Lately I have become interested in Buddhism and I have felt that Agnosticism feels like the best fit for me. So I was wondering if anyone else out there has developed some type of a Buddhist/Atheist or Agnostic hybrid belief that works for them. If so, please give me some details. I have read a book called Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor. Very good, I recomend it. If you know of any other books on this subject please suggest them.
I appreciate all answers to my question.
Please no responses that do not answer my question.
2006-11-26 19:10:07 · 11 answers · asked by haiku_katie 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I consider myself an atheist and a Buddhist. I read Batchelor's book a few years ago. It wasn't bad. My favorites:
The Dhammapada, translated by Easwaran
http://www.amazon.com/Dhammapada-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/0915132370/
The translation and introduction are terrific. Also:
Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana
http://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Plain-English-Updated-Expanded/dp/0861713214/
Which can also be found online for free:
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/mfneng/mind0.htm
http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html
http://www.enabling.org/ia/vipassana/Archive/G/Gunaratana/MindfulnessIPE/index.html
Buddhism can be viewed as a secular philosophy or psychology, so I agree that it's perfectly compatible with atheism/agnosticism.
2006-11-26 19:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by Sarcasmo 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist, but I can't buy the whole Buddhism bit. I do meditate sometimes and find it relaxing, but the whole reincarnation thing is way too much for me. From what I can tell, when you die that's it. It'll be the same for you as it was before you were born. So this life means everything and you should enjoy it to it's fullest potential.
Buddhism isn't incompatible at all with atheism though. Most Buddhists are atheists. Only a few sects acknowledge a deity.
2006-11-27 03:18:04 · answer #2 · answered by AiW 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, see the only flaw with the question is that you can't be atheist and Buddhist. Atheism means that you don't believe in anything. where as being an agnostic means that you have your own beliefs/ideas about something. But other than that, I'm agnostic. and the great thing about agnosticism is that you can do what ever you feel is right as far as your beliefs go. (I also suggest Taoism)
The Tao of Pooh, is a great book that explains it.
2006-11-27 03:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by Erik R 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I like "Good Question Good Answers by Ven. S. Dhammika n u can read it online in Buddhanet. I think it's simple and interesting. Here's the link: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/qanda.htm
Then What Buddhists Believe is more elaborate, covers more topic and I think it's a good introductory book to Buddhism too.
2006-11-27 05:34:00 · answer #4 · answered by mahasaropama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about this....A Buddhist that leans towards spiritualism. I think if you go deeply into buddhist thought you may come up with your own understanding of what the term "God" is that everyone is referring to. It is possible to be in touch with "God" and yet understand the world from a buddhist perspective. This definition of "God" is not of a personal nature and yet it is so much more amazing than the remedial Judeo/Islamic/ Christian definition of God....the mind based definition of God. This is a connection with the universe that is experienced directly or not at all!!!!! Please read (or better yet get the CD's) "The Power fo Now" by Eckhart Tolle" You will be so glad you did!!!
2006-11-27 05:12:20 · answer #5 · answered by dharmabear 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am agnostic. I really do think that there is a God. I think that Buddhism makes the most sense, also. You and I think alike. I have been wanting to visit a temple. That would be awesome.
2006-11-27 03:28:35 · answer #6 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best thing about being Atheist/Agnostic is that you can choose to believe whatever you want to believe.
There is not a certain thing you need to believe in.
Free thinkers can think and believe anything that is logical to them.
2006-11-27 03:13:00 · answer #7 · answered by Reload 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i see death a graduation to a higher level where we learn and experience new lessons i believe in a higher being and use that as a life line in my life for the good times and the bad and i know that its all part of the lesson and to hold true i hope this helps you and i hope you find an answere that works for you.
2006-11-27 03:31:27 · answer #8 · answered by twocrows 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
read "the god delusion" by richard dawkins. It is a highly intelligent read, you will find true, realistic, answers to many of your questions.
This book is highly recommended by some of the worlds brightest people.
2006-11-27 03:19:58 · answer #9 · answered by knowledge is freedom 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
'WHAT BUDDHIST BELIEVE' by Ven.Dr K S Dhammananda is a good book and should be very helpful.I printed many copies for free distribution ;can send you one if you want.
2006-11-27 04:38:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