No God in Buddhism
April 29th 2007 22:29
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Many may leap to the defence of the concept of God in Buddhism.
My own understanding is that it is a philosophy rather than a religion.
The writer below describes Buddhism as atheistic.
Of those rushing to the defence of Buddhism as a religion, I wonder if they really KNOW or are just hopping on the bandwagon of current 'ill-informed' opinion.
Do read what this writer has to say, and follow the link for more on religion.
This entry was written by Shawn Anthony to explain the basic teachings of Buddhism.
"Buddhist legend and tradition identifies Siddhartha Gautama as the founder, or Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince; he was the son of a wealthy landowner and clan chief who lived in the Himalayan foothills sometime during the fifth century BC. Siddhartha Gautama was probably a historical figure, though very, very little is known about him. Tradition places upon him the realization of the basic facts of existence (Four Noble truths) and the necessity and quest for personal enlightenment. The Four Noble truths are: 1. Life inevitably involves suffering; 2. Suffering is rooted in personal desire; 3. The cessation of personal desire will lead to the cessation of suffering; 4. The Eightfold Path will lead to liberation (Eightfold Path: 1. Right Understanding; 2. Right Thought/Motives; 3. Right Speech; 4. Right Action; 5. Right Livelihood; 6. Right Effort; 7. Right Mindfulness; 8. Right Meditation). The goal: liberation from cycle of karma/death/rebirth to Nirvana bliss (enlightenment).
Buddhism is an atheistic faith. Said differently, Buddhism is not built upon the theological idea of a god, personal or otherwise. Naturally, and because there is no dedication to a god or gods, Buddhism easily passes on dogma and doctrine (and theology for that matter!). The focus of Buddhism is on the self, the natural and the spiritual. Some point to Buddhism as a great Eastern religion for an epistemological future founded exclusively – and some would say blindly - upon Western Science and its atheistic and secular worldview. Buddhism, as a result of its godless structure, is a focus upon self-effort as salvation leading to the cessation of the cycle of karma/death/rebirth (aka “the Wheel of Birth and Death,” which is “spun” by three root evils: greed, hate and delusion) and a realization of Nirvana. Buddhism’s answer for suffering is found in the self. Salvation from suffering can only be found in the self and it can only be realized through self effort.
It should be noted too, that Buddhism, much like all religions, is characterized by different “schools” of thought. These schools are: Theravada (orthodox Buddhism); Mahayana (liberal, mystical); Zen (escape from the intellectual mind)"
There seems to be a contradiction there in the use of 'like all religions'
Your views and comments are welcome.
the link
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