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Theme Changer

 Topic: Buddhism

 (Read 29895 times)
  • 12 3 ... 6 Next page « Previous thread | Next thread »
  • Buddhism
     OP - September 06, 2009, 08:03 AM
    Have any of you, particularly ex-Muslims, found yourselves drawn to Buddhism? Why or why not?  Sometimes I feel like I still want a little ritual and mystery in my life and I definitely wish I had community - something I didn't really have with Islam, with all its conditional friendships, and divisions based on class, race, and ethnicity.

    I'm an atheist, but sometimes I've thought, 'Well I could just go to a liberal church or something.'  But I won't, because I am really not a fan of Christianity.  I do know about Unitarian Universalists, whose 'tone' differs from church to church, and I have heard about a branch of Quakers that are non-theist - but I am not a pacifist, so I guess I wouldn't do well there.

    I know that Buddhism, in a general sense, is non-theist.  It seems like it doesn't require that you choose a sect or that you adhere to rigorous practices, but I don't know much about it.  I like that paganism is sort of irreverent in many forms, but I am definitely not a polytheist, and of course there are pagans whose woo is even worse than Muslims.  (Woo being the silly beliefs factor).  If I was going to believe in gods, I would chose the likes of Thor and Freya. Or maybe Al-Lat and Uzza.   Afro

    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #1 - September 06, 2009, 08:12 AM
    Hmm.. Never really thought about it to be honest. I've completely rejected any notion of a "theist" creator, which means that the judeo/christian/islamic notions are rejected. I like some of the ideas. Not sure about the reincarnation though. It's just as unfalsifiable as life after death.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #2 - September 06, 2009, 08:26 AM
    Oh I forgot they have that belief in reincarnation.  Does anyone know if that is all Buddhists who believe this?  Does Buddhism  have some things that you "must" accept like the six articles of faith for Islam?
    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #3 - September 06, 2009, 08:29 AM
    Not sure. Allat might be able to point you in the right direction. PM her.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #4 - September 06, 2009, 08:43 AM
    Quote from: fading on September 06, 2009, 08:26 AM
    Oh I forgot they have that belief in reincarnation.  Does anyone know if that is all Buddhists who believe this?  Does Buddhism  have some things that you "must" accept like the six articles of faith for Islam?


    Yes I think reincarnation is one of the basic tenets of Buddhism. This is how the soul continues transmigrating and learning until it reaches the stage to be freed from the material world. There is no God worship just training the mind to be one with the creation through meditation.
    Knowing Islam is the only true religion we do not allow propagation of any other religion. How can we allow building of churches and temples when their religion is wrong? Thus we will not allow such wrong things in our countries. - Zakir Naik
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #5 - September 06, 2009, 08:44 AM
    Meh.  I definitely do not believe in reincarnation. 
    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #6 - September 06, 2009, 09:03 AM
    Buddhism isnt as peaceful as people often assume, in fact it has had quite a violent history as well.
    Pakistan Zindabad? ya Pakistan sey Zinda bhaag?

    Long Live Pakistan? Or run with your lives from Pakistan?
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #7 - September 06, 2009, 09:38 AM
    This is a good article

    http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/budgod.html

    It shows that even buddha believed in Gods..
    My Book     news002       
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  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #8 - September 06, 2009, 10:07 AM
    Quote from: atheist.pk on September 06, 2009, 09:03 AM
    Buddhism isnt as peaceful as people often assume, in fact it has had quite a violent history as well.


    I think Buddhism is 'basically' peaceful in its theology. But I'm not sure about the likes of Dalai Lama. Have to learn about more it though.


    "God is a geometer" - Plato

    "God is addicted to arithmetic" - Sir James Jeans
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #9 - September 06, 2009, 10:26 AM
    Quote from: fading on September 06, 2009, 08:03 AM
    Have any of you, particularly ex-Muslims, found yourselves drawn to Buddhism? Why or why not?  Sometimes I feel like I still want a little ritual and mystery in my life and I definitely wish I had community - something I didn't really have with Islam, with all its conditional friendships, and divisions based on class, race, and ethnicity.

    I'm an atheist, but sometimes I've thought, 'Well I could just go to a liberal church or something.'  But I won't, because I am really not a fan of Christianity.  I do know about Unitarian Universalists, whose 'tone' differs from church to church, and I have heard about a branch of Quakers that are non-theist - but I am not a pacifist, so I guess I wouldn't do well there.

