2007-07-25 11:40:53 · 8 answers · asked by drummerBoy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is too lengthy to be given proper attention on Y/A. I am a Buddhist and the avatar above me is not correct. The two immediately below me are incorrect as well for Buddhism has no belief in a supreme being as in an original cause. Let me suggest one of two, (or both), books that will give you some correct insight for you to make a legitimate decision. "The Complete Idiots Guide to Understanding Buddhism" by Gary Gach and/or "Buddhism for Dummies".
2007-07-25 11:44:52 · answer #1 · answered by Don W 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are four basic principles that you need to understand you attain "enlightenment". You shouldn't value any material wealth because it is believed that it does not guarantee eternal happiness. The only way to get away from your sufferings if find the path to enlightenment which can be a long, long, rigorous one using up many of your past and future lives until you attain it. There are many different forms of buddhism. Some reject the idea of a creator. In Buddhism, it is believed that everything is connected and that there is a cause and effect for every action. But some sects of buddhism believe that there can be a creator or more than one because why is the universe able to be in such great order in the first place. In response to the answer below me, BUDDHISM IS NOT IDOL WORSHIP. It DEPENDS ON WHICH TYPE OF BUDDHISM. Budda himself did not want to be worshiped. But there are some types which yes, they do worship him. In Japan and Tibet however, buddhism coexists with beliefs like the Tibetian Gods and the Shinto (way of the Kami). Buddhism is such a flexible religon and has probably as many different types just as Islam and Christianity. Some buddhist monks actually practice ideas of Christianity too. If you need any more information e-mail me. Do you believe in karma? Do you know it is real? Buddhism believes in karma, the only way to escape it is through enlightenment. NOT ALL BUDDHISTS even worship a God! Some are Atheist, some are not. Zen buddhists in Japan don't have to believe in a God. Some buddhist monks do some don't. It depends. I suggest you read many books by the Dalai Lima of Tibet. If you are in to Science, some aspects of it coexist with spirituality as one of his books explain. He is a very talented author. The first book you could read is, "the simple path" to get a great feel for what buddhism is.
God bless!
2007-07-25 11:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by Yuri ^_^ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is a very complex tradition with a number of variations. In basic, there is realization of suffering in life, that the the causes of suffering are our attachments to things, that the ease or cessation of this suffering is possible, and there is a prescribed manner of right thinking, acting and doing which make the end of suffering attainable.
This is about as 'in a nutshell' as I can get. Please review www.buddhanet.net for some background, and then try asking more specific questions.
May you and all beings be well and free from suffering.
2007-07-25 12:10:32 · answer #3 · answered by MarkS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism split from Hinduism 2500 years ago to combat meat-eating which had come into vogue.
The main Buddhist teaching is: Life is Suffering and all Suffering is caused by Ignorance ... Ignorance that suffering is caused by the Desire for different circumstances.
The rest of the teachings, like reincarnation, deal with the philosophies talked of throughout Hinduism.
Philosophy with out Religion is speculation (very Hare Krishna).
Religion with out Philosophy is mere Sentimentality (which is where I think Xianity lies in the scheme of things).
2007-07-25 11:58:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greetings Friend,
Buddhism is an awesome religion. I do not want to do it a disservice by trying to explain it in a brief paragraph or two, so here is a link that you can go to to search for some more information.
http://buddhism.about.com/od/theravada/ss/BuddhismSS.htm
About.com has a lot of information about Buddhism if you really want to know. I hope this helps.
sending love,
2007-07-25 11:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by wadkinsjames 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have an in-law who is Buddhist.
I understand her right to choose her religion.
I am a Christian and she is respectful of that. I would not convert to Buddhism, because that would be idol worship.
I would not be rude or disrespectful to her based on her beliefs.
2007-07-25 11:45:00 · answer #6 · answered by nowyouknow 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Interesting beliefs that lead to hell, eternally speaking.
2007-07-25 11:47:32 · answer #7 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
they worship a false god
2007-07-25 11:45:01 · answer #8 · answered by ANGEL HORSE 3 · 1⤊ 6⤋