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Deborah
Skeptic Friend
USA
113 Posts |
 Posted - 07/24/2004 : 22:59:00
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What does the general skeptic think about Buddhism?
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Edited by - Deborah on 07/24/2004 23:00:06
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Gorgo
SFN Die Hard
USA
5310 Posts |
 Posted - 07/25/2004 : 05:39:17 [Permalink]
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What does the general skeptic think about the term 'general skeptic?" (0:
I think there are some aspects of zen buddhism which are important. I don't know much about it, though I've tried to learn, I think a lot of it is purposely vague and some of it can be theistic, which I don't agree with. What sums it up for me, and which is the most important thing I learned from it is this verse from Thich Nhat Hanh to be thought or said while inhaling or exhaling with each line:
Breathing in I calm my body
Breathing out I smile
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment
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I know the rent is in arrears
The dog has not been fed in years
It's even worse than it appears
But it's alright-
Jerry Garcia
Robert Hunter
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Deborah
Skeptic Friend
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2004 : 16:07:55 [Permalink]
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| I was wondering if anyone would comment on my choice of words "general skeptic". ;-) Nice verse. What parts do you think are theistic? Just curious what other skeptics out there think. Seems like this is one "religion" that most skeptics don't have a strong opinion of. |
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Ricky
SFN Die Hard
USA
4907 Posts |
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Gorgo
SFN Die Hard
USA
5310 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2004 : 18:29:20 [Permalink]
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| I'm not clear on the exact beliefs, but I think there are many. I think some forms of Buddhism mixed with different religions. I think some forms of Mahayana Buddhism deal with the Buddha as a kind of a deity. Don't take my word for it, though. |
I know the rent is in arrears
The dog has not been fed in years
It's even worse than it appears
But it's alright-
Jerry Garcia
Robert Hunter
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Dave W.
Info Junkie
USA
26021 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2004 : 12:41:19 [Permalink]
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With just about all sorts of Buddhism, there are parts which are definitely not supported empirically, like enlightenment or transcendance. As with other religions, there are also parts of Buddhism which pretty much anyone will agree with, like "be nice to one another."
I think skeptics - in general - probably don't address Buddhism as much as other religions because there doesn't appear to be a big Buddhist push for converts. In other words, Buddhists don't tend to try to coerce others to become Buddhists. As such, it is pleasantly unconfrontational.
Plus, one doesn't tend to see a whole lot of people on TV shouting about how they are enlightened and need your money. Or hear about Buddhists who claim to have seen Buddha. There's a lot more humility, and less of the miraculous, in Buddhism than in other religions.
By the way, how have you been, Deborah? Long time, no hear. |
- Dave W. (Private Msg, EMail)
Evidently, I rock!
Why not question something for a change?
Visit Dave's Psoriasis Info, too. |
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tomk80
SFN Regular
Netherlands
1278 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2004 : 15:07:21 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by Ricky
I'm not 100% positive, but I'm pretty sure no parts of the Buddist "religion" are theistic. I'm pretty sure that there is/are no god(s) in it.
This depends on the form of Buddism. Tibetan buddhism (at least the ancient form of it) tended to have a fairly strong connection with hinduism and the old Tibettan religions, inhereting many of the gods and demons/heroes from them.
In general, Gods are optional in Buddism. The gods have the same problem as humans, in that they have not achieved enlightenment. The fact that Gods are more or less in the same predicament as humans makes Gods optional, and makes Buddism easily adaptable to many cultures. |
Tom
`Contrariwise,' continued Tweedledee, `if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic.'
-Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Caroll- |
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Dude
SFN Die Hard
USA
6891 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2004 : 20:31:09 [Permalink]
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quote:
I think skeptics - in general - probably don't address Buddhism as much as other religions because there doesn't appear to be a big Buddhist push for converts.
Yeah, I've never had a Buddhist tell me I'm going to burn in hell. Honestly, if people have this need for religion that seems so prevelent, it's to bad there aren't a few more Buddhists. From what lilttle I know about it, it's a fairly peacefull philosophy. |
Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong.
-- Thomas Jefferson
"god :: the last refuge of a man with no answers and no argument." - G. Carlin
Hope, n.
