I grew up Catholic and quickly realized how ridiculous that was. All of the stories and concepts in the bible just never made any sense to me so I decided to convert to atheism and have been so for eight years. I just recently began reading these questions and answers from buddhists and became clear to me that these people had A LOT more intellegence and spirituality than most christians. They never try to cram their religion down my throat or tell me that if I don't convert, I'm immediatly going to hell. I truly think this may be the religion for me. What do you think?
2006-09-02 05:38:54 · 29 answers · asked by some guy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
People like jerkoff are some of the main reasons I didn't want to be christian antmore.
2006-09-02 05:45:17 · update #1
I live in a nation where 95 percent of the people are Buddhist. There are several different sects so be careful of the one you choose. Personally I am not a believer in any religion. You are correct in saying they do not cram it down your throat. You can be what ever you want here and no one will chide you about it. There is a lot of superstition that goes with it here that actually comes from Hindi. As a westerner that may give you some problems. In general the people are peace loving and family oriented. Of all the main religions I do believe Buddhists have a better idea. There are a lot of Asians in the USA now and a great many of them are Buddhist so if you can get to know some of them it would help you understand them. There are also many Buddhist temples in the States. Buddha was born as a Hindi and separated from it and gained his own following. Buddha never claimed to be a profit or a god. he professed a way of life that would allow people to live together in peace. Over time it has changed as all things do but it still is well worth investigating. Please do take the time to get to know about this way of life.
2006-09-02 06:21:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its your choice but before that, I want to ask you some simple questions.
1. How many Gods do you think exist in this world?
2. Is the angels belonging to Jesus the same as angels belonging to Nabi Mohamad, and the angels belonging to Buddha the same ?
3. What is the purpose of religion?
4. Who makes the rules in a religion?
5. What types of changes you expect in the future after you make the decision to be a buddhist?
6. If you have clearly answered all the above questions, make your decision and stick to it.
2006-09-02 05:47:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stephen Batchelor wrote an excellent book "Buddhism without Belief" that describes being an agnostic Buddhist, cast in a way that westerners can understand it. He's also available to listen to on Podcasts from Dharma Podcast (found on iTunes). You don't have to give up your atheism to become a Buddhist. You'll have company. Buddhism is all about doing things now, not for the hereafter.
2006-09-02 05:46:10 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see Buddhism as a religion, but more a wise philosphy on life. There is no worshipping of anyone or anything. Buddha said to use reason before believing his words. He said "don't believe the text just because you have reverence for me." Use your own logic to find the truth. Buddhists are critical thinkers that don't attach themselves to the labels we've made for ourselves. To them, we are born and die every second of our lives. We are constantly evolving in many ways. True happiness comes from detaching yourself from desire, since desire is the leading cause of suffering.
So, anyway, I would say read some books by the Dalai Lama. He is a great read. I especially liked "The Universe in a Single Atom" and "The Art of Happiness".
2006-09-02 05:45:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is an extremely enlightening 'religion'...although it is really more of a philosophy since there is no Deity. I also grew up Catholic and have embraced Wicca. We use a lot of the same meditation techniques as Buddhism but the energy can be directed outside of oneself. And the rituals are very fulfilling.
2006-09-02 05:46:48 · answer #5 · answered by MerryG 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the same thing. After all we worship the same God. I have learned a great deal about the world's religions on the internet. There is a 1 temple here and I have called but haven't heard back. I truly believe that Buddhism is highly compatible with my somewhat Christian beliefs. Send me an e-mail.
2006-09-02 05:45:32 · answer #6 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good idea, yes it is true we have a lot more intelligence, but best to sit on the fence I think just in case there is a hell. Buddhism is not a religion though, it is a way of life, the right path can only be followed with right mind and the true path to enlightenment is from within,
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples there is no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." - Dalai Lama
Trust your heart though, not me. Today's buddhist wisdom:
He goes to hell,
the one who asserts
what didn't take place,
as does the one
who, having done,
says, "I didn't."
Both—low-acting people—
there become equal:
after death, in the world beyond.
-Dhammapada 306, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Todays Bible reading:
Job 9:1, 10:1-9, 16-22
Then Job answered:
"I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why thou dost contend against me.
Does it seem good to thee to oppress, to despise the work of thy hands and..."
Quote from Braveheart, 'The problem with Scotland is that it is full of Scots' (I by no means have anything the Scots in fact when I was a kid I had a Rangers football shirt).
"Minds are like parachutes they only operate when open"
Good luck and Godbless
2006-09-02 05:59:32 · answer #7 · answered by true_searcher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're weighing the relative merits of religions to choose one you should be smart enough for neither. I wonder if some westerners pick an eastern religion just to prove a point to Christians? Don't waste your time, you're not doing a thing for yourself or others, unless you can honestly select a religion to pretend to have faith in (they all require some kind of unthinking faith), and take purpose from it. Sounds like it could be fun to study an eastern religion, but as for adopting, what's really the point? Your work is ultimately your life. If you love your work then you love your life and don't need anything outside of the life you love.
2006-09-02 05:44:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Realize that Buddhism is a way of thinking...and atheistic at its core.
" There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishments on a supposedly Judgement Day. Buddhism is strictly not a religion in the context of being a faith and worship owing allegiance to a supernatural being. "
If you can handle that...then go for it!
2006-09-02 05:53:40 · answer #9 · answered by I I 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Dali Lama says people should stay with their own religion and add Buddistic teachings. Start by meditating on this. The Buddists have more strict rules than most religions.
2006-09-02 05:45:50 · answer #10 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