There are wars in Buddhist countries are because those who make wars are not true Buddhists, though they may have claimed so. One of the first precept of the basic five precepts is "NO KILLING OF ALL BEINGS".
BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.BUDDHA WAS BORN IN NEPAL.
@Dizzlyn Exactly thats what makes buddihsm great they are not going around trying to get on somebody's ass trying to convert them to the their religion. That is so stupid i cant believe it. Buddihsm all the way.
PEACE TO YOU ALL! Did you know that Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr practices Nichiren Buddhism and believes "We have a responsibility to bring peace and harmony to our lives and the world." As part of her Nichiren beliefs, she reportedly chants every morning and night for 20 minutes, practices yoga, meditates, and reads widely on spirituality.
I began doubting Christianity when I was 9years old even though I was raised in a very Christian family. I had no one influencing me this way. It just didn't make sense to me. I have nothing against Christians it just didn't fit for me.
Buddhism in America is generally construed. Even in many Asian countries, Buddhism has been overwhelmed by country superstition. The Buddha did not mean for it to be this way. For her to say "How exciting, we can finally address these things. And certainly a title as provocative as 'God is Not Great'. That's fantastic!" is not the Buddha way. I we are to be Buddhist, then we should detach ourselves from such motions of thought.
"God is not great" is a foolish title for a foolish Book. Buddhism doesn't say that there is no God, that is a total misunderstanding. Instead Buddhism is all about cognition & that all phenomena are primordially unborn. Gods are gods b/c of their many compassionate deeds in their previous life forms & that they chose to live in the plains of heaven & experience their fruiction. but it is not a permanent refuge itself.
May all beings find true happiness & be free from suffering & all its causes.
A rebuke to the comment"that if america was Buddhist, there would be no war." If this was true , why is there some much war in Buddhist countries; Burma, Vietnam, China, ect. ect. ?
Since Buddhism is truly a philosophy for living a peaceful, enlightened life, you can be any religion (or no religion) and be Buddhist. True Buddhism, as taught by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, is without religious dogma.
that's because none of the people declaring war are Buddhists to begin with. Also, people don't generally declare wars, it's the politicians and the power-hungry that do. It's the craving for control and dominance that fuel all wars. As I understand it, it's the goal of Buddhism to set people free from such cravings.
@photolitherland i agree, but Buddhism isn't about GOD, it's a teaching to higher wisdom and enlightenment... I am a Hindu, and I like to embrace the good morals and teachings from every religion...
@FletcherHabit Buddhism isn't a religion but an education. An education to educate people what right and what wrong. An education to teach us to live in harmony with our surrounding, with others and with those beyond our eyes cant see. =]
if you start to label things and yourself as something then you are presumptious already, before you know anything that is different than your favoritism.
I love how these news people try to scare you over the fact that people are turning to Buddhism,as if it were a threat (to their owners it is). I also like them pointing out some rare example of one community that is expanding with Buddhist temples.
@jackooboy1 lol... why do i need to spend my money going into USA just to visit some church... considering that most christians(whatever sect it is) teaches intolerance...
@jackooboy1 very much so it depends how modern or liberal your sect is. Many Christian traditions preach that other religions are either masked devil worship or are a 1 way ticket to hell. Some are not so fire and brimstone and are compatible with a christian/Buddhist hybrid as long as it remains monotheistic and that christ is the son of god. im extremely atheist and buddhism works with me, my friend is extremely christian and buddhism works with him too. if ur a fundamentalist it wont work
Buddhism is about personal accountability.. that sounds more appealing to me than "well just try your best when it's convenient but ultimately it doesn't matter because I will hopefully be forgiven"
22 Although asserting they were wise, they became foolish 23 and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed creatures and creeping things.
Mark 10:6 However, from [the] beginning of creation ‘He made them male and female
Romans 1:20 For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable; 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their unintelligent heart became darkened.
Funny how the report jumbles two different religions into one and they don't even notice it (notice how the monks in the beginning wear orange robes and the ones at the end brown)
whole point of Buddhism to to cease to exist. i have NO problem with Buddhism or those who practice it, but i realize that it is not for me. sounds too boring
@TheRocketman1989 actually the Buddha states that Nibbana(Nirvana in Sanskrit) is just "the deathless state" it is not a state of being, and it is not a state of oblivion(nothing)".
@scorpioninpink : It depends on what your definition of a religion is. If being a religion means you "need" a god, then perhaps Buddhism is not a religion. Of course, not all religion have gods. Jainism, Shintoism, Confuciusism, Buddhism, just to name a few. You have to take a moment to think "What requirements are needed for something to be called a religion?" If you check online, religion does not have to have a God...at least from what I believe.
@cypresspuz No. There would just be no needless wars. We'd still have war. It's inevitable. If the WORLD was Buddhist, however, it would be a different story.
@cypresspuz look at cambodia and thailand. They are buddhist yet there are skirmishes between them over some trivial stuff. It not about being a buddhist country but using politics to carry out buddhist teachings: Compassion and non-self interest! Calling oneself buddhist isn't enough but actually living it. That the important stuff. Same with Chrsitianity and Islam. Their teachings in essence are promoting peace. Too bad some followers misinterpret the true intention of their holy books.
@Quy4life No, it's the Christian bible that is truly problematic. Full of lie and mistake, it's not strong enough to control the lustful side of humanity. There are many bad Buddhist, but there is never a "holy massacre " under the name of Buddhism. The Buddhists who did bad things are considered betrayal of their religion, the Christians who did massive bad things are supported by their religion.
@cypresspuz Oh no War is the duty of a warrior! The Rulers of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh were Buddhist 1000 years ago.But they could not survive the Sward and Fire of the new religion from Saudi. Look what happens there now.
@rbesco55 Yes there are a "number of heavens" in Buddhism. The Buddha teaches there are 31 planes of existence. There are lower realms of ghosts, spirits, animals and even incredibly horrible hells of fire and filth. But there are also heavens above the earth realms where beings do not suffer because of their good deeds. The number of years that you live in the lowest heaven is something like 9million! It goes up from there!
Like kids dreaming of magic & fairy tales. Miracles, prophecies are for the weak, cowardly & lazy. Unable to face up to the world's problems they look for a santa to bail them out, just make sure u repent, beg & grovel like crazy! The pleased king will put u up in a 5 star hotel for eternity!
Moksha is EARNED, never begged for nor given. Heaven & Hell are right here on Earth, we make them happen thru our efforts, not God. Hinduism, Buddhism are religions for the Strong, Brave & active
Buddhism is the only religion that lets you choose... it's followers does not force themselves on you... Christians, Catholics, Muslims, etc... are very Violent Religions!!!
Buddhism & Hinduism are Teacher faiths(Abrahamic religions are King religions) - that means Enlightenment is the goal. Heaven & hell are right here on earth, we, by our actions, make this world a Heaven or Hell. Do no kneel to the Murti when you are in the temple for that is the action of a subject/slave/servant, not a Student.
Buddhism Is not a dogmatic system of rules that say you must follow every letter of every text to be one of us. Some people on this page want to through the baby out with the bath water. Reincarnation is not a pillar of Buddhism. Buddhism is the journey to enlightenment. To end the self imposed suffering we deal to ourselves. To find that we hold the power over our lives. Not a sky daddy. Question everything tell it makes since to you.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
The weakest point in Buddhism is the claim of rebirth. When you read any text on Buddhism, you will see the leap of faith. This is because Buddhism is based on a theistic tradition of a soul, gods, and transmigration. Buddha Gotama rejected the soul or permanent self but still adopted the ancient Vedic rebirth belief, which in turn makes Buddhism quite inconsistent and redundant.
Hello - No I disagree with you and its a fine point but here goes. The Buddha did not say there was "Reincarnation" but rather "Rebirth". Reincarnation means there is SOMETHING reincarnating. When you light a candle with the flame from another candle -no "Soul" passes but just another process. This is rebirth.
Also the Gods spoken of in Buddhism are not Theistic gods but rather simply beings in very high heaven realms reborn there due to good Karma from Meditation and following precepts.
how much do u understand about the religion?you criticised as if you have know it in and out.people thought years to study about it and still yet know what does it means.please go into it and know more about it before you give any comment
@buddhasknowbest The point was about being held accountable for our actions - ie if i take money in this birth and am unable to return it before death, i must come back and pay it back. Drive carelessly and cause a crash? the christian can beg & grovel his way to heaven - whereas a Hindu or Buddhist must come back & make amends. The path to Moksha is a long one, needing several lives.