    I know that Buddhism, in a general sense, is non-theist.  It seems like it doesn't require that you choose a sect or that you adhere to rigorous practices, but I don't know much about it.  I like that paganism is sort of irreverent in many forms, but I am definitely not a polytheist, and of course there are pagans whose woo is even worse than Muslims.  (Woo being the silly beliefs factor).  If I was going to believe in gods, I would chose the likes of Thor and Freya. Or maybe Al-Lat and Uzza.   Afro


    Don't know much about Buddhism.

    Is it true they believe that those with birth defects or disabilities, are that way because they were "bad" in a previous life?

    I find such a belief disgusting.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #10 - September 06, 2009, 10:31 AM
    I have heard this as well and found it disgusting, which is the reason I don't want to entertain Buddhism in any form.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #11 - September 06, 2009, 10:46 AM
    Quote from: fading on September 06, 2009, 08:44 AM
    Meh.  I definitely do not believe in reincarnation. 



    This looks like a good place to know about Buddhism.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/BuddhistSocietyWA

    I've watched some videos, like Higher Criticism, Dealing with the Emotion, and the Buddhist Attitude to Sensuality. So far, Ajahm Brahm sounds calm and rational, and his sermons seems to calm down you mind even if when he talks about something you might already know. I first came across the following one, thought I would watch little and defer, but couldn't stop watching.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y03ofPco54M

    I'm just waiting to see when the irrational part starts. There are some videos on clarifying issues with reincarnation too. But it seems to me that Buddhism doesn't mandate anything as our Abrahamic presumptions would let as think. There seems to be a fully rational part which guides the ordinary man's way of life, and a seemingly irrational part somehow associated only with monks, disconnected from the real-world stuff. I think you could well be a Buddhist and believe that Jesus is the son of God.

    That's my take so far. I've to look deeper.


    "God is a geometer" - Plato

    "God is addicted to arithmetic" - Sir James Jeans
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #12 - September 06, 2009, 06:27 PM
    Quote from: atheist.pk on September 06, 2009, 09:03 AM
    Buddhism isnt as peaceful as people often assume, in fact it has had quite a violent history as well.


    Yes, I have heard a bit over the years about Buddhist militancy in the past and of course I know about Aum Shinri Kyo.  I suppose there is no religion without this in their history.  I'm sure I will get over this bid of mine to find some ritual.  Life has a way of getting in the way. 
    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #13 - September 06, 2009, 06:29 PM
    Quote
    Is it true they believe that those with birth defects or disabilities, are that way because they were "bad" in a previous life?


    Quote from: 20yearstoolong on September 06, 2009, 10:31 AM
    I have heard this as well and found it disgusting, which is the reason I don't want to entertain Buddhism in any form.


    !  I did not know that!  I definitely do not agree with this sort of attitude towards people with congenital defects or disabilties!  Who is 'punishing' those people for being 'bad' anyway? The universe?
    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #14 - September 06, 2009, 06:29 PM
    Thanks Brainy Ape. I've marked these videos to watch later.
    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #15 - September 06, 2009, 07:10 PM
    Quote from: 20yearstoolong on September 06, 2009, 10:31 AM
    I have heard this as well and found it disgusting, which is the reason I don't want to entertain Buddhism in any form.



    What if it were true? That karma shapes your next incarnation to such an extent? I mean, we don't know do we?  Smiley
    Ha Ha.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #16 - September 06, 2009, 07:15 PM
    Quote from: Jack Torrance on September 06, 2009, 07:10 PM
    What if it were true? That karma shapes your next incarnation to such an extent? I mean, we don't know do we?  Smiley


    If it were true it would be incredibly cruel and I am at a loss to to see the point?

