Give me the dirt. Im thinking of becoming one because it sounds like the most peaceful religion
2007-08-10 10:18:27 · 5 answers · asked by madison k. 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
www.buddhanet.net is the best site to get you started.
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2007-08-10 10:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by vinslave 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
Who Was the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.
Was the Buddha a God?
He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.
Do Buddhists Worship Idols?
Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.
Are Other Religions Wrong?
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.
How do I Become a Buddhist?
Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
http://www.buddhanet.net/
2007-08-10 21:33:12 · answer #2 · answered by wb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well start with the four noble truths
eightfold path
put those things into ur search bar and it will just spiral from there. Im glad to see u are interested. Not only will u find peace but u will find a greater sense of what world surrounds u.
2007-08-10 17:24:29 · answer #3 · answered by pandasex 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That you can overcome suffering through the eight-fold path. A simpler, gentler approach than Jesus' way of ego death, Islam's unselfing, Judaism's pure altruism, Hinduism' comic consciousness.
Give it a try!
2007-08-10 17:28:49 · answer #4 · answered by MysticMaze 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why do you have to be any religion at all?
2007-08-10 17:21:41 · answer #5 · answered by Peter D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