@buddhasknowbest Begintosee is right. First of all, Buddhism is not a theistic religion. The "gods" spoken of by Buddha referred to the Hindu gods, which are understood more symbolically than anything to most Buddhists. Also, one of the core teachings of Buddhism is that we don't have a soul (a core, unchanging, supernatural part of ourselves).
It doesn't matter how "most Buddhists" acknowledge devas. The majority do not decide what is correct. From the oldest authoritative texts, Gotama Buddha sees gods, talks to gods, is advised by gods, and is aided by gods. There is absolutely no indication whatsoever that devas are symbolic. The Buddha said it is factual. If you cannot accept or trust what the Gotama Buddha says in the Digha or Majjhima Nikaya, all you have are more theistic interpretations in later texts.
@buddhasknowbest I didn't say that gods aren't involved in certain Buddhist writings. Clearly they are, as you pointed out. The Buddha, as well as his followers, lived in a Hindu society, where such beings were assumed to exist. But what I said was true: Buddhism is not a theistic religion, because whatever beings they believed to factually exist did not enter into the process of enlightenment.
@buddhasknowbest The Devas are as "real" as you or me. If you can understand the answer to that, then you will get the gist of Buddhism and Hinduism, especially Advaita Vedanta.
No, the devas are fictional. Religion uses superstition and invisible beings to support weak doctrines and unsubstantiated claims. Gotama claimed that the devas bowed to him in order to portray himself as superior to the Vedic gods and to convey his authority as a teacher. Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Joseph Smith... all of these men have done it.
@buddhasknowbest Actually it is the single greatest religious concept ever - it teaches us to be ACCOUNTABLE for our actions. Man dies with unpaid debts, he must come back & repay. Basically this teaching asks us to lead our life on the straight & narrow like God Rama did.
@ramaraksha01 Good point. Christianity teaches Kamma too. But even if you drop rebirth, you can see that actions, beliefs, thoughts, speech all have consequences here and now. It's called cause and effect. The whole issue of rebirth is a diversion from getting on with living the Noble Eightfold Path: the path to true happiness, joy and compassion. It's not rocket science.
The doctrine of karma attempts to explain our present condition. We are our past and the present determines the future, according to Siddhartha. While partly correct on a small scale, it utterly fails as a doctrine. A car accident could be the consequence of reckless driving but reckless driving doesn't always lead to a car accident. Buddhism claims that, if there is volition to drive recklessly, then a result in another life will sprout if it does not in the current lifetime.
@buddhasknowbest Does the Buddha ever say that A invariably causes B? Where does it say this in the Pali Cannon? Your information about Buddhism is not only uncharitable, but not based in the Cannon. Moreover, I'm wondering why you're so interested in "refuting" Buddhism. Why not instead develop your mind and heart and not worry about who is right and who wrong? Even if you bracket the question of rebirth, you have everything else there for a reasonable path. Do you have anything better?
@dogdutyascetic the whole concept of rebirth is to make us ACCOUNTABLE for our actions - there is no escape hatch unlike in christianity & islam. In those religions one simply begs & grovels until either the king god relents or sends them to hell. Karma & rebirth teach us that it is upto us to make things better - reflect on our actions, this world belongs to Hindus, whether we make it a hell or heaven is upto us.
@buddhasknowbest The 'claim' of rebirth is established on philosophical reasoning or direct insight, not because of an unthinking adherence to tradition. Its argued that consciousness cannot have a material cause.
@buddhasknowbest First you must understand the buddhist view of soul. It is called alaya consciousness which is not confined to a single being, yet it is something which collects karmic merit, good/bad, from whatever sentient being it currently inhabits. After the death of that being it then passes to another level based on the karma collected. There are no gods worshiped. There is a god realm based on a higher level of positive merit gained.
You're speaking of an interpretation that was developed almost 1000 years after the Buddha passed. Consciousness is confined to the brain, according to today's top neuroscientists. If consciousness was not confined to a single entity and it collected karma, Nibbana would be impossible because you would constantly have to deal with the consciousness and karma of other people. There is no evidence of "karma" lays dormant anywhere in order to spring out elsewhere. Karma is just volition.
@buddhasknowbest You aren't understanding the concept. There is no "I". To understand the teaching you must come to the realization that this body and this mind are merely a vessel for the alaya consciousness. The easiest explanation I can come up with is a taxi cab. The body is the car, the brain is the driver controlling it, and the alaya consciousness is the passenger. It is taken where you drive it, and in the end it leaves you behind to move on to the next mode of transportation.
Anatta means "not self." It does not mean "there is no self" and this is a common mistake Westerners make. Before Siddhartha was even born, the concept of a self was considered detrimental to meditation and the Buddha accepted the notion of a self consisting of aggregates. Nevertheless, man still had consciousness, perception, and volition. You cannot say the soul is 'alaya consciousness' because another skandha is samskara and that is volition! Without samskara, rebirth is false.
@buddhasknowbest I know this teaching is hard for westerners to understand. It too me almost two years to start to comprehend. Try searching alaya consciousness and read Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book Describing the Indescribable, it explains it very well. If you still can't begin to grasp the teaching then I suggest visiting a temple and asking the monk(s) or nun(s) there.
The body is not merely a vessel for consciousness. Consciousness is a process of the brain that mobilizes the body to achieve complex tasks in the physical world. The "Buddha" conveniently dismissed his rebirth in Rahula but his DNA molecules continued living on. That is the epitome of the rebirth of man. Buddhism claims that consciousness and volition are aggregates along with rupa and there is no abiding soul. The effects of volition into other lifetimes is based on faith alone.
@gunner525 The traditional view of the Buddha as expressed in the Pali Cannon does not include any soul. Period. It's a serious misunderstanding of the Buddha's message to believe he does.
@buddhasknowbest Buddhism is not theism that's for certain. Liberation is not based on a god. If you have a problem with rebirth then don't believe in it. The Buddha didn't teach a dogma to believe in. He lays out a solid path that you can take or not; it's a path of liberation. But I guess you need to take the path to see if you still think rebirth is silly at the end. There are many answers to the puzzle of rebirth without a permanent self; do some research before dismissing it out of hand.
@buddhasknowbest "You haven't addressed any of the subject matter with anything substantial. Instead, you've chosen to rant make personal attacks. That was extremely low, my friend". Please read my post more carefully. My "personal attack" seems apt given your repeated disregard for what anyone else says. You will never get close to the truth if you only wish to hear your own voice. Buddhism does not live or die on the issue of rebirth, and moreover you haven't shown it is false.
@buddhasknowbest simply put, texts are "redundant" because they have been written by different people from different times. Most modern more "humanitarian" buddhists dump these vedic reincarnation beliefs. As an atheist myself, I am uncertain to whether rebirth could be true or not. But it's a great prospect (and the idea of unlimited time to unwrite the wrong sounds better to me than going up into heaven to rot forever.)
@buddhasknowbest there are no gods in buddhism, there are no souls. these have been added on from different cultures when they adapt buddhism to their previous beliefs. in the times of sidhartha gautama, he searched for understanding, for enlightenment, for the reality of all things. and in those days of history, it was not possible for people to attain quantitative evidence about scientific matters. however, through meditation, the buddha was able to logicly explain "the circle of life"
Buddha Gautama never said there are no gods or no souls. In the West, there is a lot of misinformation about Buddhism intended to make it seem more scientific and atheistic than it actually is. Unlike most religions, Buddhist practice is very tolerant and inclusive. But this does not extend to the exclusive claims made about the world by Buddha Gautama. He said, "It is known to me to be the case, Bharadvaja, that there are gods." Buddhism brought these gods to other cultures.
@buddhasknowbest The Buddha rejected the "permanent self" because of people's inaccurate ideas about what remains permanent, which isn't at all related to "the self," or duality in any manner. There is no "self' and "other" in prime observation/action in Buddhist thought. When people think of a soul, they usually think of an etheric copy of their organism and/or personality, which is thoroughly false according to Buddha.
Buddhism and militant atheism are incompatible. Buddha Gotama said devas (gods) do indeed exist. The Tipitaka is absolutely littered with gods, many of which have Vedic and Persian origins. Yama is one. After the Enlightenment, It was a god that begged Buddha Gotama to preach, for those with little dust in their eyes. There is a devil (Mara) but Buddhists prefer to ignore the Brahma. It's dishonest. Many suttas are left untranslated because they are unpleasent to scientific Westerners.
