Is Buddhism a religion?

[rockyysdt]

Your statement makes no sense.

[MAJIC]

You have answered your own question,there is no religion without a god to worship! and a Philosophy as is the case of Bhuddism can't be termed a Religion

I suspect many other religions started out the same as Buddhism and in time many other additions were also made!

Edited August 29, 2015 by MAJIC

[VincentRJ]

Do you think just because a God created humans, he can choose anyone at anytime to kill him ?

If it's true that there exists a God who created humans, then it's reasonable to consider the possibility that 'He, She or It' would be able to kill any human at any time.

The current state of our scientific knowledge is such that we have perhaps reached the very advanced stage of being able to detect approximately 5% of the matter and energy that surrounds us. 95% of the stuff that surrounds us is completely invisible, apparently, according to our latest theories of Physics. We give it the names Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

On placebo effects, if any claims about the next life are made just for the purpose of this lifetime then that religion is simply not honest.

Honesty is being truthful about what you 'believe' or accept to be true at any point in time, and not lying about it. Whether or not what we believe to be true at present, eventually proves to be false at some time in the future, is another issue.

For example, when educated people used to think that the Earth was the centre of the universe, and used to teach that to others, they were not being dishonest. They were not lying. To the naked eye it seems quite obvious that all the stars and the moon, visible at night, are revolving around the Earth. Even before telescopes were invented, some of the ancient Greeks considered the possibility that the Earth was in fact revolving around the sun, but the maths didn't support such theories, partly because they were assuming the orbits were circular rather than elliptical.

The need for religion can perhaps be explained by the insecurity that most people feel when they are uncertain about issues which they imagine or feel are important to them. When people lose their loved ones, see their parents die, or lose their child in an accident, it is quite natural that they should wonder what happens to those 'personalities' after death. Where has their 'spirit' gone? The grief is so painful, they demand answers, and, in a hierarchical society, the answers are provided by the rulers, priests or 'spiritual' authorities.

You must have noticed, 'Only1', that uncertainty is an intolerable state of affairs for most people. A soldier who goes into battle cannot afford to be uncertain about victory.

Buddhism teaches one to be at peace with uncertainty.

[rockyysdt]

Hi M.

Bikkhi Buddhadasa, the Buddha's slave as he referred to himself, and one believed to be an Arahant, refers to Buddhism as a religion.

Religions are not restricted to theism.

An important ingredient of religion is existence beyond our mortal state. This is accommodated with Nibanna. Also religions have a state/place which is ever lasting or forever.

Nibanna, permanent and unconditioned.

Edited August 30, 2015 by rockyysdt

[VincentRJ]

Hi M.

Bikkhi Buddhadasa, the Buddha's slave as he referred to himself, and one believed to be an Arahant, refers to Buddhism as a religion.

Religions are not restricted to theism.

An important ingredient of religion is existence beyond our mortal state. This is accommodated with Nibanna. Also religions have a state/place which is ever lasting or forever.

Nibanna, permanent and unconditioned.

Hi Rocky,

That's a good point. However, the problems of 'belief' still exist within the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.

To rational people like myself, conditioned by the evidence and success of scientific principles, the dismissal by Buddhism of the existence of an Almighty Creator God, on the grounds that such matters are intrinsically beyond our comprehension, makes sense and gives credibility to the Buddha's teachings.

Unfortunately, the descriptions of Nirvana seem as vague and implausible, and as unknowable, as the descriptions of an Almighty Creator God, so in a sense, we are back to square 1.

[AYJAYDEE]

Hi M.

Bikkhi Buddhadasa, the Buddha's slave as he referred to himself, and one believed to be an Arahant, refers to Buddhism as a religion.

Religions are not restricted to theism.

An important ingredient of religion is existence beyond our mortal state. This is accommodated with Nibanna. Also religions have a state/place which is ever lasting or forever.

Nibanna, permanent and unconditioned.

but nibbana is the end of existence.

[only1]

You have answered your own question,there is no religion without a god to worship! and a Philosophy as is the case of Bhuddism can't be termed a Religion

I suspect many other religions started out the same as Buddhism and in time many other additions were also made!

Right, but other religions must call Buddhism a religion in order than Buddhism to be special.

In fact, certain religion actually copied a big part from Buddhism. Just compare the stories of the Buddha and Jesus and you find similarities thAt could that be coincidental.

Religions of blind faith works better because majority of people are ignorant and selfish. The creator or leaders of such religions are greedy, their followers are ignorant. The other nonbelievers who know the truth don't share the knowledge with others(out of selfishness too) so such religions can last a long time.

