle 20 somethings who adhere to buddhism because "it's like, totes peaceful and eastern man." Fuck those people.

Agreed. Beyond annoying. In western Colorado, the Tibetan prayer flags are really popular, they're everywhere. Makes me mad.

[Victoriala]

Yeah I know, but I couldn't find another, more fitting word...

Doesn't Shintoism have Buddha as the supreme deity though ? So that would make them a form of Buddhism ? Or at least a dissident form if Buddha is normally not supposed to be a god ?

Buddha isn't a deity, nor the Devas and Bodhisattvas. Gods in the most classical sense are discarded actually, since they are viewed as distractions from Enlightenment. However, devotion and veneration is centered pretty much on these enlightened beings.

That's one of the reasons we havr Buddhist Temples

By the way, Shinto in the most traditional sense doesn't worship buddha. It only happened during the Heian - Sengoku period iirc, when Buddhism ans Shinto syncretized. Shinto is basically animist with beliefs tied to Japan otself.

[Arumdaum]

It was Buddha's birthday today. Just came back from the local temple. Scored a nice bracelet and some good food.