I have studied Buddhism for a number of years,a nd I have found it requires as much faith as any other religion, belief in karma, belief in rebirth, belief that the eightfold path will lead to enlightenment,belief there is a state called Nirvana, belief that there are Buddhas and Bohdis. None of these things can be shown true empirically, so the Buddhist is exercising faith.Just becaue it is non theistic does not mean it does not require faith.
desertboy9 is absolutely correct. Buddhism is based on the ancient Vedic worldview that beings are repeatedly reborn. However, there is no evidence of rebirth and Buddhists erroneously refer to modern studies that actually support reincarnation. Once you accept that a individual lives only once, Buddhism becomes quite irrelevant. There is no evidence that our karma (intentional actions) are seeded into the afterlife. These beliefs are based in the theistic Vedic religions and contradict often.
rebirth from a scientific viewpoint is true. There are a limited number of atoms and molecules in the world(give or take a few) and each being is continually being recycled from that.
That is not the Buddhist doctrine of rebirth. Modern science has proven that consciousness and the mind is in the brain. There is no evidence that our conscious mind is reborn into another body. You are taking a leap of faith. There are atoms and molecules and corpses are fed on. That has nothing to do with the doctrine of reincarnation or rebirth.
Buddhism offers a bleak worldview. Like most religions, it says that most humans are going to a state of suffering after death.
The fact that there are a limited number of atoms and molecules has everything to do with the scientific principle of rebirth. Buddhism just extends this idea to conscious also. There is no proof that conscious is reborn but we can't rule out everything until further study as there are people who claim repressed memories of past lives. As of now, we have no evidence.
I don't think it says most humans are going to state of suffering after death not unless your karma has been bad.
@buddhasknowbest "...consciousness and the mind is in the brain" This is absolute garbage and shows an utter lack of understanding. Consciousness pervades the entire universe. It is highly foolish to think the subtle world is as compartmentalized as the phenomenal; this has been stated time and again by sages from time immemorial.
@Ooga001 "Consciousness pervades the entire universe." "...this has been stated time and again by sages from time immemorial."
I think what I show is an utter lack of the dogma that you've adopted from your people. If 99.9999998% of humanity believed in what the sages say, that still would not make it true. No amount of belief makes something a fact. Your "sages" not only contradict each other, they contradict themselves! Swami Nithyananda claim celibacy, but behind closed doors, he does women!
@buddhasknowbest Who the heck is talking about Nithyananda you twat? A rSi, one like Viswamitra et al., not an ordinary human like Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), realized the fourth state of existence; Turiya. You're far too stupid to even comprehend it so I suggest you stick to thumping your "suttas" and your 4-crooked folds and 8 half-truths..
@buddhasknowbest and secondly, you never rebutted my point. Again, you're a westerner (right?), an untouchable, not even worthy to be part of Buddhist Sangha so again, just stick to your bible-thumping nonsense and leave the philosophy to the adults (Indians).
@Ooga001 You say you love the Dharmam Sanaatanam but your tongue is untrained and mind defiled. The mukhya upanishads seem to have gone in one ear and out the other. You're a brahmin, not a sramana. Save the philosophy and realization for kshatriyas. Forget me. I have lived with Islamic fundamentalists and trained in the hardest Asian monasteries. I'm beyond Vedanta and Buddhism. I can already tell what kind of job you have in America. No wonder why you milk this brahmin thing for all its worth.
@buddhasknowbest "I have ... trained in the hardest Asian monasteries. I'm beyond Vedanta and Buddhism." You haven't learned much. Right speech for instance. Your argument style is completely irrational. You make claims about all of Buddhism that at best applies only partially. You want to dismiss the lot on the basis of the issue of rebirth, which you offer no proof for, and which hardly entitles dismissal across the board. You entertain no counter-claims. Lots of delusion here.
You haven't addressed any of the subject matter with anything substantial. Instead, you've chosen to rant make personal attacks. That was extremely low, my friend. Take care.
@buddhasknowbest Lots of misinformation in your posts my friend. You need to look at some better Buddhist literature. Check out Ajahn Chah, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Ajahn Sumedho, and other Theravada monks. There are many free talks by them on line.
The buddha also taught his disciples to question everything even Siddhartha himself So if you don't want to believe in karma or that there are enlightened beings(Buddhas) amongst us you are free to do so.
@desertboy9 Absolutely! Except, "nirvana" means cessation of thought so it is not so much as a 'belief' or 'faith' in nirvana as an actual experience (what experiences this "nirvana" is the questions Buddhists need to answer).
@desertboy9 Depends what you mean by 'faith'. It doesn't mean 'faith' in the Christian sense of believing in a god. Of course there are elements of faith but this is only because we need to have faith to get going. Everything will be tested along the way though. Everything requires faith in this sense. I have faith that the ground under my feet is still there when I take a step. Anyhow, Buddhism is not about study but about cultivating the mind/heart. Why not do that instead of reading about it?
@desertboy9 yes but I think you have missed the point of the buddhas teachings. Buddha said to question everything, even his own words, so everybody has there own path to find, you do not have to believe in everthing to be buddist. just be mindful of your actions, and make sure you carry everything out you do with good intentions! this is my basic understanding of buddhism.
@desertboy9 Actually the Buddha revealed discovered truths. What he said was this is the way reality works check it out yourself. True most Buddhist lack the ability to see all that the Buddha said, but you are wrong about it not being empirically true. By study and healthy skepticism, even an attitude of it's all BS and I'll prove it, you will discover that he was telling the exact truth. Anti-faith(and an open mind to truth) with effort will be just as good as faith.
@desertboy9 A lot of that actually goes against what Buddha taught, and was simply adopted from pre-existing beliefs present in the public consciousness at the time.
Welcome to Buddhism. Buddhism is for a thinking mind and will not adopt blind faith. The result for practising Buddhism is instant if one cares to practise it sincerely. Noble Eightfold Path and Kalama sutta are must to understand.
What do you mean it does not require faith? How do you know that there is an energy that lives on after death, and has a rebirth, .How do you know there is karma in the next life, you barely see any of it in this life. How do you know that following Buddhist teaching actually leads to "enlightenment", where you not reborn anymore and there are Buddha's and Bohdi's. How do you know the eight fold path will actually lead to enlightenment.
I think you have a great ability to find the correct path.Keep questioning would not be enough for this follow the path without faith but with curosity and questioning you will see the truth.According to the buddha's teaching faith comes after you enlightened.It's like someone taking medicine to cure an illness you will not go for a doctor if he has bad history where his patients got died because of wrong diagnosis.What you can do is experiment the path.
Greco-Buddhism, sometimes spelt Graeco-Buddhism, refers to the cultural syncretism between Hellenistic culture and Buddhism, which developed between the 4th century BCE and the 5th century CE
Buddhism isn't a religion, but it contains aspects of religion, just as it contains aspects of philosophy, ethics, and psychology. And Buddhism doesn't deny a God - one must remember, Buddhism is very practical - it merely sees the question of God's existence as unhelpful. And as a Buddhist, I find Dawkins' and Hitchen's anti-religious banter to be just as counter-productive. I prefer tolerance to what basically amounts to angsty teenage rebellion.
I so agree with you. The Buddha got it right when he said speculating on the existence of God is a waste of time. It's like arguing who's delusion is the true one. Most atheists I have encountered have a childish sense of superiority and an irrational hatred of religion.
@roarthwo Very well said. Since the athiests do not believe in a higher power, then there is no need to write books on a God. Those authors either do it to from their ignorance and disrespect towards the believers, or to make money... Maybe both.
Religion and beliefs is a personal thing. For me If there is a god, great, if there isn't great. My goal is to be mindful, compassionate, open minded, helpful, respectful.
I actually think that Atheist write so many books because Atheism itself is a RELIGION. The do BELIEVE there is no god. They certainly don't know and can't prove anything yet they try to bring more people into their "church". I believe the concept of God started with Zoroasterism 4000 years ago and hasn't stopped since. Before that there was no god to believe in....
Atheism comes from greek atheos meaning without gods.. you need a higher power to have a religion.. and the concept of God started when questions couldnt be answered zoroaster was the first virgin birth.. maybe, but thats been repeated in many religions
you believed wrong, Atheism is an absence of religion. I find it hard for you to ignore physics, chemistry, biology, etc. Which are all means of learning and proving. We have no church to go to silly, all people are non theistic when they are born, it isnt until your told about any mysticism that a biased view on reality arises. To be honest, i dont "BELIEVE" there isnt a god, i know there isnt. If there were, then the question arises, What created god? Why is he an irresponsible prick? etc.