[only1]

Typo error in my last comment.

Other religions must call Buddhism a religion so that Buddhism do not become special and become a threat a competition to them.

[rockyysdt]

Hi M.

Bikkhi Buddhadasa, the Buddha's slave as he referred to himself, and one believed to be an Arahant, refers to Buddhism as a religion.

Religions are not restricted to theism.

An important ingredient of religion is existence beyond our mortal state. This is accommodated with Nibanna. Also religions have a state/place which is ever lasting or forever.

Nibanna, permanent and unconditioned.

but nibbana is the end of existence.

According to Bikkhu Buddhadasa, Nibanna is not the end of existence, but it is a state completely free from causes and effects, and is the extinction zone for causes and effects.

Quote:

Any in the group that results from causes, or has causes and contributory factors, it will remain in existence as long as the causes and the factors still exist.

However, it is impermanent and always changes with its changing causes and factors. Even for what is said to have been dead, if its causes and contributory factors for its reappearance or rebirth still exist, it will reappear or will be reborn.

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

There is existence of things in one of the two states:

1. That which is uncertain and impermanent (Samsara) and characterizes the conditioned things, and

2. That which is certain and permanent (Nibanna) characterizes the unconditioned.

Buddhism, accepts non self, but at the same time it accepts the existence of things in one of two states: one state continually arising, ceasing, and changing, and the other state having neither origination nor cessation and being unchangeable.

Edited August 30, 2015 by rockyysdt

[VincentRJ]

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

Rocky,

Such a concept is in the same category as scientifically undetectable and invisible spirits and forces from a Creator God.

[only1]

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

Rocky,

Such a concept is in the same category as scientifically undetectable and invisible spirits and forces from a Creator God.

Totally different from a creator god concept which is both debunked by science ,logic defying and unreasonable(the creator created two similar religions to fight on order to "test" them?). Nirwana concept is not debunked by science or unreasonable or logic defying.

[only1]

Do you think just because a God created humans, he can choose anyone at anytime to kill him ?

If it's true that there exists a God who created humans, then it's reasonable to consider the possibility that 'He, She or It' would be able to kill any human at any time.

The current state of our scientific knowledge is such that we have perhaps reached the very advanced stage of being able to detect approximately 5% of the matter and energy that surrounds us. 95% of the stuff that surrounds us is completely invisible, apparently, according to our latest theories of Physics. We give it the names Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

On placebo effects, if any claims about the next life are made just for the purpose of this lifetime then that religion is simply not honest.

Honesty is being truthful about what you 'believe' or accept to be true at any point in time, and not lying about it. Whether or not what we believe to be true at present, eventually proves to be false at some time in the future, is another issue.

For example, when educated people used to think that the Earth was the centre of the universe, and used to teach that to others, they were not being dishonest. They were not lying. To the naked eye it seems quite obvious that all the stars and the moon, visible at night, are revolving around the Earth. Even before telescopes were invented, some of the ancient Greeks considered the possibility that the Earth was in fact revolving around the sun, but the maths didn't support such theories, partly because they were assuming the orbits were circular rather than elliptical.

The need for religion can perhaps be explained by the insecurity that most people feel when they are uncertain about issues which they imagine or feel are important to them. When people lose their loved ones, see their parents die, or lose their child in an accident, it is quite natural that they should wonder what happens to those 'personalities' after death. Where has their 'spirit' gone? The grief is so painful, they demand answers, and, in a hierarchical society, the answers are provided by the rulers, priests or 'spiritual' authorities.

You must have noticed, 'Only1', that uncertainty is an intolerable state of affairs for most people. A soldier who goes into battle cannot afford to be uncertain about victory.

Buddhism teaches one to be at peace with uncertainty.

[only1]

Do you think just because a God created humans, he can choose anyone at anytime to kill him ?

If it's true that there exists a God who created humans, then it's reasonable to consider the possibility that 'He, She or It' would be able to kill any human at any time.

The current state of our scientific knowledge is such that we have perhaps reached the very advanced stage of being able to detect approximately 5% of the matter and energy that surrounds us. 95% of the stuff that surrounds us is completely invisible, apparently, according to our latest theories of Physics. We give it the names Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

On placebo effects, if any claims about the next life are made just for the purpose of this lifetime then that religion is simply not honest.

Honesty is being truthful about what you 'believe' or accept to be true at any point in time, and not lying about it. Whether or not what we believe to be true at present, eventually proves to be false at some time in the future, is another issue.

