What are your views on Buddhism?

[RATTER15]

As an Atheist i find it a little difficult to accept Buddhism, whilst they accept a God, their "God" is an actual person, and not seen as a God as we would normally associate it in the western world. Buddha was more of a philosopher not an invisible man in the sky.

How do you view Buddhism?

I like the whole idea but Im generally not well informed on the subject at this moment in time but I have dipped my toe in the water.

[whiskeryron]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism

[RATTER15]

That is your own personal view Ron?

[whiskeryron]

You stated that you are generally not very well informed on the subject. My answer was to help you to get informed on the subject.

Ron.

[RATTER15]

Lol, sorry Ron, I do know the basics, I think a deeper understanding of Buddhism is not really to be found in Wikipedia.

Ian

[whiskeryron]

RATTER15 Would this be more helpful to you ?

http://www.buddhanet....-learning/5minbud.htm

Ron.

[RATTER15]

What are your views on Buddhism?

How do you view Buddhism?

I can google the subject but that is not the question!

[whiskeryron]

Sorry. I am of the opinion that one never hears anything detrimental about Buddhists, I feel that their peaceful way of life gives much hope for the world & therefore I can only give praise to it, whether I am a good enough person to live the life of a Buddhist is up for debate, so the jury is out on that one.

Ron.

[RATTER15]

Thanks Ron, I feel the sameway lol.

[Khandro]

Shakyamuni Buddha (The historical Buddha) was not a god, he was an 'Enlightened Being'.

[Clanad]

The sword is pulled from the scabbard, it is
Not put back unless smeared with blood.
I turned by blood to milk to make you grow
Not for myself but for the country
My brave, brilliant soldier son
Leaving home to defend the motherland
That act of merit is enough
To reach Nirvāna in a future birth.
Written by a Buddhist monk... in Sri Lanka as I recall. An essay titled "Monks With Guns: A History of Buddhist Violence" by Michael Jerryson pretty well puts to rest the myth of non-violence associated with that persuasion.
From monks taking up arms and marching in the Russo-Japanese War, or earlier messianic battles in China when they thought killing people would bring them closer to enlightenment (a Ten Stage Process), Buddhists have fought against non-Buddhists, or other Buddhists. Japanese Buddhists fought to cleanse the impure Buddhist lands in China and Korea, Thai and Burmese fought for centuries against each other, each claiming religious authority as Cakravartins to the present Sri Lankan terrorism, Buddhists are on equal footing with Muslims, Christians, atheists and others when the core beliefs are co-opted by State or personal perogatives.
This doesn't negate the true, base teachings of each's philosophy, in my opinion...

[Khandro]

Absolute nonsense!

[RATTER15]

>>>Shakyamuni Buddha (The historical Buddha) was not a god, he was an 'Enlightened Being'<<<<

I know he was not a God, I thought i made that clear.

[erin-x]

I will admit that I don't know that much about Buddhism but from what I do know, I feel that it really resounds with me. I've always believed in Karma and that you set your own path in life. If you want something in life you have to work towards it and not rely on others.

I also understand that Buddhists are very understanding and tolerant of other religions and beliefs, an aspect that I also find within myself.

[boxtops]

erin, I think you have it - it's a gentle and peaceful religion, considerate of every other being. My mother took on Buddhist principles in the way she lived her life in her later years, it gave her great peace.

[erin-x]

I can remember learning about the Buddha in R.E. at primary school and I have been interested ever since. I would really love to learn more about it all.

[potiche]

Christianity sets commandment rules.....made to be broken. Buddhists are mindful, beats rod & stick rules

[RATTER15]

>>>>I also understand that Buddhists are very understanding and tolerant of other religions and beliefs<<<<

Ok, that counts me out!!

[owdhamer]

It seems a peaceful,relaxing religion.

[erin-x]

Really Ratter? Would you discriminate against someone if they followed a certain religion. You don't have to believe the same as them or even understand it. You just have to accept that those people believe in what they do. Just the same as them accepting that you don't believe in anything.

[RATTER15]

No Erin, I wouldn't discriminate, I just don't see that the Christian/Muslim faith has anything to do with peace and harmony when its bible/Koran is full of so much killing and torture etc!!

I find it hard to tolerate!