I believe Atheism to BE A religion. What is it built on? -Belief there is no god- NOT knowledge but belief. If you are open to either way based on what proof you get then I would say you are agnostic. But try to argue with an Atheist. They will stick to their ideas no matter what. There are unseen FACTS of existence which are not yet knowable to us like electricity was not a fact to people only 100+ yrs ago. We must be open to everything and not rule out anything. :)
Sorry but, Celestial Dictatorships are highly unscientific. That has no place in an intellectual community. I suggest we are open to useful info, and rule out stupidity. @ the comment about unknowns, its 2010 humanity is intelligent enough now that we can immancipate ourselves from this nonsense. If your open to mysticism, then you might as well be open to killer snowmen with giraffe necks.
Well- Buddhism says there is no God. So does that make it Atheism or a Religion?
This video IS about Buddhism -which has no theistic belief and does say that we are responsible for our own lives -totally. So what is your point. What are you disagreeing with?
But buddhism is spiritual and does have a beliefe in the supernatural to an extent, look at mahayana and theraveda buddhism. Atheism is a default state of mind for critical thinking people.
Yes it would appear that way but the Buddha himself said "Do not believe anything I say -try it for yourself and only then if there is benefit, adopt it as your own practice".
Buddhism does NOT say that there is no god. The subject is left to interpretation . There is no "PERSONAL" god ie, having the traits of a human being. If you are a practicing Buddhist, as I am, you obviously believe there is a supreme force, emptiness. Do your homework
@metronomic1 Emptiness? There are many forms of Buddhism, not all rely on the business of emptiness. There is of course the promise of Nirvana. The Buddha in the classic texts appears to leave this pretty undefined. The business of Buddhism is to take the Eightfold Noble Path and not worry about the destination. Take the path of non-suffering. Put an end to suffering. Live, here and now, in happiness, joy and bliss through compassion. The Buddha shows how to make this a permanent state. Peace
69Thrasha69 - you must hold yourself very high if you truly feel you "know" there is no God. Where's your proof there isn't a God? You have no more proof than those who believe there IS. If you truly feel your heart is beating right now because it just is, and there is no divine force behind that - then go ahead and believe that - but don't belittle others who choose to believe that every breath is a divine gift.
@69Thrasha69 // hey, i think atheism means the absence of a god, not religion. plus i think buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion. if you say you "know" there isn't a god, well congrats, you're no longer an atheist, but an evangelical theist, but just in reverse, more like an anti theist. atheists keep their minds open about the idea of a god. buddhists are more non theist. and why do you keep mentioning god?
@69Thrasha69 its not true that a biased view of reality only arises when one meets with religion. 'Common-sense' views of reality are also biased. When you look at a rock, you assume there is really a thoroughly solid, unconscious, material object external to your mind, which is a biased philosophical view if its articulated. Even scientifically, it turns out to be mostly space, not at all as solid as we assume.
@Ashiman12 Buddhism merely discourages discussion and elaboration on the divine; as most people are not enlightened and will thus lead to constant disagreement and argument. Buddha merely emphasized self-enquiry as a means to end suffering (creation). Secondly, the philosophy that Buddha preached is far different from what "Buddhism" is today; especially so outside of India & Tibet.
@Ashiman12 I assume you haven't read anything by Dawkins or Hitchens, or if you have then you are being disingenuous. We don't 'respect' people's beliefs in any other area of life, like science or history or politics, instead we criticize their reasons for believing what they do. This is because the more powerful and influential something is the more it should be subject to criticism, not less- and religion is very powerful and influential.
@sam51092 If you mean the academic definition of criticism (evaluating something's strengths and weaknesses) then I agree. But there's another kind of criticism, which is when you seek to find fault. That seems to be Dawkins and Hitchen's primary objective. They seem very unwilling to consider any positive effects of religion in an honest way. And there's a difference between respecting the content of a person's belief and respecting their RIGHT to have said belief.
@Ashiman12 "They seem very unwilling to consider any positive effects of religion..."
Again, try reading them before judging. First, the above is a silly objection. It's like someone goes on trial for murder and their defence is "oh but you're just seeking to find fault, only focusing on the murders I committed while totally ignoring the present I gave my mom last week!" Second, religion's positives like 'comfort' are acknowledged, it's just argued this can be gotten from elsewhere.
There are wars in Buddhist countries are because those who make wars are not true Buddhists, though they may have claimed so. One of the first precept of the basic five precepts is "NO KILLING OF ALL BEINGS".
chey81135 21 hours ago
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yourdeven 5 days ago
Christians will also be mad because when people finally wake up they will convert to either buddhism or atheism
405OklahomaBrewing 2 months ago
@cypresspuz In a world where everyone thinks the same, nobody thinks at all.
Buddhism's goal is not to convert everyone, and the best Buddhist is one who is surrounded by people of many other religions not all Buddhist.
Dizzlyn 3 months ago
@Dizzlyn Exactly thats what makes buddihsm great they are not going around trying to get on somebody's ass trying to convert them to the their religion. That is so stupid i cant believe it. Buddihsm all the way.
cypresspuz 2 months ago 4
i like it, it's far more open minded than christianity.
MrNytn2001 3 months ago 5
I respect Buddhism a great deal, and I am a Christian. It is a far better way of life than Catholicism, that's for sure.
ProtestantsRUs 3 months ago 4
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PEACE TO YOU ALL! Did you know that Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr practices Nichiren Buddhism and believes "We have a responsibility to bring peace and harmony to our lives and the world." As part of her Nichiren beliefs, she reportedly chants every morning and night for 20 minutes, practices yoga, meditates, and reads widely on spirituality.
knightsofstjoan2004 3 months ago
I began doubting Christianity when I was 9years old even though I was raised in a very Christian family. I had no one influencing me this way. It just didn't make sense to me. I have nothing against Christians it just didn't fit for me.
victorianoddities 4 months ago 3
Buddhism in America is generally construed. Even in many Asian countries, Buddhism has been overwhelmed by country superstition. The Buddha did not mean for it to be this way. For her to say "How exciting, we can finally address these things. And certainly a title as provocative as 'God is Not Great'. That's fantastic!" is not the Buddha way. I we are to be Buddhist, then we should detach ourselves from such motions of thought.
TheRecklessVoice 4 months ago
It seems she gladly broke away from Roman Catholicism and came to Buddhism.
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TheServiceWeb 5 months ago in playlist Buddhism
"God is not great" is a foolish title for a foolish Book. Buddhism doesn't say that there is no God, that is a total misunderstanding. Instead Buddhism is all about cognition & that all phenomena are primordially unborn. Gods are gods b/c of their many compassionate deeds in their previous life forms & that they chose to live in the plains of heaven & experience their fruiction. but it is not a permanent refuge itself.
May all beings find true happiness & be free from suffering & all its causes.
happytenzin 6 months ago
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happytenzin 6 months ago
A rebuke to the comment"that if america was Buddhist, there would be no war." If this was true , why is there some much war in Buddhist countries; Burma, Vietnam, China, ect. ect. ?
generalgym1 6 months ago
@generalgym1 These three countries are Communist countries. Not Buddhist countries.
KriztofferKriztenzen 5 months ago
@generalgym1 China is not a Buddhist country. The Buddhists don't declare war in these countries. Others war on these countries.
poppy90290 5 months ago
Since Buddhism is truly a philosophy for living a peaceful, enlightened life, you can be any religion (or no religion) and be Buddhist. True Buddhism, as taught by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, is without religious dogma.
poppy90290 5 months ago 2
@generalgym1
that's because none of the people declaring war are Buddhists to begin with. Also, people don't generally declare wars, it's the politicians and the power-hungry that do. It's the craving for control and dominance that fuel all wars. As I understand it, it's the goal of Buddhism to set people free from such cravings.
Eriance 5 months ago
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The Monks are not from south east Asian they are from a south Asian country Sri Lanka.
dasadist22 6 months ago
@ThincKritically i dont think so ill reaplace "war" with "one-sided war" wich is what they always do.
cypresspuz 7 months ago
@photolitherland i agree, but Buddhism isn't about GOD, it's a teaching to higher wisdom and enlightenment... I am a Hindu, and I like to embrace the good morals and teachings from every religion...
darkstar913 7 months ago
@darkstar913 i agree, but i would add that i am myself a Buddhist and i worship God too for without Him i wouldn't be here :)
QueenOfTriad 6 months ago
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Repent&Believe only in Jesus before too late or burn in hell for eternity !!!
Buddhism is false religion , it's satan's deception.
Read this , Buddha burn in hell forever !!!!
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fuckmania07 7 months ago
Christians are mad because their religion didn't work for the new Buddhists.