For example, when educated people used to think that the Earth was the centre of the universe, and used to teach that to others, they were not being dishonest. They were not lying. To the naked eye it seems quite obvious that all the stars and the moon, visible at night, are revolving around the Earth. Even before telescopes were invented, some of the ancient Greeks considered the possibility that the Earth was in fact revolving around the sun, but the maths didn't support such theories, partly because they were assuming the orbits were circular rather than elliptical.

The need for religion can perhaps be explained by the insecurity that most people feel when they are uncertain about issues which they imagine or feel are important to them. When people lose their loved ones, see their parents die, or lose their child in an accident, it is quite natural that they should wonder what happens to those 'personalities' after death. Where has their 'spirit' gone? The grief is so painful, they demand answers, and, in a hierarchical society, the answers are provided by the rulers, priests or 'spiritual' authorities.

You must have noticed, 'Only1', that uncertainty is an intolerable state of affairs for most people. A soldier who goes into battle cannot afford to be uncertain about victory.

Buddhism teaches one to be at peace with uncertainty.

But then, if this Creator God really created humans and yet his creation could listen to Satan, there is a better possibility that this Creator already left or disappeared and the whole religion is already run by Satan in disguise.

If you refer to the bible contents, the holy wars and crusades etc, it looks like Satan is managing them and not a kind God. Unless the creator is already no more in power. Then why trust him for heaven ?

Why have placebo effects now but suffer more in the next ? In fact, for most almighty God believers, they suffered before dying. That's the time when they begin to realise or have doubts with their God, especially when a spouse or someone in the house passed away.

At the end, all must understand their beginning. One must understand the source and how a religion originated before they follow blindly.

[VincentRJ]

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

Rocky,

Such a concept is in the same category as scientifically undetectable and invisible spirits and forces from a Creator God.

Totally different from a creator god concept which is both debunked by science ,logic defying and unreasonable(the creator created two similar religions to fight on order to "test" them?). Nirwana concept is not debunked by science or unreasonable or logic defying.

You seem confused. The creator God concept has not been debunked by science or logic. One of our greatest scientists, Albert Einstein, believed in God. His understanding or concept of God was different to the Biblical, or Theistic understanding. His concept was more along the lines of some sort of intelligent designer, rather than a personal God who listened to one's prayers.

For example, there is a view of a God (or intelligent designer) who created mankind through the processes of evolution, that we are now beginning to understand.

One of the greatest scientists of all time, Sir Isaac Newton, was deeply religious, but in a way which would have been considered heretical at the time. He kept quiet about his religious views to avoid any persecution.

[only1]

I am not confused and I am logical and reasonable. I read that Enstein mentioned Buddhism is the best and most futuristic too. Need not listen to anyone. The Buddha said one must use his own mind.

Shall we start a Creator God concept thread separately ? Allowed in Thai visa ?

[AYJAYDEE]

Hi M.

Bikkhi Buddhadasa, the Buddha's slave as he referred to himself, and one believed to be an Arahant, refers to Buddhism as a religion.

Religions are not restricted to theism.

An important ingredient of religion is existence beyond our mortal state. This is accommodated with Nibanna. Also religions have a state/place which is ever lasting or forever.

Nibanna, permanent and unconditioned.

but nibbana is the end of existence.

According to Bikkhu Buddhadasa, Nibanna is not the end of existence, but it is a state completely free from causes and effects, and is the extinction zone for causes and effects.

Quote:

Any in the group that results from causes, or has causes and contributory factors, it will remain in existence as long as the causes and the factors still exist.

However, it is impermanent and always changes with its changing causes and factors. Even for what is said to have been dead, if its causes and contributory factors for its reappearance or rebirth still exist, it will reappear or will be reborn.

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

There is existence of things in one of the two states:

1. That which is uncertain and impermanent (Samsara) and characterizes the conditioned things, and

2. That which is certain and permanent (Nibanna) characterizes the unconditioned.

Buddhism, accepts non self, but at the same time it accepts the existence of things in one of two states: one state continually arising, ceasing, and changing, and the other state having neither origination nor cessation and being unchangeable.

and many disagree with that interpretation

[AYJAYDEE]

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

Rocky,

Such a concept is in the same category as scientifically undetectable and invisible spirits and forces from a Creator God.

Totally different from a creator god concept which is both debunked by science ,logic defying and unreasonable(the creator created two similar religions to fight on order to "test" them?). Nirwana concept is not debunked by science or unreasonable or logic defying.

science has not disproved a creator god

[only1]

Of course not, science will not waste any money or effort for it. Common sense and logic already disproved it. No need science for it. You don't hear science exposing scams or crimes, do you ?

[only1]

Hi M.

