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Can someone explain Buddhism to me?
Hi 
. I am an atheist, but I am curious about Buddhism. Like what exactly you believe in. Your veiws on what happens when you die, how the universe began, and how we should live our lives. Also, why you believe that Buddhism is the correct path out of all the other possible choices.
. I am an atheist, but I am curious about Buddhism. Like what exactly you believe in. Your veiws on what happens when you die, how the universe began, and how we should live our lives. Also, why you believe that Buddhism is the correct path out of all the other possible choices. 0
Comments
For some people, theism is the correct path because it suits their psychological disposition. Just because we may regard something as supersititious, ie, unverifiable, it does not mean it is not 'correct' for certain people and will not provide a benefit for certain people.
Similarly, in Buddhism, there are many teachings available about life after death. Whilst unverifiable, these teachings may provide benefit to certain people.
That said, the type of Buddhism I follow holds the universe evolved from the elements, just as science believes. In Buddhism, the elements are not only physical but also mental. Through infinite occurrances of cause & effect, of certain elements combining with other elements, did the universe come to be and continues to evolve, decay, expand, contract and so forth.
The type of Buddhism I follow holds all conditioned things, subject to cause & effect, arise & pass. With the mind dependent upon the body, once the body ends, the mind ends. After death, the body simply decomposes. Regarding the mind, everything sensed & felt during one's life "become cold right there". It ends.
This being the case, the way to live one's life is to not regard anything as belonging to oneself nor to believe one is a "real self".
Our sense of 'self' is a natural programmed brain function to facilitate survival.It is not a 'real self' or a 'real me'. The way to live is to realise the true nature of 'the self function' & to realise all things are just nature.
If we truely regard things & life to belong to us and be us, then there will be suffering because all things are subject to disease, decay, death & change.
We should also live our lives based in non-harming because non-harming leads to happiness and also to psychological integrity (non-contradiction).
The Buddha said:
Kind regards
DD
:smilec:
It's a question of personal appraisal and discovery, examination and scrutiny....
Living well is of more importance to a Buddhist, than dying, as far as I am concerned - everyone must do it for themselves to be able to hold a rock-solid opinion....although one should strive to die well, too....
this is unimportant.
Does it matter? Really?
That's everyone's individual walk. I am not about to tell anyone how they 'should' lead their life. I just know how I should - or shouldn't - lead mine....
Because it makes sense. to me, anyway. It's up to others what they do and find, be it in Buddhism or anywhere else, for that matter....
Doubtless, a more simplistic, less scholarly response to that of others, but mine, nevertheless....
I did not come to buddhism to settle questions of origin of universe, life after death, etc but I know that in the previous 2 centuries + of buddhism a few (understating
What Buddhists Believe
K.Sri Dhammananda http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/dhammananda/main.htm
1-The first thing that appealed to me about Buddhism was how The Buddha said, "Believe nothing, no matter who has said it, even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own common sense." (A refreshing teaching from the many religions that say 'Believe this or go to hell)
2-The emphasis on living in the present is legitimate, because psychology proves the mental benefits of practicing this. The Buddha said "the secret of health for both body and mind is not to mourn for the past, or fear for the future, but to live wisely and earnestly in the present."
The past and future are illusions, and therefore do not exist. If you fear something that does not exist, you are considered INSANE
3-The emphasis on interconnectedness is legitimate, because is a scientific fact. There is not individual, separate, distinct "self". Everything in nature is made up of molecules that are constantly vibrating next to each other and bouncing off and on. It is only an illusion that people are separate from nature
This feeling of separation is the source of much suffering and anxiety in the world.
4- the emphasis on the fact that change is inevitable. Every event that happens occurs in a distinct space and time. No two events are identical. Change is constantly happening, and along with that come suffering, old age, disease and death. Trying to cling to certain states is like trying to grab a handful of water, as it just slips away. Instead, Buddhism emphasizes accepting the change and living in the present moment-detached from desires to try and prolong it.
Overall, there are a variety of reasons why Buddhism makes sense not just as a 'religion' but in the realms of psychology, philosophy, and mental health as well.
I recommend reading Alan Watts
"A person is not alive until they lose themselves and release the anxious grip on their life, property, reputation, and position." -Alan Watts
The longer you practice Buddhism, the more you understand what it is about. It proves itself to you in a non-verbal way.
Over the centuries, institutions have evolved around the teachings of the Buddha, and these institutions have all the trappings of a religion. But Buddhism, at its core, is not a religion in the sense of what we understand a religion to be.
http://www.youtube.com/user/youcreateyourmeaning#p/a/u/1/Q4KzRrQstaQ
Oh, the lessons in perceptions and first impressions!!
Oooo ... verrrry perceptive federica. Missed that!
Aw, this seems like the perfect hook for another rebirth thread, but I shall keep my mouth shut. Zzzip. In the absence of direct personal insight, looking at phenomena like near-death-experiences (NDE) and past life recalls (PLR) might be useful. These do not reveal anything conclusive, but a little bit of light is better than no light at all.
Most importantly, because it makes logical sense and practical sense. Early in my life, I tried to make sense out of Christian doctrines, but I got very dissatisfied with its contradictions. All theology of the world could not fix that, no Augustine, no Anselm, no Aquinas. Also, Buddhism offers (in most forms) a do-it-yourself soteriology which I find more appealing.
Cheers, Thomas
If you would like an introduction to Buddhism then there is a short course given in pdf form at this link. It explains most the things you wish to know. I read it and thought it was a fair unbiased view on Buddhist history, Beliefs and traditions.
Happiness and Peace to all
http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/study/foundation
Take advantage of Buddhism. In the words of high Lama Khensur Rinpoche... it's "very good".