    If the powers that be cannot do things in any way other than reincarnating a "bad" person into a new body that has no knowledge, understanding or appreciation of his former "mis-deeds", yet must suffer a life-time from some crippling handicap because of it, sounds like shit-head to me.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #17 - September 06, 2009, 07:16 PM
    Quote from: Jack Torrance on September 06, 2009, 07:10 PM

    What if it were true? That karma shapes your next incarnation to such an extent? I mean, we don't know do we?  Smiley


    Well... My youngest daughter is autistic, has severe learning difficulties and feeds through a tube from her belly. If someone even hinted at karma to me then they would have their karma coming to them in the shape of my fist! Also it's the same as when muslims used to say to me that it's a trial from Allah. You know what Allah can do with his trial!
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #18 - September 06, 2009, 07:20 PM
    Quote from: 20yearstoolong on September 06, 2009, 07:16 PM
    Well... My youngest daughter is autistic, has severe learning difficulties and feeds through a tube from her belly. If someone even hinted at karma to me then they would have their karma coming to them in the shape of my fist! Also it's the same as when muslims used to say to me that it's a trial from Allah. You know what Allah can do with his trial!

     Cheesy  Let me know if someone does - Ive got an almighty Karate drop-kick that I can fine target for their gonads.
    My Book     news002       
    My Blog  pccoffee
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #19 - September 06, 2009, 07:25 PM
    Quote from: IsLame on September 06, 2009, 07:20 PM
    Cheesy  Let me know if someone does - Ive got an almighty Karate drop-kick that I can fine target for their gonads.


    It'll be more than a drop-kick making it's way to their gonads. I'll be employing a blow torch and a pair of pliers!
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #20 - September 06, 2009, 08:01 PM
    Quote from: 20yearstoolong on September 06, 2009, 07:25 PM
    It'll be more than a drop-kick making it's way to their gonads. I'll be employing a blow torch and a pair of pliers!


    Nice!  Afro
    Call me TAP TAP! for I am THE ASS PATTER!
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #21 - September 06, 2009, 08:04 PM
    So Tommy I here you a bit of a martial arts enthusiast, how you going to help in bringing this guy down? 
    My Book     news002       
    My Blog  pccoffee
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #22 - September 06, 2009, 08:08 PM
    Well I think you and 20yearstoolong got the martial arts parts down pretty well. For me, I'd advance to a more lethal tactic....by using my favorite rifle of course.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnO3LMEWZwk&feature=related
    Call me TAP TAP! for I am THE ASS PATTER!
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #23 - September 06, 2009, 08:10 PM
    You better not miss!
    My Book     news002       
    My Blog  pccoffee
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #24 - September 06, 2009, 08:12 PM
    I never miss. All my ex-girlfriends can vouch for that I assure you.
    Call me TAP TAP! for I am THE ASS PATTER!
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #25 - September 06, 2009, 08:22 PM
    Quote from: Jack Torrance on September 06, 2009, 07:10 PM

    What if it were true? That karma shapes your next incarnation to such an extent? I mean, we don't know do we?  Smiley


    To me, it would be like the Christian belief that we are born sinners.  No one is ever really innocent, not even a child.  I can't get with that.  I mean, for one thing, I don't think there is any evidence at all that reincarnation exists.  So I would not believe that, the same way I don't believe there is a god.  And if we were to find that reincarnation does exist, I am not sure that I could get behind the justice of having someone who was bad come back as a severely handicapped child or something.  It would imply this sort of eternal guilt - every life cycle, you carry the guilt of the previous one, though you be without the consciousness, abilities, and knowledge of your previous self.  It doesn't seem just to me.  
    [this space for rent]
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #26 - September 06, 2009, 08:38 PM
    Buddhism is just like any other organized religion and is for most traditionalist practitioners just as dogmatic, superstitious and heavy handed as the Abrahamic religions. I wouldn't join a traditional buddhist community because it can be just as stifling as your average church or masjid.

    However, I highly recommend studying the words of Gautama Siddharta, who did say some very insightful things about being consciously present in the here and now (mindfulness), about personal responsibility, compassion, kindness, integrity, etc. It's when Buddhists start to worship Buddha that I depart from their philosophy.

    I personally also don't believe in karma or reincarnation. For anyone who actually pays attention and has empathy, there is just too much injustice in the world to consider that the laws of karmic retribution actually are in play. That said, I do know that there no such thing as something becoming nothing in the universe. On molecular, atomic and sub-atomic levels, everything is recycled and re-formed into something else and the universe is in a constant state of flux, so it makes sense that our bodies, at least, would become something else, soil, plants, smoke, whatever. But I don't believe in the traditional reincarnation idea of "the soul" being replanted in another body or any such hogwash. That, to me, is yet another delusion humans have made up to cope with our fear of death and the unknown.