HybridD91 7 months ago
@photolitherland Buddhism has no God. Buddha was simply a teacher. He had no power. He offer people ways to stop suffering through meditation.
bonlu123 8 months ago
Christianity is a religion about dogmatic authority and blind faith. Buddhism is a religion about personal experience
FletcherHabit 10 months ago
@FletcherHabit Buddhism isn't a religion but an education. An education to educate people what right and what wrong. An education to teach us to live in harmony with our surrounding, with others and with those beyond our eyes cant see. =]
Quy4life 9 months ago
if you start to label things and yourself as something then you are presumptious already, before you know anything that is different than your favoritism.
symmetry08 10 months ago
I love how these news people try to scare you over the fact that people are turning to Buddhism,as if it were a threat (to their owners it is). I also like them pointing out some rare example of one community that is expanding with Buddhist temples.
slobseager 1 year ago
I think practicing Buddhism with Christianity is a good idea.
jackooboy1 1 year ago
@jackooboy1 not a good idea... christianity teaches intolerance just like judaism and islam...
scorpioninpink 1 year ago
@scorpioninpink Depends on the branch... Go to an Episcopal Church in the USA and tell me they're "intolerant"...
jackooboy1 1 year ago
@jackooboy1 lol... why do i need to spend my money going into USA just to visit some church... considering that most christians(whatever sect it is) teaches intolerance...
scorpioninpink 1 year ago
@jackooboy1 very much so it depends how modern or liberal your sect is. Many Christian traditions preach that other religions are either masked devil worship or are a 1 way ticket to hell. Some are not so fire and brimstone and are compatible with a christian/Buddhist hybrid as long as it remains monotheistic and that christ is the son of god. im extremely atheist and buddhism works with me, my friend is extremely christian and buddhism works with him too. if ur a fundamentalist it wont work
dudeonthasopha 11 months ago
Buddhism is about personal accountability.. that sounds more appealing to me than "well just try your best when it's convenient but ultimately it doesn't matter because I will hopefully be forgiven"
embrey49 1 year ago
Much Metta to you all.
0Eonomine0 1 year ago
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22 Although asserting they were wise, they became foolish 23 and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed creatures and creeping things.
allknowfather 1 year ago
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Mark 10:6 However, from [the] beginning of creation ‘He made them male and female
Romans 1:20 For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable; 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their unintelligent heart became darkened.
allknowfather 1 year ago
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allknowfather 1 year ago
Funny how the report jumbles two different religions into one and they don't even notice it (notice how the monks in the beginning wear orange robes and the ones at the end brown)
Supenmanu 1 year ago
whole point of Buddhism to to cease to exist. i have NO problem with Buddhism or those who practice it, but i realize that it is not for me. sounds too boring
TheRocketman1989 1 year ago
@TheRocketman1989 actually the Buddha states that Nibbana(Nirvana in Sanskrit) is just "the deathless state" it is not a state of being, and it is not a state of oblivion(nothing)".
JrDiNisi 1 year ago
Buddhism is far more attractive to me than Christianity is. It's definately more spiritual than Christianity is.
ApostateJay 1 year ago 53
@ApostateJay of course... i'm an atheist but buddhism is somewhat more of a philosophy than a religion...
scorpioninpink 1 year ago
@scorpioninpink : It depends on what your definition of a religion is. If being a religion means you "need" a god, then perhaps Buddhism is not a religion. Of course, not all religion have gods. Jainism, Shintoism, Confuciusism, Buddhism, just to name a few. You have to take a moment to think "What requirements are needed for something to be called a religion?" If you check online, religion does not have to have a God...at least from what I believe.
Tentenlaw 10 months ago
thank you bryan williams, YOU FUCKING TWATs
Urdoxa 1 year ago
If America were buddhist there would be no war.
cypresspuz 1 year ago 55
@cypresspuz I agree.
KriztofferKriztenzen 1 year ago
@cypresspuz No. There would just be no needless wars. We'd still have war. It's inevitable. If the WORLD was Buddhist, however, it would be a different story.
DevonWhorton 1 year ago
@cypresspuz look at cambodia and thailand. They are buddhist yet there are skirmishes between them over some trivial stuff. It not about being a buddhist country but using politics to carry out buddhist teachings: Compassion and non-self interest! Calling oneself buddhist isn't enough but actually living it. That the important stuff. Same with Chrsitianity and Islam. Their teachings in essence are promoting peace. Too bad some followers misinterpret the true intention of their holy books.
Quy4life 9 months ago
@Quy4life Not all Cambodian and Thailand are Buddhists, especially the politicians.
aclock2 9 months ago
@aclock2 they are buddhist by name but not in practice.
Quy4life 9 months ago
@Quy4life then they are not Buddhist
aclock2 8 months ago
@aclock2 same can be said for Christianity. Those who kill aren't the followers of Christ.
Quy4life 8 months ago
@Quy4life No, it's the Christian bible that is truly problematic. Full of lie and mistake, it's not strong enough to control the lustful side of humanity. There are many bad Buddhist, but there is never a "holy massacre " under the name of Buddhism. The Buddhists who did bad things are considered betrayal of their religion, the Christians who did massive bad things are supported by their religion.
aclock2 8 months ago
@aclock2 How you know?
711mind 8 months ago
@711mind There are always the good, the bad and the gray in this world, it's a rule of nature that can be changed by nothing. Even religion.
aclock2 8 months ago
@Quy4life Politicians' God is called MONEY.
cypresspuz 2 months ago
@cypresspuz *cough, you mean the world.
AILDdrums 7 months ago
@cypresspuz Oh no War is the duty of a warrior! The Rulers of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh were Buddhist 1000 years ago.But they could not survive the Sward and Fire of the new religion from Saudi. Look what happens there now.
FransisR 2 months ago
I'm just getting into buddhism now. I just hope there aren't any ritual stuff I have to concern myself with.
Minhist 1 year ago
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@Minhist Don't worry, be happy :)
KriztofferKriztenzen 1 year ago
@rbesco55 Yes there are a "number of heavens" in Buddhism. The Buddha teaches there are 31 planes of existence. There are lower realms of ghosts, spirits, animals and even incredibly horrible hells of fire and filth. But there are also heavens above the earth realms where beings do not suffer because of their good deeds. The number of years that you live in the lowest heaven is something like 9million! It goes up from there!
begintosee 1 year ago
@begintosee actually it is 33 planes of existence
albert222oon 1 year ago
people will see and realize the truth
x0xOne 1 year ago
Buddha himself is a very rational man.
he see that the world suffering is cause by blind faith and endless desire.
he told us to think. to use our logic and reason to understand what cause suffering.
and if you can reach that stage of enlightement, to see through all desire and know what's behind it. than you too, can be a Buddha.
jojoinhere 1 year ago
check out youtube vid:
Burke Lecture: Buddhism in a Global Age of Technology
watch google video:
Thomas McEvilley on 'The Shape of Ancient Thought'
qaplatlhinganmaH 1 year ago
2007 was the best year this decade.
KriztofferKriztenzen 1 year ago
Like kids dreaming of magic & fairy tales. Miracles, prophecies are for the weak, cowardly & lazy. Unable to face up to the world's problems they look for a santa to bail them out, just make sure u repent, beg & grovel like crazy! The pleased king will put u up in a 5 star hotel for eternity!
Moksha is EARNED, never begged for nor given. Heaven & Hell are right here on Earth, we make them happen thru our efforts, not God. Hinduism, Buddhism are religions for the Strong, Brave & active
ramaraksha01 1 year ago
Im a buddhist but that woman embarasses me. Her views on atheism are laughable.
anotherutterance 1 year ago
Buddhism is the only religion that lets you choose... it's followers does not force themselves on you... Christians, Catholics, Muslims, etc... are very Violent Religions!!!
MrDontmakemecomeover 1 year ago
Buddhism & Hinduism are Teacher faiths(Abrahamic religions are King religions) - that means Enlightenment is the goal. Heaven & hell are right here on earth, we, by our actions, make this world a Heaven or Hell. Do no kneel to the Murti when you are in the temple for that is the action of a subject/slave/servant, not a Student.
ramaraksha01 1 year ago
Buddhism Is not a dogmatic system of rules that say you must follow every letter of every text to be one of us. Some people on this page want to through the baby out with the bath water. Reincarnation is not a pillar of Buddhism. Buddhism is the journey to enlightenment. To end the self imposed suffering we deal to ourselves. To find that we hold the power over our lives. Not a sky daddy. Question everything tell it makes since to you.
hammeylove 1 year ago 2
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The weakest point in Buddhism is the claim of rebirth. When you read any text on Buddhism, you will see the leap of faith. This is because Buddhism is based on a theistic tradition of a soul, gods, and transmigration. Buddha Gotama rejected the soul or permanent self but still adopted the ancient Vedic rebirth belief, which in turn makes Buddhism quite inconsistent and redundant.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
Hello - No I disagree with you and its a fine point but here goes. The Buddha did not say there was "Reincarnation" but rather "Rebirth". Reincarnation means there is SOMETHING reincarnating. When you light a candle with the flame from another candle -no "Soul" passes but just another process. This is rebirth.
