I remember learning that there are several, if not many, variations on Buddhism. And at least one of them is considered Atheist in that it doesn't promote the idea of worship, but rather focuses on humanism, meditation, harmony and oneness with the spiritual self. If this is true, can anyone help me identify this version? Thanks! :)
2006-12-07 04:56:42 · 11 answers · asked by remyd212 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am not rating down any reasonable responses, nor my own question (which has also been negatively rated). My question is was asked earnestly in search of knowledge, which I believe is the purpose of this site. I appreciate the information I have been receiving, andymcj66.
2006-12-07 05:39:15 · update #1
Indeed there is. It is called Theravada Buddhism. It originated from Tibet and is practised in India and Thailand mostly. In Theravada Buddhism, it is believed that there is no god, and that Buddha is a teacher.
2006-12-07 05:05:54 · answer #1 · answered by T Delfino 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Show me where the Buddha placed any emphasis on theology or worshipping deities-ALL Buddhism is atheistic. There are no Gods to be worshipped or saviours to wash away your sins. Iconography in Buddhism is purely symbolic and is not intended to be worshipped but to focus the mind during meditation. You achieve enlightenment through your own strivings not through clinging to the illusion of a deity.
So what exactly are the thumbs down for? If you're ignorant of the facts you have no opinion that's relevant and if you just don't like the facts as I've stated them then that's tough-there are no Gods in Buddhism so deal with it.
2006-12-07 13:08:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
From a purely technical perspective, NONE. All forms of Buddhism are and always have been religious in nature.
HOWEVER: Zen Buddhism, (Ch'an in Chinese/Seon in Korean) especially here in the west, is probably what you are referring to. Although the deeper philosophical studies and more advanced practices do treat Zen as a full fledged religion, the basic principals (philosophical AND spiritual) are open. (Note: I would NOT call Zen Atheistic (Ant, or against god(s)), I would call it Non-theistic (independent or unconcerned with god(s)). The difference being slight, but in my opinion, quite relevant to the topic.)
In fact, The Kwan Um School of Zen (One of the largest schools of Zen outside Asia) has retreats geared for other faiths and at most of their practice centers during their introduction they explain to new students that at the fundamental level, Zen is more of a philosophical path then a religious path even though the religious path is there for those who choose to take it.
If you would like more information on Buddhism in general or the Kwan Um school of Zen in particular, please check the links below.
I hope you have found this useful.
General Buddhism: (http://www.buddhanet.net/)
Kwan Um School of Zen: (http://www.kwanumzen.com/)
2006-12-07 16:50:23 · answer #3 · answered by mehereintheeast 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As seen in the Basic Points of Buddhism, one doctrine agreed upon by all branches of modern Buddhism is that "this world is not created and ruled by a God."
According to BuddhaNet, a major Buddhist website:
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.
The Buddha himself rejected metaphysical speculation as a matter of principle, and his teachings focused entirely on the practical ways to end suffering.
On the other hand, the Buddha did not explicitly rule out the existence of a God or gods, and very shortly after his death a devotional element formed within Buddhism. Stupas were built to contain relics of the Buddha and pilgrimmages were made to places where he had walked.
2006-12-07 13:05:22 · answer #4 · answered by zmj 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is the 'western' variation of Buddhism that 'white' people follow, more of a philosophy. Then they go around saying Buddhism is atheistic when it isn't. Look at Zen Buddhism...see if that is what you mean.
2006-12-07 13:00:18 · answer #5 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, I don't buy into that spiritual stuff. I don't want to be considered Buddist; I don't agree with any of the religious stuff at all.
2006-12-07 13:04:12 · answer #6 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm not familiar with that. But Taoism is basically what you've described. Read Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. You can probably find it in an online format for free.
2006-12-07 13:00:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Zen
2006-12-07 13:00:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I've heard that as well. I know somebody who is a buddist, but doesn't belive in god. Funny old world.
2006-12-07 12:59:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Could it be Zen Bhuddism?
2006-12-07 12:59:48 · answer #10 · answered by element_op 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