Bikkhi Buddhadasa, the Buddha's slave as he referred to himself, and one believed to be an Arahant, refers to Buddhism as a religion.

Religions are not restricted to theism.

An important ingredient of religion is existence beyond our mortal state. This is accommodated with Nibanna. Also religions have a state/place which is ever lasting or forever.

Nibanna, permanent and unconditioned.

but nibbana is the end of existence.

According to Bikkhu Buddhadasa, Nibanna is not the end of existence, but it is a state completely free from causes and effects, and is the extinction zone for causes and effects.

Quote:

Any in the group that results from causes, or has causes and contributory factors, it will remain in existence as long as the causes and the factors still exist.

However, it is impermanent and always changes with its changing causes and factors. Even for what is said to have been dead, if its causes and contributory factors for its reappearance or rebirth still exist, it will reappear or will be reborn.

The other state, Nibanna , is a state existing without causes and contributing factors and is eternal.

There is existence of things in one of the two states:

1. That which is uncertain and impermanent (Samsara) and characterizes the conditioned things, and

2. That which is certain and permanent (Nibanna) characterizes the unconditioned.

Buddhism, accepts non self, but at the same time it accepts the existence of things in one of two states: one state continually arising, ceasing, and changing, and the other state having neither origination nor cessation and being unchangeable.

and many disagree with that interpretation

The same with a only one God or creator or almighty concept. So best to apply logic. Edited August 30, 2015 by only1

[AYJAYDEE]

The same with a only one God or creator or almighty concept. So best to apply logic.

the monks i have studied are as logical as any

[VincentRJ]

I am not confused and I am logical and reasonable. I read that Enstein mentioned Buddhism is the best and most futuristic too. Need not listen to anyone. The Buddha said one must use his own mind.

Shall we start a Creator God concept thread separately ? Allowed in Thai visa ?

If you are logical and reasonable, then you should be able to appreciate that our knowledge of the universe and the material world that surrounds us is not nearly as great as most of us like to think.

It is ego, vanity and pride that causes us to think we are so clever and knowledgeable. The reality might be, we are so clever that we might be the first species in the history of the planet to cause its own extinction.

[rockyysdt]

And many disagree with that interpretation

I was one of them A J.

For years I clung to "moment to moment" re birth.

"Moment to moment" is indeed part of it, but is not the full story.

In the end, I either fashioned Buddhism to fit with my beliefs, or I accept what the Buddha was teaching.

The detail is overwhelming.

There is way too much detail written to push under the carpet.

• One need not be a Buddhist to lead an "ethical" life.
• One need not be a Buddhist to reap the benefits of being "Mindful".
• One need not be a Buddhist to develop poise, tranquility, & peace of mind through "Concentration" practice.

What is Buddhism?

To end Dukkha and the cycle of Re Birth, one must destroy attachment to Ego, and thus, quench the fires of Greed, Aversion, & Delusion, in order to enter the state of Awakening, a state which is Permanent and without Conditioning.

Whilst there is a glimmer of attachment to Ego, one remains deluded.

But it's OK.

The world is full of obstacles which block our path.

I have a truck load of them.

One such obstacle is "belief".

Belief and reality are not always synonymous.

This is why Awakening is rare.

The best way is to observe without attachment.

Live with an open mind to all, but attachment to none (either way).

Find out for oneself as revelations appear as the fruits of ones practice.

Edited August 30, 2015 by rockyysdt

[only1]

I am not confused and I am logical and reasonable. I read that Enstein mentioned Buddhism is the best and most futuristic too. Need not listen to anyone. The Buddha said one must use his own mind.

Shall we start a Creator God concept thread separately ? Allowed in Thai visa ?

If you are logical and reasonable, then you should be able to appreciate that our knowledge of the universe and the material world that surrounds us is not nearly as great as most of us like to think.

It is ego, vanity and pride that causes us to think we are so clever and knowledgeable. The reality might be, we are so clever that we might be the first species in the history of the planet to cause its own extinction.

We need not care for what we don't know, just care and share what we know.

Religions of the same claimed creator has been dividing people apart, at least for the majority of the religious ones.

Those who know Buddhism should do their part in sharing without selfishness.

Don't only for world peace, but personal peace. I have seen too many Christians suffering with regrets near their end.

We should stop it and Buddhism is their only way.

[AYJAYDEE]

Of course not, science will not waste any money or effort for it. Common sense and logic already disproved it. No need science for it. You don't hear science exposing scams or crimes, do you ?

it has not been proven. and yes science does expose scams and crimes. thats what is called forensic science

[AYJAYDEE]

And many disagree with that interpretation

I was one of them A J.

For years I clung to "moment to moment" re birth.

