Is Buddhism a Religion?

You have to understand and draw the line between your perception of doctrine and the Buddhist's version of "doctrine" are not one and the same. You got everything mixed up Shenlong, which is why i suggested that you actually learn from the real sources and not from a western point or even an oriental point of view. Buddhism was around long before any "doctrines" was even developed.

Like i said, "doctrines" are the invention of the western world. Think 5000 - 8000 years ago. Did you ever wonder what Karma and reincarnation meant to these people? Then Buddha came along, and corrected (or at least he tried)their views. You say Buddhism is a religion. If Buddha was still alive today, and if you told him that you think he created a religion. He'd laugh in your face too Buddhism avoids dogma and that also means the doctrines of religion. Your simplicity of thinking Buddhism is a religion is all messed up. Now, imagine having said this to Buddhist leaders, they would surely feel that you have insulted 8000 years of successfully avoiding dogma. Seriously man, study more on Buddhist idealogies and it's philosophies before even commenting on this. This is all i ask you to do. And if you cannot or won't, well that just shows how much you really understand religion or views about God from any religion.

[johnnymaniac]

Originally posted by DigitaLVampirE
Once again, like i said, to understand Buddhism, go to the source. I have been to India and visited many Buddhist monasteries. I threw almost the same questions and implicated my own views upon them. Tell that to the monks (what you guys posted above) and they'll surely laugh in your face. I guarantee you

[Edited by DigitaLVampirE on 15th August 2003 at 22:22]

Im glad you have been to India, but isnt Hinduism the major religion there? I tell you DV, i have been to Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwain, and have seen worship in all the temples, i am sure the orgin of the teachers vision was not carried out, but do you think Jeshua's Original Ideas were carried out properly in Christianity? It OK if the Monks laugh in my face, "A merry Heart is Medicine to the Soul".........................he he he he.......Shalama, JohnnyManiac

johnnymaniac

Im glad you have been to India, but isnt Hinduism the major religion there? I tell you DV, i have been to Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwain, and have seen worship in all the temples, i am sure the orgin of the teachers vision was not carried out, but do you think Jeshua's Original Ideas were carried out properly in Christianity? It OK if the Monks laugh in my face, "A merry Heart is Medicine to the Soul".........................he he he he.......Shalama, JohnnyManiac

That's exactly what i was saying johhny! The people of these countries, perversed the original teachings of the Buddha, incorporated it into their indigenous belief systems (mainly Taoism and Zen) and made it into a religion! LOL Thank you for proving my point And yes, Hinduism is the main religion of India, but India still has Buddhist monasteries, at least a dozen in some cities. Buddhism is a branch of Hinduism after all, as it is for Jainism. Of course Yeshua's original ideas were not carried out properly in Christianity, just as Buddha's teachings. But just like any other philosophy of life, faith or religion, it is up to the followers of the faith, to uphold and maintain the intergrity of their founder's faith. But despite all that confusion, i know where i stand, at least i try to follow close to Jesus's teachings. I'm not perfect but at least i do not try to perverse His teachings.

In Yeshua, I Trust

[Edited by DigitaLVampirE on 16th August 2003 at 11:14]

[ANDY-J1]

Originally posted by DigitaLVampirE
Once again, like i said, to understand Buddhism, go to the source. I have been to India and visited many Buddhist monasteries. I threw almost the same questions and implicated my own views upon them. Tell that to the monks (what you guys posted above) and they'll surely laugh in your face. I guarantee you

[Edited by DigitaLVampirE on 15th August 2003 at 22:22]

Well we also have a Buddhist monastry in Scotland where I live which was the first in Europe,and may in fact still be the only one.If you believe that a Buddhist monk would laugh in anyone's face for expressing their beliefs or point of view then you fundamentally misunderstand Buddhism so your visit to India didn't teach you very much.Try visiting your inner self through meditation and contemplation rather than the sub continent if you want to discover divine truth and get in touch with your true Buddha nature.

ANDY-J1

Well we also have a Buddhist monastry in Scotland where I live which was the first in Europe,and may in fact still be the only one.If you believe that a Buddhist monk would laugh in anyone's face for expressing their beliefs or point of view then you fundamentally misunderstand Buddhism so your visit to India didn't teach you very much.Try visiting your inner self through meditation and contemplation rather than the sub continent if you want to discover divine truth and get in touch with your true Buddha nature.

DigitaLVampirE

Buddhism started in India but the countries to which it spread modified Buddhist teachings to fit their own temperament and culture. Chinese now practice Chinese Buddhism and the Japanese practice Japanese Buddhism. The original form of Indian Buddhism has become almost irrelevant, but there are a few, who still retain it's original teachings. The West is far removed from Asian culture. It therefore seems obvious that a new Western Buddhism be quite different in philosophy and methodology, while retaining the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

Even if the monks were in fact from India or China or Japan for the matter, you should also take into consideration that these Buddhist monks would have to suit according to Scottish culture and their ways. Do some soul searching yourself and learn more about Buddha's teachings, rather than assume "what you see is what you get". And it also clearly shows you never did alot of research into this subject, let alone reading what i posted previously.

[ANDY-J1]

No,I can assure you that this is a Buddhist monastery where the beliefs and practices of Buddhist philosophy are rigorously adhered to every bit as much as they would be in the east.Have a look at their website and see for yourself.


http://www.samyeling.org/