How Buddhism is different from others

[Furryman]

Let people believe what they want as long as it doesn't adversely affect others. The big problems start when one person tries to persuade another person that their imaginary friend is more powerful/important/better than the other's. I find the whole premise of the original post to be irrelevant.

That what really bothers when I see farangs on the side walk talking to people about christianity. They're attempting to cabrupt people by trying to make them trade something that is real for something that is not. They're the ones that should be looking at Buddhism and be shown how christianity was invented by the Romans based off religion of the Ancient Egyptians.

Yeah, because matters of faith are always determined by logic.

[only1]

Let people believe what they want as long as it doesn't adversely affect others. The big problems start when one person tries to persuade another person that their imaginary friend is more powerful/important/better than the other's. I find the whole premise of the original post to be irrelevant.

Why do you my OP is irrelevant ?

Why do you think Buddhism is gaining popularity in the west ?

I am sure many people are keen to know more about Buddhism and this thread will be helpful to them that they don't get it mixed up with other religions. So knowing the difference of Buddhism from others is important.

Though I agree with you that going around convincing others that their imaginary people or God is superior but ignoring facts and logic is not right. Buddhism, like Hinduism or other Chinese religions don't use money or employ anyone to go around converting others 'voluntarily'.

[only1]

Wow. This post so all over the place I'm not sure where to start.

Religions proved to be false by science? Huh? As far as I know, no one has come back from the long sleep to report who is really running the show, if anyone is anyway. I don't believe there is any scientific proof in either direction.

Buddha seemed to deny the existence of a creator god, though it might be more accurate to say that he dismissed the idea as unimportant and irrelevant to mankind's journey to enlightenment.

I'd disagree about Buddhism not being faith based, especially in Thailand, but Thai Buddhism is pretty different from Buddhism anywhere else, it being part of the smaller Theravada branch for one thing, but also because of its unique mix of Buddhist teachings, local animist traditions and heavy Hindu influence.

Buddhists have faith in the Buddhas teachings being the path to enlightenment, if nothing else.

The rest of the OP is just too weird to respond to.

I think you missed my point or went off topic. I only refer to where Buddhism differs from other religions.

What's weird are you referring ? Can you be more specific ?

Wrong question, start with is Buddhism (in its purest form, a religion?

No, it is not my point to discuss if Buddhism is a religion or not. It doesn't matter if it is a religion or not.

[only1]

some beliefs in a creator god which had been both debunked by science and defied by logic. Eg how could people today speak different languages if they are really from the same 2 ancestors ? How could prayers to God be favourably answered ? What if Christians and Muslims pray to their same creator god wishing to get rid of the others ? Who gets it ? Of course there are many other beliefs in religions already proven by science to be false or already defied by logic but the beliefs of Buddhism remain unchanged and undisputed by both science and logic after over 2500 years.

That whole section strikes me as very weird. Not to mention several patently false statements.

Be aware that there are many sects of Buddhism and their beliefs and practices differ.

Yes but I am just referring to what Buddhism differs from others in general.

Although Buddhism have different sects, their differences are not conflicting with each other, unlike Islam and Christianity where their major sects are in unfriendly terms.

The differences in the different sect of Buddhism are different area of emphasis but they compliment each other without conflicts.

There have been plenty of wars between Buddhist sects, and wars perpetrated by Buddhist nations. Do you imagine that Zen Buddhism, a Japanese creation, was invented after ww2?

What is weird or false in my OP ?

You have not clarify yet.

As for the Japanese attack against others, they don't represent Zen or Buddhism. It wasn't even a religious war. Unlike the crusades and holy wars started by Christianity and Islam.

I don't even consider the Nazis killing the Jews as religious although the Nazis are backed up by the churches.

[only1]

Buddhism is a philosophy , pure and simple , not a religion , even though it has been adopted in name by varying sects.

All religions are about believing , you join the club and adhere to its beliefs without thought or question . God is created by MAN in his own image ,

Buddhism of whichever branch is much the same .

I think you are the confused. Your comment is very self conflicting, saying Buddhism is not a religion but ended saying it's the same as other religions. There are many people like you. This is the reason I start the OP.

While Buddhism is started by people, there are teachings in it which are useful, although not everyone could experience it. Buddhism is not merely to be believed. One needs to understand, analyze, agree and experience it.