Also the Gods spoken of in Buddhism are not Theistic gods but rather simply beings in very high heaven realms reborn there due to good Karma from Meditation and following precepts.
begintosee 1 year ago 21
@begintosee Very beautifully put
steelydanbowler 1 year ago
how much do u understand about the religion?you criticised as if you have know it in and out.people thought years to study about it and still yet know what does it means.please go into it and know more about it before you give any comment
joeneosc 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest The point was about being held accountable for our actions - ie if i take money in this birth and am unable to return it before death, i must come back and pay it back. Drive carelessly and cause a crash? the christian can beg & grovel his way to heaven - whereas a Hindu or Buddhist must come back & make amends. The path to Moksha is a long one, needing several lives.
ramaraksha01 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest Begintosee is right. First of all, Buddhism is not a theistic religion. The "gods" spoken of by Buddha referred to the Hindu gods, which are understood more symbolically than anything to most Buddhists. Also, one of the core teachings of Buddhism is that we don't have a soul (a core, unchanging, supernatural part of ourselves).
Ashiman12 1 year ago
@Ashiman12
It doesn't matter how "most Buddhists" acknowledge devas. The majority do not decide what is correct. From the oldest authoritative texts, Gotama Buddha sees gods, talks to gods, is advised by gods, and is aided by gods. There is absolutely no indication whatsoever that devas are symbolic. The Buddha said it is factual. If you cannot accept or trust what the Gotama Buddha says in the Digha or Majjhima Nikaya, all you have are more theistic interpretations in later texts.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest I didn't say that gods aren't involved in certain Buddhist writings. Clearly they are, as you pointed out. The Buddha, as well as his followers, lived in a Hindu society, where such beings were assumed to exist. But what I said was true: Buddhism is not a theistic religion, because whatever beings they believed to factually exist did not enter into the process of enlightenment.
Ashiman12 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest The Devas are as "real" as you or me. If you can understand the answer to that, then you will get the gist of Buddhism and Hinduism, especially Advaita Vedanta.
Ooga001 1 year ago
@Ooga001
No, the devas are fictional. Religion uses superstition and invisible beings to support weak doctrines and unsubstantiated claims. Gotama claimed that the devas bowed to him in order to portray himself as superior to the Vedic gods and to convey his authority as a teacher. Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, Joseph Smith... all of these men have done it.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest Actually it is the single greatest religious concept ever - it teaches us to be ACCOUNTABLE for our actions. Man dies with unpaid debts, he must come back & repay. Basically this teaching asks us to lead our life on the straight & narrow like God Rama did.
ramaraksha01 1 year ago
@ramaraksha01 Good point. Christianity teaches Kamma too. But even if you drop rebirth, you can see that actions, beliefs, thoughts, speech all have consequences here and now. It's called cause and effect. The whole issue of rebirth is a diversion from getting on with living the Noble Eightfold Path: the path to true happiness, joy and compassion. It's not rocket science.
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
@dogdutyascetic
The doctrine of karma attempts to explain our present condition. We are our past and the present determines the future, according to Siddhartha. While partly correct on a small scale, it utterly fails as a doctrine. A car accident could be the consequence of reckless driving but reckless driving doesn't always lead to a car accident. Buddhism claims that, if there is volition to drive recklessly, then a result in another life will sprout if it does not in the current lifetime.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest Does the Buddha ever say that A invariably causes B? Where does it say this in the Pali Cannon? Your information about Buddhism is not only uncharitable, but not based in the Cannon. Moreover, I'm wondering why you're so interested in "refuting" Buddhism. Why not instead develop your mind and heart and not worry about who is right and who wrong? Even if you bracket the question of rebirth, you have everything else there for a reasonable path. Do you have anything better?
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
@dogdutyascetic the whole concept of rebirth is to make us ACCOUNTABLE for our actions - there is no escape hatch unlike in christianity & islam. In those religions one simply begs & grovels until either the king god relents or sends them to hell. Karma & rebirth teach us that it is upto us to make things better - reflect on our actions, this world belongs to Hindus, whether we make it a hell or heaven is upto us.
ramaraksha01 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest The 'claim' of rebirth is established on philosophical reasoning or direct insight, not because of an unthinking adherence to tradition. Its argued that consciousness cannot have a material cause.
NothingDefamatory 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest First you must understand the buddhist view of soul. It is called alaya consciousness which is not confined to a single being, yet it is something which collects karmic merit, good/bad, from whatever sentient being it currently inhabits. After the death of that being it then passes to another level based on the karma collected. There are no gods worshiped. There is a god realm based on a higher level of positive merit gained.
gunner525 1 year ago
@gunner525
You're speaking of an interpretation that was developed almost 1000 years after the Buddha passed. Consciousness is confined to the brain, according to today's top neuroscientists. If consciousness was not confined to a single entity and it collected karma, Nibbana would be impossible because you would constantly have to deal with the consciousness and karma of other people. There is no evidence of "karma" lays dormant anywhere in order to spring out elsewhere. Karma is just volition.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest You aren't understanding the concept. There is no "I". To understand the teaching you must come to the realization that this body and this mind are merely a vessel for the alaya consciousness. The easiest explanation I can come up with is a taxi cab. The body is the car, the brain is the driver controlling it, and the alaya consciousness is the passenger. It is taken where you drive it, and in the end it leaves you behind to move on to the next mode of transportation.
gunner525 1 year ago
@gunner525
Anatta means "not self." It does not mean "there is no self" and this is a common mistake Westerners make. Before Siddhartha was even born, the concept of a self was considered detrimental to meditation and the Buddha accepted the notion of a self consisting of aggregates. Nevertheless, man still had consciousness, perception, and volition. You cannot say the soul is 'alaya consciousness' because another skandha is samskara and that is volition! Without samskara, rebirth is false.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest I know this teaching is hard for westerners to understand. It too me almost two years to start to comprehend. Try searching alaya consciousness and read Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book Describing the Indescribable, it explains it very well. If you still can't begin to grasp the teaching then I suggest visiting a temple and asking the monk(s) or nun(s) there.
gunner525 1 year ago
@gunner525
The body is not merely a vessel for consciousness. Consciousness is a process of the brain that mobilizes the body to achieve complex tasks in the physical world. The "Buddha" conveniently dismissed his rebirth in Rahula but his DNA molecules continued living on. That is the epitome of the rebirth of man. Buddhism claims that consciousness and volition are aggregates along with rupa and there is no abiding soul. The effects of volition into other lifetimes is based on faith alone.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@gunner525 The traditional view of the Buddha as expressed in the Pali Cannon does not include any soul. Period. It's a serious misunderstanding of the Buddha's message to believe he does.
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest Buddhism is not theism that's for certain. Liberation is not based on a god. If you have a problem with rebirth then don't believe in it. The Buddha didn't teach a dogma to believe in. He lays out a solid path that you can take or not; it's a path of liberation. But I guess you need to take the path to see if you still think rebirth is silly at the end. There are many answers to the puzzle of rebirth without a permanent self; do some research before dismissing it out of hand.
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest "You haven't addressed any of the subject matter with anything substantial. Instead, you've chosen to rant make personal attacks. That was extremely low, my friend". Please read my post more carefully. My "personal attack" seems apt given your repeated disregard for what anyone else says. You will never get close to the truth if you only wish to hear your own voice. Buddhism does not live or die on the issue of rebirth, and moreover you haven't shown it is false.
