2006-10-03 16:00:06 · 10 answers · asked by Thomas W 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Hi,
In some sense, yes. Buddhist do not believe in God or a Creator because the Buddha taught that Enlightenement is in the palms of our hands, and we choose the path we want to take.
If you study indepth into Buddhism, Buddha never refuted the existence or non-existence of a God. But rather, asked if that information was important to how we behave and act? What's the point of acknowledging God, when one cannot acknowledge compassion?
The Buddha that you see represented is not an idol to be worshipped, but rather, a reminder of his teaching. It's more a symbolic reminder.
Hope this helps.
2006-10-04 18:38:14 · answer #1 · answered by Benjamin T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. Buddhism believes that the entire universe including people and their souls and composed of the same energy. The universe has a certain order to it and a person becomes enlightened and happier (and will be reborn into a better life or will simply merge with the universe and no longer be subject to suffering) if they follow that order, basically by being a good person and following Buddhist morals.
The way I've always seen it is that Buddhists believe that we are all part of God and God is part of us, and that God doesn't have a personality or human emotions, but rather is beyond these concepts of personhood.
Perhaps this isn't too far off from Christian philosophy if one considers that perhaps God the Father doesn't mean that God literally is an omnipotent man without flaws, but that it is a metaphor for how He guides us.
2006-10-03 20:41:07 · answer #2 · answered by Victoria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Even though Buddhism is considered by many to be a religion, usually due to its followers strict adherence, it's viewed by most who follow to be more of a Philosophy.
Buddha was actually an Indian man, by the name of Siddhartha Gautama who existed around 525 years B.C.. He was a very spiritual man that believed strongly in the powers of man and that his true abilities came from within ones self.
To sum up Buddha's (Yoda-like) ideologies, The teachings of Buddha were that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct, wisdom, and meditation releases one from desire, suffering, and rebirth through reincarnation.
The teachings of Buddha are really nothing more than a do-good way of living one's life, all the while being at peace with who and what we are.
I personally have never found any of Buddha's teachings to conflict with my beliefs as a Christian.
Other than the references to reincarnation here and there, to me Buddhism is no more different than the Ten Commandments, the Golden rule or any other set of wholesome / morally pure rules to live by.
"Anyone who's actually a practicing Buddhist, I'm well aware of the enlightenment, being the breaking of our spiritial cycles and of Miroku's coming. But, for Yahoo's Answers, we're attempting to keep it simple. Thanks."
Hope this offers some insight.
2006-10-03 16:03:04 · answer #3 · answered by De Expert 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can rub Buddha's belly for good luck. I think thats the same dude, right?
2006-10-03 16:08:57 · answer #4 · answered by ChrisJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2006-10-03 16:02:11 · answer #5 · answered by Molly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't have a living god like Christianity does.
2006-10-03 16:08:22 · answer #6 · answered by ~~Fast Eddie~~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, they honor the Fat, Bald, Smiling guy.
2006-10-03 16:02:46 · answer #7 · answered by Brad A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OMG....yahoo ppl, if u dont understand buddhism, pls dont answer.
im a buddhist, yes, we workship god. our god is called buddha.
for gods sake, please find ur answer at wikipedia.com
2006-10-03 16:08:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it contains truth.
2006-10-03 16:03:50 · answer #9 · answered by Wait a Minute 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea
2006-10-03 16:01:20 · answer #10 · answered by Syd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