[only1]

I'd say Buddhism very different in that locus of control is put on you, not man in the sky watching 24/7. Buddha said no one can save you, it is up to your own efforts. His teachings are what matter, not he himself. 4 noble truths "make sense" and don't depend on message from above. And this quote really sets apart from others, I believe:

"'Do not believe anything merely on the authority of your teachers and priests. But, whatever, after thorough investigation and reflection, you find to agree with reason and experience, as conducive to the good and benefit of one and all of the world at large, accept only that as true, and shape your life in accordance with it.' -Buddha"

Sounds quite a bit like scientific method, eh?

This alone is enough to tell how ignorant most people are. They will rather choose to stay ignorant believing in the unknown which are either defied by logic or debunked by science, or both.

[only1]

religion is there to keep people stupid & poor

just look all the rich monks flying in their private jets

or the corrupt coorporations that donate millions / billions of other people's money in fraud, and when they ask the monastary to give it back, they clearly deny it their ever got or say no ....

poor people donating food to some fat dude's sitting around all day, playing their iphones, surfing the internet

no thank you

it's part of the folklore, but so is greed & corruption

Compared to other religions like Christianity and Islam, the money collected in Buddhism is very much less.

In Buddhism, they don't use the trick of passing money bag in front of others(a psychological trick as people will be shy to pay less or not to pay) or recommending a certain percentage from income.

[only1]

religion is there because humans feel the need for it. period

This is off topic but just to justify your statement.

When there is a taker, there must be a giver. One should study the fundamentals and basics of a religion too. Especially it's creator. Could there be any fraud, scam or bad intentions involved ? In the case of Buddhism, none.

[only1]

To offer ones life in the pursuit of a philosophy with a possibility of having found nothing with only a few years left to live.

Isn't it the same with other religions ? I have seen many who only realised near death that their God was never there, and they usually only realised too late.

In the case of Buddhism, monks usually do not have this problem as most usually understand Buddhism if they choose to die as a monk. At least, the theories are there, and not merely beliefs.

[only1]

Let people believe what they want as long as it doesn't adversely affect others. The big problems start when one person tries to persuade another person that their imaginary friend is more powerful/important/better than the other's. I find the whole premise of the original post to be irrelevant.

That what really bothers when I see farangs on the side walk talking to people about christianity. They're attempting to cabrupt people by trying to make them trade something that is real for something that is not. They're the ones that should be looking at Buddhism and be shown how christianity was invented by the Romans based off religion of the Ancient Egyptians.

You can not defend buddhism by attacking christianity.

PS. I am an Atheist.

PPS. No, there are no 3 typo's, I corrected the spelling corrector 555.

I don't think he is either defending or attacking any religion.

To give you an example:

The judge sentenced a thief to prison. You agreed with the judge on the sentence. Can anyone say you are attacking the thief ?

[Furryman]

Let people believe what they want as long as it doesn't adversely affect others. The big problems start when one person tries to persuade another person that their imaginary friend is more powerful/important/better than the other's. I find the whole premise of the original post to be irrelevant.

That what really bothers when I see farangs on the side walk talking to people about christianity. They're attempting to cabrupt people by trying to make them trade something that is real for something that is not. They're the ones that should be looking at Buddhism and be shown how christianity was invented by the Romans based off religion of the Ancient Egyptians.

You can not defend buddhism by attacking christianity.

PS. I am an Atheist.

PPS. No, there are no 3 typo's, I corrected the spelling corrector 555.

I don't think he is either defending or attacking any religion.

To give you an example:

The judge sentenced a thief to prison. You agreed with the judge on the sentence. Can anyone say you are attacking the thief ?

To take your analogy further it's sort of like calling a shoplifter an armed robber. A lot of Christian sects have obvious issues, but tossing around stuff like "invented by the Romans" is a bit much.

[Furryman]

some beliefs in a creator god which had been both debunked by science and defied by logic. Eg how could people today speak different languages if they are really from the same 2 ancestors ? How could prayers to God be favourably answered ? What if Christians and Muslims pray to their same creator god wishing to get rid of the others ? Who gets it ? Of course there are many other beliefs in religions already proven by science to be false or already defied by logic but the beliefs of Buddhism remain unchanged and undisputed by both science and logic after over 2500 years.

Red = false, blue = weird.

[AYJAYDEE]

religion is there because humans feel the need for it. period

This is off topic but just to justify your statement.