"Moment to moment" is indeed part of it, but is not the full story.

In the end, I either fashioned Buddhism to fit with my beliefs, or I accept what the Buddha was teaching.

The detail is overwhelming.

There is way too much detail written to push under the carpet.

• One need not be a Buddhist to lead an "ethical" life.
• One need not be a Buddhist to reap the benefits of being "Mindful".
• One need not be a Buddhist to develop poise, tranquility, & peace of mind through "Concentration" practice.

What is Buddhism?

To end Dukkha and the cycle of Re Birth, one must destroy attachment to Ego, and thus, quench the fires of Greed, Aversion, & Delusion, in order to enter the state of Awakening, a state which is Permanent and without Conditioning.

Whilst there is a glimmer of attachment to Ego, one remains deluded.

But it's OK.

The world is full of obstacles which block our path.

I have a truck load of them.

One such obstacle is "belief".

Belief and reality are not always synonymous.

This is why Awakening is rare.

The best way is to observe without attachment.

Live with an open mind to all, but attachment to none (either way).

Find out for oneself as revelations appear as the fruits of ones practice.

buddha's words were not written down for hundreds of years and as such we have no REAL way of knowing exactly what h said of rebirth. many monks are satsified with the moment to moment alone.

[AYJAYDEE]

I am not confused and I am logical and reasonable. I read that Enstein mentioned Buddhism is the best and most futuristic too. Need not listen to anyone. The Buddha said one must use his own mind.

Shall we start a Creator God concept thread separately ? Allowed in Thai visa ?

If you are logical and reasonable, then you should be able to appreciate that our knowledge of the universe and the material world that surrounds us is not nearly as great as most of us like to think.

It is ego, vanity and pride that causes us to think we are so clever and knowledgeable. The reality might be, we are so clever that we might be the first species in the history of the planet to cause its own extinction.

We need not care for what we don't know, just care and share what we know.

Religions of the same claimed creator has been dividing people apart, at least for the majority of the religious ones.

Those who know Buddhism should do their part in sharing without selfishness.

Don't only for world peace, but personal peace. I have seen too many Christians suffering with regrets near their end.

We should stop it and Buddhism is their only way.

need not care what we dont know?????? wow!!

[only1]

And many disagree with that interpretation

I was one of them A J.

For years I clung to "moment to moment" re birth.

"Moment to moment" is indeed part of it, but is not the full story.

In the end, I either fashioned Buddhism to fit with my beliefs, or I accept what the Buddha was teaching.

The detail is overwhelming.

There is way too much detail written to push under the carpet.

• One need not be a Buddhist to lead an "ethical" life.
• One need not be a Buddhist to reap the benefits of being "Mindful".
• One need not be a Buddhist to develop poise, tranquility, & peace of mind through "Concentration" practice.

What is Buddhism?

To end Dukkha and the cycle of Re Birth, one must destroy attachment to Ego, and thus, quench the fires of Greed, Aversion, & Delusion, in order to enter the state of Awakening, a state which is Permanent and without Conditioning.

Whilst there is a glimmer of attachment to Ego, one remains deluded.

But it's OK.

The world is full of obstacles which block our path.

I have a truck load of them.

One such obstacle is "belief".

Belief and reality are not always synonymous.

This is why Awakening is rare.

The best way is to observe without attachment.

Live with an open mind to all, but attachment to none (either way).

Find out for oneself as revelations appear as the fruits of ones practice.

buddha's words were not written down for hundreds of years and as such we have no REAL way of knowing exactly what h said of rebirth. many monks are satsified with the moment to moment alone.

It's good enough as there is nothing illogical about it. At least nothing that is bad or logic defying as in Christianity.

[only1]

Of course not, science will not waste any money or effort for it. Common sense and logic already disproved it. No need science for it. You don't hear science exposing scams or crimes, do you ?

it has not been proven. and yes science does expose scams and crimes. thats what is called forensic science

Because there is a need, a useful need for it. In the case of a creator god that created humans from mud and other related claims, logic already tell you it's false, so why need science to disprove it ?

[AYJAYDEE]

Of course not, science will not waste any money or effort for it. Common sense and logic already disproved it. No need science for it. You don't hear science exposing scams or crimes, do you ?

it has not been proven. and yes science does expose scams and crimes. thats what is called forensic science

Because there is a need, a useful need for it. In the case of a creator god that created humans from mud and other related claims, logic already tell you it's false, so why need science to disprove it ?

because your perceived logic does not prove it.

[rockyysdt]

Then what is Buddhism?

What is the purpose of a Monk?

What is the goal?