Atheists: Have you considered Buddhism?

Question

And Christians: Have you considered becoming full-blown retarded? (not like you have a choice)

Oh, I'm kidding. No harm intended.

Answer 1

Hmmm... Not very Buddhist of you.

I have studied Buddhism, and it has a lot within its practice to recommend it, particularly in overcoming duality, hyper-individuality, and sources of anxiety.

However, there is no more evidence to support Karma and Reincarnation than there is to support Theism.

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Answer 2

Yes I considered Buddhism but rejected it...

While some of the teachings make quite a bit of sense some do not.. Just like other religions and belief systems I have researched I have taken the parts that make sense and use them while leaving the rest behind..

From Buddhism I took meditation (Yoga) I see it as a great way to relax and blow the cobwebs out of my brain... It's also great for my body as I use it for exercise as well as keeping my body limber.. I always feel invigorated and clear minded after Yoga.. It's my time to reconnect with me..


I have been trying a new type of yoga lately in which I try to isolate a sound and slowly ignore all other sounds (a dripping of rain, a chirp of a bird, etc.) I am finding that being able to ignore the distractions is helping me to be able to ignore distraction while not doing Yoga.. It comes in handy as I am now able to concentrate on tasks without so much interference..

Answer 3

In order for an atheist to genuinely practice Buddhism, he would first have to give up the belief in nihilism.

I realize much of Buddhism appeals to atheists, but by definition atheism equals nihilism. Although one might follow the Eightfold Path and conduct himself or herself as a Buddhist, at some point there would be a contradiction.

It is not that Buddhists don't believe in G-d, so much as not believing in a separate, independent, creator G-d. There remains a belief in "god-nature" and the concept of rebirth.

Answer 4

Yeah, I think there's wisdom in Buddhism, but I also think it's whitewashed for American consumption. The Dali Lama is not a saint. Buddhism is compatible with reincarnation, which has troubling moral consequences -- for example in parts of Asia, children born with birth defects are mistreated because they are perceived to have poor karma.

Ultimately I think it's better to understand the wisdom that buddhism has, without drinking the buddhist koolaid.

Answer 5

Yes - i have studied Buddhism - it is the best religion i have come across - especually Zen.

I do feel your attach on Christians in general is uncalled for. For many the explanations of moderate forms of Christianity give much and they give much into our society. It is only the extremists we need to keep on tackling.

Answer 6

I have considered all of 'em. None of them was very attractive after getting past the veneer. I like agnosticism best. It lets me vacillate and wait to see if anyone ever makes a truly convincing and incontrovertible argument for either the god or no god positions. So far, no one has convinced me.

Answer 7

Yes, I have. I love the concept, but find it is too structured for me. I still try to learn more of the tenets and follow the general ideas, though. I'm just too busy to delve into it right now. I plan to once I'm finished with school, though.

Answer 8

I looked into Jainism a bit (earlier precursor to Buddhism and other eastern and Indian philosophies) and found it pretty interesting. Actually I found it to be pretty moral, form my perspective.

Answer 9

Why consider buddhism? Do you have a reason it should be considered? Consider it for what end?

Answer 10

Yes I thought about it but every time I try meditating I can't get my mind to stop thinking so I think I would make a very poor Buddist.