When there is a taker, there must be a giver. One should study the fundamentals and basics of a religion too. Especially it's creator. Could there be any fraud, scam or bad intentions involved ? In the case of Buddhism, none.

you have obviously never studied dhammakaya!

[AYJAYDEE]

religion is there to keep people stupid & poor

just look all the rich monks flying in their private jets

or the corrupt coorporations that donate millions / billions of other people's money in fraud, and when they ask the monastary to give it back, they clearly deny it their ever got or say no ....

poor people donating food to some fat dude's sitting around all day, playing their iphones, surfing the internet

no thank you

it's part of the folklore, but so is greed & corruption

Compared to other religions like Christianity and Islam, the money collected in Buddhism is very much less.

In Buddhism, they don't use the trick of passing money bag in front of others(a psychological trick as people will be shy to pay less or not to pay) or recommending a certain percentage from income.

less?? lol, you just throw statements out there with absolutely no proof!!

[Furryman]

religion is there because humans feel the need for it. period

This is off topic but just to justify your statement.

When there is a taker, there must be a giver. One should study the fundamentals and basics of a religion too. Especially it's creator. Could there be any fraud, scam or bad intentions involved ? In the case of Buddhism, none.

you have obviously never studied dhammakaya!

Aren't those the guys that run the religious channel on Thai cable? The televangelists of Buddhism!

[AYJAYDEE]

religion is there because humans feel the need for it. period

This is off topic but just to justify your statement.

When there is a taker, there must be a giver. One should study the fundamentals and basics of a religion too. Especially it's creator. Could there be any fraud, scam or bad intentions involved ? In the case of Buddhism, none.

you have obviously never studied dhammakaya!

Aren't those the guys that run the religious channel on Thai cable? The televangelists of Buddhism!

oh yeah!!

[only1]

religion is there because humans feel the need for it. period

This is off topic but just to justify your statement.

When there is a taker, there must be a giver. One should study the fundamentals and basics of a religion too. Especially it's creator. Could there be any fraud, scam or bad intentions involved ? In the case of Buddhism, none.

you have obviously never studied dhammakaya!

Aren't those the guys that run the religious channel on Thai cable? The televangelists of Buddhism!

That is Thai cable and shown in Thailand. Did Thailand send people to other countries converting people on the streets with free English lesson trick ?

[only1]

religion is there to keep people stupid & poor

just look all the rich monks flying in their private jets

or the corrupt coorporations that donate millions / billions of other people's money in fraud, and when they ask the monastary to give it back, they clearly deny it their ever got or say no ....

poor people donating food to some fat dude's sitting around all day, playing their iphones, surfing the internet

no thank you

it's part of the folklore, but so is greed & corruption

Compared to other religions like Christianity and Islam, the money collected in Buddhism is very much less.

In Buddhism, they don't use the trick of passing money bag in front of others(a psychological trick as people will be shy to pay less or not to pay) or recommending a certain percentage from income.

less?? lol, you just throw statements out there with absolutely no proof!!

Proof ?

Do you really don't know how the churches collect money from everyone ?

Why do you think they choose to spend more time collecting from everyone together and they always start from the front ?

[only1]

some beliefs in a creator god which had been both debunked by science and defied by logic. Eg how could people today speak different languages if they are really from the same 2 ancestors ? How could prayers to God be favourably answered ? What if Christians and Muslims pray to their same creator god wishing to get rid of the others ? Who gets it ? Of course there are many other beliefs in religions already proven by science to be false or already defied by logic but the beliefs of Buddhism remain unchanged and undisputed by both science and logic after over 2500 years.

Red = false, blue = weird.

Since you want to pick on it, let's face it.

What in Buddhism have been debunked by science ?

Science debunked Adam and Eve claim with evolution

Christianity claimed their God is almighty, wasn't it ? Then why allow Islam or created Islam ? What's weird with my opinions ? They are all based on Christianity's own claims.

[only1]

Another aspect that Buddhism deserves respect is they never going everywhere to convert others or try to convince others that they are having a true religion or god or that others are not.

[Furryman]

Another aspect that Buddhism deserves respect is they never going everywhere to convert others or try to convince others that they are having a true religion or god or that others are not.

Then how do you explain Buddhism spreading all over the world and not just staying in Nepal where it started. Nepal is also where the Buddhist secular wars were mostly, BTW.