    I find many of the concepts of Zen to be more up my alley. But it is a non-traditionalist, non-dogmatic path that basically comes down to accepting reality exactly as it is, the good, bad and ugly, and learning to deal with it practically while keeping all the factors of human emotion and reason in congruence. It's a lifelong learning experience and you never stop learning. I also find a lot of wisdom and truth in Taoism, which is technically not Buddhism, but has similar roots.

    Some books I'd recommend to anyone interested in Buddhism, Zen and Taoism:

    * The Quantum and The Lotus
    * The Tao Te Ching (I use Stephen Mitchell's translation)
    * The Tao of Physics
    * Wandering on the Way
    * The Way of Zen
    * Wake Up: A Life of the Buddha
    * Everyday Zen: Love & Work
    "Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused."
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #27 - September 06, 2009, 09:22 PM
    Quote from: Hassan on September 06, 2009, 07:15 PM
    If it were true it would be incredibly cruel and I am at a loss to to see the point?

    If the powers that be cannot do things in any way other than reincarnating a "bad" person into a new body that has no knowledge, understanding or appreciation of his former "mis-deeds", yet must suffer a life-time from some crippling handicap because of it, sounds like shit-head to me.


    If we are born with defects then is that just the luck of the draw when it comes the fact we live in an imperfect world still evolving? A world with no God in control?

    What if there is a God? If someone is bad or don't believe in the God, what is better, they being sent to hell to burn for eternity? While that god goes ahead and creates perfect and imperfect beings.

    Or

    Be born again with suffering in proportion to the bad things done in previous lives?

    So we cannot remember the previous lives, but maybe our consciousness is evolved based on previous life experiences which could explain why people vary so much in intelligence, expertise, skills, morals, general worldview, etc.

    I know it sounds bad saying someone is suffering in this life because of their last life. But I have come across a few disabled persons (Christians) who believe in god who would rather take personal responsibility, because of their past sins as opposed to placing the blame on a perfect god for making a mistake with them or unnecesssarily giving them a trial.

    Take for instance Stevie Wonder, born blind. His song 'Higher Ground' indicates that he takes responsibility for his disability based on sins from his previous life:

    I'm so darn glad He let me try it again
    'Cause my last time on earth
    I lived a whole world of sin
    I'm so glad that I know more than I know then
    Gonna keep on trying
    'Til I reach my highest ground.

    If a disabled person can accept reincarnation then maybe its not that disgusting a concept, its just the way we understand it

    Some see reincarnation as a way of improving doing good in this life, for a better next life or Nirvana (freedom from birth and death). It's not about condemning those in unfortunate positions as people with bad past lives.

    Birth defects or birth in difficult harsh conditions, may not be reincarnation, it not be a god who creates trials and tribulations for some, it may may just be the luck of the draw in an imperfect world.

    Knowing Islam is the only true religion we do not allow propagation of any other religion. How can we allow building of churches and temples when their religion is wrong? Thus we will not allow such wrong things in our countries. - Zakir Naik
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #28 - September 06, 2009, 09:29 PM
    Quote
    If a disabled person can accept reincarnation then maybe its not that disgusting a concept, its just the way we understand it


    No, its a disgusting concept even if disabled people can rationalise it.  It is less disgusting than eternal damnation though, even though its an older belief.  Its a concept that was ahead of its time when it was thought up.
    "Befriend them not, Oh murtads, and give them neither parrot nor bunny."  - happymurtad's advice on trolls.
  • Re: Buddhism
     Reply #29 - September 06, 2009, 10:33 PM
    I just watched this one. But it's almost completely bullshit. It was a disgrace considering his other videos. But I'd still consider viewing his other videos for the concepts such as 'mindfullness' that allat just mentioned.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQ12Z2MV0Q

    It's better to watch the refutation alone, which were nearly my thoughts when I watched the original one.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KauGMZVBnjk

    And a response to that, which tries to argue something like reincarnation means the everchanging self or so. Heraclitus' philosophy of flux came into mind. Have to watch it once more any way.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrMkOBENrbU

    And there was a response to it saying the possibility of reincarnation is insignificant considering the existance of somethingness. I'd say the same for 'thoughtfulness' too.

    Btw, does anyone know of big eared deaf Mutant cats that evolved from kittens thrown into a coal mine in South Wales?


    "God is a geometer" - Plato

    "God is addicted to arithmetic" - Sir James Jeans
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