Buddhism

[Felonious]

Buddhism. A very interesting thing, that. Is it a religion at all?

Personally, I don't really think so. They don't have an actual deity, they don't have a "heaven" or "hell" and they don't go around being angry at non-buddhists.

I still, mildley consider myself a Buddhist, wherin, I follow the Buddhist life. I meditate, I don't eat red meat (Well, try not to, I have the occasional hamburger.)

Buddhism is alot like true Christianity, when you think about it.

Life, love, peace for everybody. Being humble, not being lavishley rich. Fasting, long hours of meditation (Or prayer, if you're not into that.)

What do you guys think?

[Greatest I Am]

Buddhism is OK. God expresses Himself in the world in many different forms.

Right living is the path to God.

We need not put any particular name to God but if doing so leads to a good life then God would be pleased.

Red meat is of the body. God does not care what we eat. He is concerned with the soul. It has no taste buds.

Regards
DL

[Felonious]

Red meat is of the body. God does not care what we eat. He is concerned with the soul. It has no taste buds.

Ah, but when we fast, we're supposed to abstain from red meat. (Or any food at all, if you're into the heavy fasting.)

Actually, Orthodox Christian monks can't eat anything with warm blood.

I don't think Catholic monks can eat meat either, not sure though, don't quote me on that.

[Arthra]

I was thinking that there are many kinds of Buddhists and traditions of Buddhism. There were reasons I think why the Buddha probably took a more "via negativa" approach to God than was current during His lifetime. The Brahmin priests had the Divine all boxed up and marketable along with the Atman...They had a "corner" on the market of religion so the Buddha did not want to be aligned with that crowd but you'll note in the Dhamapada how He outlined what a "true" Brahmana would be and it was similar I think to the way Jesus dealt with the Pharisees and scribes who also had a "corner" on the religion market of their day.

Both dealt with prejudices and religious class issues and both I think were successful.

- Art

[ithinkthereforeiam]

There are some similarities...don't kill, don't steal, sexual morality. But the big difference that I like about Buddhism is that only you can improve yourself. You cannot pray to some god to fix all your problems. Most of your problems are from your perception of how you think things should be, instead of excepting things as there are (I talking about things that can't be changed). We are always fighting with how life should be, instead of excepting that life is what it is.

Buddhists are also true pacifists, that's why they got run out of Tibet.

I also like the fact that buddhism is complicated. I've read lots of books over the years and there is still a lot to understand. But, I do know that meditation works. Everyone should take a few minutes each day to clear there heads.

[Cryopyre]

Isn't buddhism something tagged onto other religions, I went to buddhist temple a couple of times and they said it was fine to go to church, but I don't know if they meant it was to be integrated wholly with Buddhist teachings.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo everyone! Goodnight.

[crystalmage]

Ya in my opinion buddhism is alot closer to what christ taught than what christians teach in christs name.