Edited September 5, 2015 by Furryman

[gandalf12]

Some of you guys saying that Buddhism is not a religion remind me a lot of guys who insist that their Thai girl is "different". She may be different, but she is still a Thai girl.

religion

[ri-lij-uh n]

noun

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

By definition, Buddhism IS a religion, but I do agree it is also different from most other religions in that there is generally far more emphasis placed on ones individual experiences than on dogma.

I also see how Buddhist ideas appeal to a western scientific mind, as Buddhism (again, generally) focuses on a cause and effect relationship between thoughts/actions and the results/effects of those thoughts/actions.

This is very different from the more common religious mindset that there are rules which, when broken, will result in punishment from some judgmental higher power.

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

I say pick the flavor of Buddhism that works for you. If you like staring at a wall, go for it. If you want to light candles and incense at the Wat, go for it.

You are wrong

[Furryman]

Some of you guys saying that Buddhism is not a religion remind me a lot of guys who insist that their Thai girl is "different". She may be different, but she is still a Thai girl.

religion

[ri-lij-uh n]

noun

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

By definition, Buddhism IS a religion, but I do agree it is also different from most other religions in that there is generally far more emphasis placed on ones individual experiences than on dogma.

I also see how Buddhist ideas appeal to a western scientific mind, as Buddhism (again, generally) focuses on a cause and effect relationship between thoughts/actions and the results/effects of those thoughts/actions.

This is very different from the more common religious mindset that there are rules which, when broken, will result in punishment from some judgmental higher power.

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

I say pick the flavor of Buddhism that works for you. If you like staring at a wall, go for it. If you want to light candles and incense at the Wat, go for it.

You are wrong

About your girl? I don't even know her.

About Buddhism? Pretty sure I'm not, but I'm always open to hearing an opposing argument.

[only1]

I also see how Buddhist ideas appeal to a western scientific mind, as Buddhism (again, generally) focuses on a cause and effect relationship between thoughts/actions and the results/effects of those thoughts/actions.

This is very different from the more common religious mindset that there are rules which, when broken, will result in punishment from some judgmental higher power.

In simple words, western people are more knowledgeable and they no longer believe in unreasonable or illogical beliefs like "you believe me, you can go heaven, if not, you go hell" type of nonsense.

[only1]

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

According to your logic, no religions could be "pure" because even words claimed to be by any god(if true) went through the same processes.

At least, the Buddha's teachings need not make any changes or additions since the beginning.

[AYJAYDEE]

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

According to your logic, no religions could be "pure" because even words claimed to be by any god(if true) went through the same processes.

At least, the Buddha's teachings need not make any changes or additions since the beginning.

there have been hundreds of additions and changes

[only1]

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

According to your logic, no religions could be "pure" because even words claimed to be by any god(if true) went through the same processes.

At least, the Buddha's teachings need not make any changes or additions since the beginning.

there have been hundreds of additions and changes

Can you name any ?

[AYJAYDEE]

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

According to your logic, no religions could be "pure" because even words claimed to be by any god(if true) went through the same processes.

At least, the Buddha's teachings need not make any changes or additions since the beginning.

there have been hundreds of additions and changes

Can you name any ?

do you doubt it?

[Furryman]

I also see how Buddhist ideas appeal to a western scientific mind, as Buddhism (again, generally) focuses on a cause and effect relationship between thoughts/actions and the results/effects of those thoughts/actions.

This is very different from the more common religious mindset that there are rules which, when broken, will result in punishment from some judgmental higher power.

In simple words, western people are more knowledgeable and they no longer believe in unreasonable or illogical beliefs like "you believe me, you can go heaven, if not, you go hell" type of nonsense.

Western education does put more emphasis on teaching children critical thinking and the scientific method than Thai schools at least. Although there are plenty of westerners who still believe deeply in their religion. Something like half the people in the US really believe Jesus is gonna show up one day and make them fly.

[Furryman]

Now back to 'pure' Buddhism. I would posit that the only pure Buddhism was that which came directly from the Buddhas mouth. It has not existed since the day he drew his last breath. His words were recorded, passed down, interpreted and translated into many languages, but each of those steps added a little more human bias and error into the equation. After 2500 years or so, there is no way to know what is 'pure' and what is not.

According to your logic, no religions could be "pure" because even words claimed to be by any god(if true) went through the same processes.

At least, the Buddha's teachings need not make any changes or additions since the beginning.

Yes, exactly.

At the very least, Buddhas teachings have been translated into the language you read them in. Translation errors are almost inevitable. There there are transcription errors. It HAS been 2500 years or so,