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest simply put, texts are "redundant" because they have been written by different people from different times. Most modern more "humanitarian" buddhists dump these vedic reincarnation beliefs. As an atheist myself, I am uncertain to whether rebirth could be true or not. But it's a great prospect (and the idea of unlimited time to unwrite the wrong sounds better to me than going up into heaven to rot forever.)
quidnick 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest ..there are evidences about rebirth, you can search in youtube about reincarnation. Kids remembered their past lives.
x0xOne 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest there are no gods in buddhism, there are no souls. these have been added on from different cultures when they adapt buddhism to their previous beliefs. in the times of sidhartha gautama, he searched for understanding, for enlightenment, for the reality of all things. and in those days of history, it was not possible for people to attain quantitative evidence about scientific matters. however, through meditation, the buddha was able to logicly explain "the circle of life"
neogenzim1995 1 year ago
@neogenzim1995
Buddha Gautama never said there are no gods or no souls. In the West, there is a lot of misinformation about Buddhism intended to make it seem more scientific and atheistic than it actually is. Unlike most religions, Buddhist practice is very tolerant and inclusive. But this does not extend to the exclusive claims made about the world by Buddha Gautama. He said, "It is known to me to be the case, Bharadvaja, that there are gods." Buddhism brought these gods to other cultures.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest The Buddha rejected the "permanent self" because of people's inaccurate ideas about what remains permanent, which isn't at all related to "the self," or duality in any manner. There is no "self' and "other" in prime observation/action in Buddhist thought. When people think of a soul, they usually think of an etheric copy of their organism and/or personality, which is thoroughly false according to Buddha.
AllahConsciousness 1 year ago
Buddhism and militant atheism are incompatible. Buddha Gotama said devas (gods) do indeed exist. The Tipitaka is absolutely littered with gods, many of which have Vedic and Persian origins. Yama is one. After the Enlightenment, It was a god that begged Buddha Gotama to preach, for those with little dust in their eyes. There is a devil (Mara) but Buddhists prefer to ignore the Brahma. It's dishonest. Many suttas are left untranslated because they are unpleasent to scientific Westerners.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
I have studied Buddhism for a number of years,a nd I have found it requires as much faith as any other religion, belief in karma, belief in rebirth, belief that the eightfold path will lead to enlightenment,belief there is a state called Nirvana, belief that there are Buddhas and Bohdis. None of these things can be shown true empirically, so the Buddhist is exercising faith.Just becaue it is non theistic does not mean it does not require faith.
desertboy9 1 year ago 7
desertboy9 is absolutely correct. Buddhism is based on the ancient Vedic worldview that beings are repeatedly reborn. However, there is no evidence of rebirth and Buddhists erroneously refer to modern studies that actually support reincarnation. Once you accept that a individual lives only once, Buddhism becomes quite irrelevant. There is no evidence that our karma (intentional actions) are seeded into the afterlife. These beliefs are based in the theistic Vedic religions and contradict often.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
rebirth from a scientific viewpoint is true. There are a limited number of atoms and molecules in the world(give or take a few) and each being is continually being recycled from that.
supercalifragable 1 year ago
@supercalifragable
That is not the Buddhist doctrine of rebirth. Modern science has proven that consciousness and the mind is in the brain. There is no evidence that our conscious mind is reborn into another body. You are taking a leap of faith. There are atoms and molecules and corpses are fed on. That has nothing to do with the doctrine of reincarnation or rebirth.
Buddhism offers a bleak worldview. Like most religions, it says that most humans are going to a state of suffering after death.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
The fact that there are a limited number of atoms and molecules has everything to do with the scientific principle of rebirth. Buddhism just extends this idea to conscious also. There is no proof that conscious is reborn but we can't rule out everything until further study as there are people who claim repressed memories of past lives. As of now, we have no evidence.
I don't think it says most humans are going to state of suffering after death not unless your karma has been bad.
supercalifragable 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest "...consciousness and the mind is in the brain" This is absolute garbage and shows an utter lack of understanding. Consciousness pervades the entire universe. It is highly foolish to think the subtle world is as compartmentalized as the phenomenal; this has been stated time and again by sages from time immemorial.
Ooga001 1 year ago
@Ooga001 "Consciousness pervades the entire universe." "...this has been stated time and again by sages from time immemorial."
I think what I show is an utter lack of the dogma that you've adopted from your people. If 99.9999998% of humanity believed in what the sages say, that still would not make it true. No amount of belief makes something a fact. Your "sages" not only contradict each other, they contradict themselves! Swami Nithyananda claim celibacy, but behind closed doors, he does women!
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest Who the heck is talking about Nithyananda you twat? A rSi, one like Viswamitra et al., not an ordinary human like Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), realized the fourth state of existence; Turiya. You're far too stupid to even comprehend it so I suggest you stick to thumping your "suttas" and your 4-crooked folds and 8 half-truths..
Ooga001 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest and secondly, you never rebutted my point. Again, you're a westerner (right?), an untouchable, not even worthy to be part of Buddhist Sangha so again, just stick to your bible-thumping nonsense and leave the philosophy to the adults (Indians).
Ooga001 1 year ago
@Ooga001 You say you love the Dharmam Sanaatanam but your tongue is untrained and mind defiled. The mukhya upanishads seem to have gone in one ear and out the other. You're a brahmin, not a sramana. Save the philosophy and realization for kshatriyas. Forget me. I have lived with Islamic fundamentalists and trained in the hardest Asian monasteries. I'm beyond Vedanta and Buddhism. I can already tell what kind of job you have in America. No wonder why you milk this brahmin thing for all its worth.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest "I have ... trained in the hardest Asian monasteries. I'm beyond Vedanta and Buddhism." You haven't learned much. Right speech for instance. Your argument style is completely irrational. You make claims about all of Buddhism that at best applies only partially. You want to dismiss the lot on the basis of the issue of rebirth, which you offer no proof for, and which hardly entitles dismissal across the board. You entertain no counter-claims. Lots of delusion here.
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
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buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
@dogdutyascetic
You haven't addressed any of the subject matter with anything substantial. Instead, you've chosen to rant make personal attacks. That was extremely low, my friend. Take care.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
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Ooga001 1 year ago
@buddhasknowbest Lots of misinformation in your posts my friend. You need to look at some better Buddhist literature. Check out Ajahn Chah, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Ajahn Sumedho, and other Theravada monks. There are many free talks by them on line.
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
The buddha also taught his disciples to question everything even Siddhartha himself So if you don't want to believe in karma or that there are enlightened beings(Buddhas) amongst us you are free to do so.
supercalifragable 1 year ago 2
@desertboy9 Absolutely! Except, "nirvana" means cessation of thought so it is not so much as a 'belief' or 'faith' in nirvana as an actual experience (what experiences this "nirvana" is the questions Buddhists need to answer).
Ooga001 1 year ago
@desertboy9 Depends what you mean by 'faith'. It doesn't mean 'faith' in the Christian sense of believing in a god. Of course there are elements of faith but this is only because we need to have faith to get going. Everything will be tested along the way though. Everything requires faith in this sense. I have faith that the ground under my feet is still there when I take a step. Anyhow, Buddhism is not about study but about cultivating the mind/heart. Why not do that instead of reading about it?
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
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andrewhornet 1 year ago
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andrewhornet 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@desertboy9 yes but I think you have missed the point of the buddhas teachings. Buddha said to question everything, even his own words, so everybody has there own path to find, you do not have to believe in everthing to be buddist. just be mindful of your actions, and make sure you carry everything out you do with good intentions! this is my basic understanding of buddhism.
andrewhornet 1 year ago
@desertboy9 Actually the Buddha revealed discovered truths. What he said was this is the way reality works check it out yourself. True most Buddhist lack the ability to see all that the Buddha said, but you are wrong about it not being empirically true. By study and healthy skepticism, even an attitude of it's all BS and I'll prove it, you will discover that he was telling the exact truth. Anti-faith(and an open mind to truth) with effort will be just as good as faith.
awakeningnow 1 year ago
@desertboy9 A lot of that actually goes against what Buddha taught, and was simply adopted from pre-existing beliefs present in the public consciousness at the time.
DevonWhorton 1 year ago
@desertboy9
Lord Buddha preached to use dhamma to use as a boat to cross over the river where you do not take the boat after you crossing over.
venura79 1 year ago
Welcome to Buddhism. Buddhism is for a thinking mind and will not adopt blind faith. The result for practising Buddhism is instant if one cares to practise it sincerely. Noble Eightfold Path and Kalama sutta are must to understand.
peacemindful 1 year ago 3
@peacemindful
What do you mean it does not require faith? How do you know that there is an energy that lives on after death, and has a rebirth, .How do you know there is karma in the next life, you barely see any of it in this life. How do you know that following Buddhist teaching actually leads to "enlightenment", where you not reborn anymore and there are Buddha's and Bohdi's. How do you know the eight fold path will actually lead to enlightenment.
desertboy9 1 year ago
@desertboy9
I think you have a great ability to find the correct path.Keep questioning would not be enough for this follow the path without faith but with curosity and questioning you will see the truth.According to the buddha's teaching faith comes after you enlightened.It's like someone taking medicine to cure an illness you will not go for a doctor if he has bad history where his patients got died because of wrong diagnosis.What you can do is experiment the path.
venura79 1 year ago
Lol @ his last pun about enlightenment.
