2006-09-02 00:42:19 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i dont think any one understands any religion, no mater what religion it is there will always be no understanding because too many people think they know right just because some person said that god or allah or who ever it is that buddists pray too is the correct religion
2006-09-02 00:47:24 · answer #1 · answered by xxDiStUrBeDxx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is based on the four noble truths and the eightfold path. It is a way of life. The essence of Buddhism is that there is no individual soul, all is in flow and flux. Because of our desires we suffer. We live in delusion in a world of illusion (samsara) - the way out of this illusory world is to follow the middle way - the buddhas life is an allegory of how he found the middle way and enlightenment.
Enlightenment is not some mystical far away state but our natural state. This is what I like about Buddhism it points us back to our own experience as the source of truth. There is nothing special here, just life as it is when we cease to be attached to our thoughts and realise they are not us. This is not easy however, we need to be ever mindful and that is where the practice of meditation and following the precepts comes in
2006-09-02 04:28:26 · answer #2 · answered by Mick H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism arose in a time of great religious interest and discourse. Prince Gautama Siddhartha spent several years studying and eventually discovered a truth that has resonated for about 2500 years. The term "Buddha" means "the one who woke up."
There are many forms of Buddhism (and given it is a human institution, why wouldn't there be). However, the basic teaching of the Buddha is encased in the idea that life is ultimately full of suffering, but that freedom from that suffering is possible. Buddha's enlightenment included discovering the four noble truths
1. Life is suffering (birth, death, disappointment, illness, separation, etc.).
2. The origin of suffering is longing (craving or desire).
3. The end of suffering is possible by letting go of all longing.
4. One can bring about the end of longing by following the eight-fold path.
The eight-fold path are described as:
1. Right view
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
Buddhists achieve pursue focusing themselves on reducing longing through meditation. Another essential element of Buddhism is that all creation is linked, and that nothing arises without something else passing on. (For example, suffering cannot end without being replaced with new awareness)
By and large, Buddhists may or may not believe in a deity, but it is generally not seen as a personal god who has any role in salvation. Instead, they work on attaining peace of mind via their meditative work.
This focus on ethical behavior and thought has allowed Buddhism to be described both as a religion and a philosophy. As a religion, there are teachings regarding a soul, reincarnation, supernatural intervention in the world, and various mythologies. As a philosophy, Buddhism offers an ethical framework and a practice of living that many people find both compassionate and personally helpful.
Buddha gave clear permission for his followers and interpreters to evaluate his teachings through their own experience. This is one reason that many people retain some of the faith practices that they grew up with while incorporating Buddhist teaching and practice into their lives.
2006-09-02 01:15:46 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having looked at some of the previous answers I am afraid few have little understanding of Buddhism. I lived and studied in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery for a few years in the early nineties and can offer this a basic set of beliefs and way of living:
No killing (to even avoid killing insects where possible)
No stealing (which includes not taking anything that is not offered)
No sexual misconduct (eg cheating on a partner)
Believe in reincarnation - that is that the cycle of rebirth
Beleive in Karma as the driving force of rebirth (e.g. negative actions equate with lower rebirth)
Follow a good way of living/path as a way to get out of the cycle of rebirth to achieve enlighenment. You do this by being enlightened. One school of Buddhist thought is that you can only gain "nirvana" for yourself. Other schools believe that by being motivated by compassion for others you gain a higher level of enlightenment - so that is the ultimate aim.
Obviously, there are many deep teachings and meditations that need to be followed to achive these higher states of being.
On a simplistic level by just conducting a decent life and thinking of others can not be wrong for anyone following any spirtual path. I think you just always have to find a path in life that you can follow happily.
2006-09-02 01:06:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that in theory it is a great philosophy and I admire people who can live by it. However, I believe that life is for having fun and 'living in the now' is the most important thing. I find it difficult to understand how people can devote their lives to something for the sake of what they believe will come to them after death. But then, I guess most religions believe in doing that, its just that the Buddhists are more dedicated than most to actually practicing what they preach. So, yeah I think Buddhism is great but its not for me.
2006-09-02 00:49:26 · answer #5 · answered by Mountaineer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
under standing Buddhism takes a lifetime of study and practise.very rewarding if done for the right reasons,look it up on the Internet,lots of information out there.
2006-09-02 00:53:11 · answer #6 · answered by Indiana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is more of a philosophy. It is very helpful to me in my daily life. Buddha was a very wise and enlightened man. Only stupid people worship dead men. The best thing to do is to learn from His teachings.
2006-09-02 00:59:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
buddhism is more of a way of thinking, a way of living your life, no gods, just you living a thoughtful and virtuous life. never heard of anyone going to war over buddhism
2006-09-02 00:48:00 · answer #8 · answered by Mickenoss 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fireball226 - I'm guessing you are Christian or Islamic.
BUDDHISTS DO NOT WORSHIP A STATUE!
It's like me saying - Christians have a statue of Jesus in their church, THEY WORSHIP A STATUE.
I am sick and tired of this ignorance!
Getting back to your question, Myself, I am an atheist, but know Buddhists, and know a fair bit about their religion. It is gentle, kind and forgiving, and has little restriction unless it is hurtful to someone.
I think its fantastic.
2006-09-02 00:59:16 · answer #9 · answered by Acerus 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My interpretation is that you live to your own standards and not compete with everyone Else's standards. If you are not the best at sport you may be best at something artistic. Also, be kind to mother nature
2006-09-02 00:48:30 · answer #10 · answered by pinkimmylou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