...or does Buddha simply serve as a role model and inspiration...
2006-10-24 22:27:11 · 12 answers · asked by Nel 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Buddha is not worshipped as god, deva, nor prophet or messenger of God but a human guru ( teacher) who had gained enlightenment.
Probably one of the few religions in the world that had never fought any war in his name.
A typical misconception tends to link Buddha as the Buddhist counterpart of “God”; however, Buddhism is non-theistic, i.e., in general it does not teach the existence of a supreme creator god (see God in Buddhism) or depend on any supreme being for enlightenment; Buddha is a guide and teacher who points the way.
The commonly accepted definition of the term "God" describes a being that not only rules but actually created the universe (see origin belief). Such ideas and concepts are disputed by Buddha and Buddhists in many Buddhist discourses.
In Buddhism, the supreme origin and creator of the universe is not a god, but Avidya (ignorance). Buddhists try to dispel this darkness through constant practice, wisdom and compassion (known as prajna).
2006-10-24 22:45:51 · answer #1 · answered by sidneysee 2 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Just a teacher. The meditating Buddhists even have a saying about that. "If you meet the Buddha on the road, Kill him"
The general meaningis that the teachings and pracyice are what matter, not the worship of a person and you are to be free and aware. You do not serve Buddha. Buddha is dead and needs no prayers, no offerings or devotees. Buddha did leave behind a textbook on how you can become free like he was, and that is all. Buddha is honoured as a teacher. Christians and other idol worshippers get confused about the Buddha statues, but consider the Mount Rushmore Faces, are those worshipped as gods, or just respected as symbols to remind you of great men.
2006-10-24 22:34:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
Do Buddhists worship Buddha as a god?
...or does Buddha simply serve as a role model and inspiration...
2015-08-06 04:32:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To Buddhists, the Buddha (the founding Buddha) is seen as a great teacher, role model, and source of inspiration...but not God. There are other Buddhas beside the founding Buddha (Buddha just means 'enlightened one'). In fact Buddhism often talks about each person finding their own "Buddha-nature".
Some Hindus, however, do regard Buddha as an incarnation of God. Some Hindus regard Mahavira (founder of Jainism) as an incarnation of God, too. And some Hindus also regard Yeshu (Jesus) as an incarnation of God. And yet other Hindus merely see Buddha, Mahavira, and Yeshu as great teachers.
2006-10-24 23:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by gabriel_zachary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoratically Buddha should be only a role model and inspiration. I knew a Chinese American who's a Buddhist, and he told me that Buddhism is rather a philosophy than a religion and that TRUE Buddhists do NOT worship ANY god. Hope this answers your question.
2006-10-24 22:31:32 · answer #5 · answered by danielle s 2 · 9⤊ 0⤋
You're right: he is a role model and inspiration.
When we meditate: we picture our self going into enlightenment. Or some of us hope to. Statues of him, so we can reach the same state as he is.
Buddha is not a God.
There is only one God, like only on King Aurthur of the round table: the rest was just his helper. Without helper nothing would work.
2006-10-24 22:41:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best friend's mother in law is a Buddhist Nun. We commented one day that she was worshipping a statue (we were looking at pictures she had taken in Nepal). She then informed us that she was not worshipping a statue, that she was worshipping a Buddha. Also, she performs rituals "for" the Buddha. That sounds like she sees it as a god. I'm sure she also sees Buddha as a role model, too. But I don't understand why she would want to emulate Buddha. I mean, if I were going to emulate someone, that someone would have to be perfect. Buddha could not control his own weight which begs the question, "What else could he not control?" Peace.
2006-10-24 22:43:30 · answer #7 · answered by superfluity 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
As a grandson of a buddhist, i have to point out that Buddha is NOT a god. He is more of a glorified Gandhi figure who supposedly achieved "enlightenment" (omniscience).
2006-10-24 23:16:26 · answer #8 · answered by =_= 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the buddha is a teacher.
He did not claim that he was a god, the child of a god or even the messenger from a god. He was a man who perfected himself and taught that if we follow his example, we could perfect ourselves also.
2006-10-25 00:17:36 · answer #9 · answered by sista! 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
buddha is neither God nor Prophet (one who receives message from God) in Buddhism
he is a sage.... an extemely wise human being who began a new way of life
2006-10-24 22:32:32 · answer #10 · answered by Submission 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