IllogicalGenious 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The Jew York Times Best seller list Means diddly chit Jack!
Since they're owned by the Satanic New Workd Order Agenda
kindly go phuque thyself.
TheTruthPusher 2 years ago
@TheTruthPusher
Change your name to TheTard Pusher
DaytonaRoadster 1 year ago
@GaytunaRoadster
Because I don't push you around that often Gaytona.
Hey everyone, GaytunaRoadster wants you all to check my Favorite Video list.
TheTruthPusher 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Religion is nothing more then fools arguing about who has the best imaginary friend.
loveruleshate 2 years ago
0:47
Are they censoring the title of Dawkin's book?
mirandansa 2 years ago
a true buddhist dosent talk bad about christianity buddhist should respect all religons!
raysanchez2003 2 years ago 3
man, it is more peaceful in here than videos about other religions
subwoofspeak 2 years ago
A true Buddhist would never delight in the persecutions of another's belief in a God.
MrSparkle100 2 years ago 3
very true
jsnave 2 years ago
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agent0sephiroth 2 years ago
A Buddhist respects the diversity of all religion as long as they promote peace.
MrSparkle100 2 years ago
//A true buddhist discriminates all apparent truths//
What are "apparent truths"?
mirandansa 2 years ago
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agent0sephiroth 1 year ago
Greco-Buddhism, sometimes spelt Graeco-Buddhism, refers to the cultural syncretism between Hellenistic culture and Buddhism, which developed between the 4th century BCE and the 5th century CE
qaplatlhinganmaH 2 years ago
Buddhism isn't a religion, but it contains aspects of religion, just as it contains aspects of philosophy, ethics, and psychology. And Buddhism doesn't deny a God - one must remember, Buddhism is very practical - it merely sees the question of God's existence as unhelpful. And as a Buddhist, I find Dawkins' and Hitchen's anti-religious banter to be just as counter-productive. I prefer tolerance to what basically amounts to angsty teenage rebellion.
Ashiman12 2 years ago 24
Ashiman,
Excellent comment! Sahdu!
begintosee 2 years ago
I so agree with you. The Buddha got it right when he said speculating on the existence of God is a waste of time. It's like arguing who's delusion is the true one. Most atheists I have encountered have a childish sense of superiority and an irrational hatred of religion.
roarthwo 2 years ago 5
@roarthwo Very well said. Since the athiests do not believe in a higher power, then there is no need to write books on a God. Those authors either do it to from their ignorance and disrespect towards the believers, or to make money... Maybe both.
Religion and beliefs is a personal thing. For me If there is a god, great, if there isn't great. My goal is to be mindful, compassionate, open minded, helpful, respectful.
Speculating brings suffering.
goranvrcel 2 years ago
Hi
I actually think that Atheist write so many books because Atheism itself is a RELIGION. The do BELIEVE there is no god. They certainly don't know and can't prove anything yet they try to bring more people into their "church". I believe the concept of God started with Zoroasterism 4000 years ago and hasn't stopped since. Before that there was no god to believe in....
begintosee 2 years ago
Atheism comes from greek atheos meaning without gods.. you need a higher power to have a religion.. and the concept of God started when questions couldnt be answered zoroaster was the first virgin birth.. maybe, but thats been repeated in many religions
dudeonthasopha 2 years ago
you believed wrong, Atheism is an absence of religion. I find it hard for you to ignore physics, chemistry, biology, etc. Which are all means of learning and proving. We have no church to go to silly, all people are non theistic when they are born, it isnt until your told about any mysticism that a biased view on reality arises. To be honest, i dont "BELIEVE" there isnt a god, i know there isnt. If there were, then the question arises, What created god? Why is he an irresponsible prick? etc.
69Thrasha69 1 year ago
Thrasha...
I believe Atheism to BE A religion. What is it built on? -Belief there is no god- NOT knowledge but belief. If you are open to either way based on what proof you get then I would say you are agnostic. But try to argue with an Atheist. They will stick to their ideas no matter what. There are unseen FACTS of existence which are not yet knowable to us like electricity was not a fact to people only 100+ yrs ago. We must be open to everything and not rule out anything. :)
begintosee 1 year ago
Sorry but, Celestial Dictatorships are highly unscientific. That has no place in an intellectual community. I suggest we are open to useful info, and rule out stupidity. @ the comment about unknowns, its 2010 humanity is intelligent enough now that we can immancipate ourselves from this nonsense. If your open to mysticism, then you might as well be open to killer snowmen with giraffe necks.
69Thrasha69 1 year ago
Hi Thrash
Well- Buddhism says there is no God. So does that make it Atheism or a Religion?
This video IS about Buddhism -which has no theistic belief and does say that we are responsible for our own lives -totally. So what is your point. What are you disagreeing with?
begintosee 1 year ago
But buddhism is spiritual and does have a beliefe in the supernatural to an extent, look at mahayana and theraveda buddhism. Atheism is a default state of mind for critical thinking people.
69Thrasha69 1 year ago
Ha ha,
Yes it would appear that way but the Buddha himself said "Do not believe anything I say -try it for yourself and only then if there is benefit, adopt it as your own practice".
begintosee 1 year ago 2
Yes, the Buddha was a very progressive thinker.
69Thrasha69 1 year ago
Buddhism does NOT say that there is no god. The subject is left to interpretation . There is no "PERSONAL" god ie, having the traits of a human being. If you are a practicing Buddhist, as I am, you obviously believe there is a supreme force, emptiness. Do your homework
metronomic1 1 year ago
@metronomic1 Emptiness? There are many forms of Buddhism, not all rely on the business of emptiness. There is of course the promise of Nirvana. The Buddha in the classic texts appears to leave this pretty undefined. The business of Buddhism is to take the Eightfold Noble Path and not worry about the destination. Take the path of non-suffering. Put an end to suffering. Live, here and now, in happiness, joy and bliss through compassion. The Buddha shows how to make this a permanent state. Peace
dogdutyascetic 1 year ago
69Thrasha69 - you must hold yourself very high if you truly feel you "know" there is no God. Where's your proof there isn't a God? You have no more proof than those who believe there IS. If you truly feel your heart is beating right now because it just is, and there is no divine force behind that - then go ahead and believe that - but don't belittle others who choose to believe that every breath is a divine gift.
Moonlah 1 year ago
@69Thrasha69 // hey, i think atheism means the absence of a god, not religion. plus i think buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion. if you say you "know" there isn't a god, well congrats, you're no longer an atheist, but an evangelical theist, but just in reverse, more like an anti theist. atheists keep their minds open about the idea of a god. buddhists are more non theist. and why do you keep mentioning god?
wokkitout 1 year ago
@69Thrasha69 its not true that a biased view of reality only arises when one meets with religion. 'Common-sense' views of reality are also biased. When you look at a rock, you assume there is really a thoroughly solid, unconscious, material object external to your mind, which is a biased philosophical view if its articulated. Even scientifically, it turns out to be mostly space, not at all as solid as we assume.
NothingDefamatory 1 year ago
@Ashiman12 Buddhism merely discourages discussion and elaboration on the divine; as most people are not enlightened and will thus lead to constant disagreement and argument. Buddha merely emphasized self-enquiry as a means to end suffering (creation). Secondly, the philosophy that Buddha preached is far different from what "Buddhism" is today; especially so outside of India & Tibet.
Ooga001 1 year ago
@Ashiman12 I assume you haven't read anything by Dawkins or Hitchens, or if you have then you are being disingenuous. We don't 'respect' people's beliefs in any other area of life, like science or history or politics, instead we criticize their reasons for believing what they do. This is because the more powerful and influential something is the more it should be subject to criticism, not less- and religion is very powerful and influential.
sam51092 1 year ago
@sam51092 If you mean the academic definition of criticism (evaluating something's strengths and weaknesses) then I agree. But there's another kind of criticism, which is when you seek to find fault. That seems to be Dawkins and Hitchen's primary objective. They seem very unwilling to consider any positive effects of religion in an honest way. And there's a difference between respecting the content of a person's belief and respecting their RIGHT to have said belief.
Ashiman12 1 year ago
@Ashiman12 "They seem very unwilling to consider any positive effects of religion..."
Again, try reading them before judging. First, the above is a silly objection. It's like someone goes on trial for murder and their defence is "oh but you're just seeking to find fault, only focusing on the murders I committed while totally ignoring the present I gave my mom last week!" Second, religion's positives like 'comfort' are acknowledged, it's just argued this can be gotten from elsewhere.
sam51092 1 year ago