Thread: Buddhism

I find Buddhism interesting, a large reason because it is a philosophy based religion, and also because of this, sets itself up to be openly questioned. By and large, it seems most Buddhists, especially western Buddhists seem to be non-theistic or atheist. One could say it is the eastern version of Stoicism. Buddhism existed as a philosophy long before it was even considered a religion. The scholars of Buddhism from the beginning made it a point to express their Atheism.



I also find that Buddhism is consistent with science.



Instead of relying on a faith or some destination after life, the emphasis in Buddhism is in the practice. More specifically, meditation, where the experience is not defined or explained by Buddhism, but putting it in the practitioner's hands to discover for themselves. The "enlightenment" that comes from this is metaphorically called "Nirvana", which can only be described as realization and insight into your mind and reality. Essentially, the detachment from delusion, but the individual experience is the only thing that can reveal this, not Buddhism itself.



The main principles of Buddhism are the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, which state that 1)Life as we know it leads to suffering, 2)The causes of suffering are delusion- craving, clinging to a certain notion of existing, to the self, and phenomena. (Phenomena is described as things and experiences) 3)Suffering ends with freedom from desire 4)The path laid out by the Buddha leads to liberation.



Key concepts in Buddhism include "impermanence", which acknowledges that everything is in a constant state of change and flux, and "the middle way", which is essentially non extremism and the acknowledgement that all dualities are delusion.



Pretty interesting video:



[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj_i7YqDwJA[/media]

[quote name='Gypsy' date='12 October 2009 - 12:46 AM' timestamp='1255322769' post='36388']

I have a friend who was born in Iran. After he left Iran he moved around alot and was searching for inner peace. Eventually he found his way to Buddhism. He sent me a book ... The Dummies Guide to Buddhism because I had so many questions lol

[/quote]



Wow, they have a dummy's guide for that? lol. Nice. What do you think?



It seems many of those I know who practice meditation, etc don't really call themselves Buddhist, but take what they want from the practice.

[quote name='Zaragrunudgeyon' date='12 October 2009 - 12:28 AM' timestamp='1255321736' post='36378']

Are you ------shopping?

[/quote]



I bought food earlier, but just staples like bread and cereal.

[quote name='Gypsy' date='12 October 2009 - 01:52 AM' timestamp='1255326727' post='36437']

Yes they do! lol. I think it a very peaceful way of life and that appeals to me.

[/quote]



Me too. Meditation is hard for me though. I never knew how "loud" my thoughts were until I started trying.