The handmaiden of desperation; the opiate of despair; the illegible signpost on the road to perdition. ~~ da filth |
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Deborah
Skeptic Friend
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2004 : 20:06:46 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by Dave W.
By the way, how have you been, Deborah? Long time, no hear.
I've been feeling good lately. Moved to Florida in December, decided I hated it and moved back to Oregon this month! Remodeling the home and just started back to work this week. Life is good.
How are things with you? |
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Hand Bent Spoon
New Member
1 Post |
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beskeptigal
SFN Die Hard
USA
3834 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2004 : 02:03:08 [Permalink]
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For a religion supposedly not based on god(s), what's with all the incense burning and prayers to the Buddha? If it walks like a duck...
If one wants some moral principles to live by, why do you need a guidebook? Can't you just decide you want 'peace and calm' or 'kind acts to others' or whatnot and live your life that way?
BTW, I love the temples. Totally fascinating. |
| Edited by - beskeptigal on 08/09/2004 02:04:24 |
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beskeptigal
SFN Die Hard
USA
3834 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2004 : 02:10:39 [Permalink]
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| Here's an interesting web site on Buddhism. Try the chanting audios, they're fun. |
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tomk80
SFN Regular
Netherlands
1278 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2004 : 07:55:08 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by beskeptigal
For a religion supposedly not based on god(s), what's with all the incense burning and prayers to the Buddha? If it walks like a duck...
If one wants some moral principles to live by, why do you need a guidebook? Can't you just decide you want 'peace and calm' or 'kind acts to others' or whatnot and live your life that way?
BTW, I love the temples. Totally fascinating.
According to a book I read which was written by the dalai lama, they function as a focal point, not a religious function. Symbols and such make the excercise easier, certainly in the beginning. He also advised to just pick a symbol you like, can be Bhuddah, can be a burning candle, just as long as it helps you calming down and focusing.
Guidelines are handy. It is easier to go by things people figured out before you and start from there, in stead of starting of blind. Which, to me, doesn't mean you need to keep those guidelines if they do not work for you. |
Tom
`Contrariwise,' continued Tweedledee, `if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic.'
-Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Caroll- |
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beskeptigal
SFN Die Hard
USA
3834 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2004 : 02:18:05 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by tomk80
quote:
Originally posted by beskeptigal
For a religion supposedly not based on god(s), what's with all the incense burning and prayers to the Buddha? If it walks like a duck...
If one wants some moral principles to live by, why do you need a guidebook? Can't you just decide you want 'peace and calm' or 'kind acts to others' or whatnot and live your life that way?
BTW, I love the temples. Totally fascinating.
According to a book I read which was written by the dalai lama, they function as a focal point, not a religious function. Symbols and such make the excercise easier, certainly in the beginning. He also advised to just pick a symbol you like, can be Bhuddah, can be a burning candle, just as long as it helps you calming down and focusing.
Guidelines are handy. It is easier to go by things people figured out before you and start from there, in stead of starting of blind. Which, to me, doesn't mean you need to keep those guidelines if they do not work for you.
Perhaps the guy you spoke to said they were symbols, but go to a few temples and people there will tell you they are "thanking Buddha". I don't know if it's something that is getting lost in translation, but I've asked and been in lots of temples. I've never had anyone say they are focusing or meditating.
There is no reason you can't adopt 'guidelines' as you call it, instead of inventing your own. But you don't need to take the religious baggage along to live by some moral principles you've adopted. |
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tomk80
SFN Regular
Netherlands
1278 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2004 : 02:56:54 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by beskeptigal
Perhaps the guy you spoke to said they were symbols, but go to a few temples and people there will tell you they are "thanking Buddha". I don't know if it's something that is getting lost in translation, but I've asked and been in lots of temples. I've never had anyone say they are focusing or meditating.
They're probably really thanking Buddah. As with the Christian Saints, people need something they can picture to hold on to, in stead of some abstract concepts. Buddism is much more diverse than 'standard' religions in that the position and even occurrence of Gods is different. In religions like islam and christianity believing that God exists is a requirement, no matter where you go. However, with Buddism the situation is different, in that it tends to mix with local religions.
quote:
There is no reason you can't adopt 'guidelines' as you call it, instead of inventing your own. But you don't need to take the religious baggage along to live by some moral principles you've adopted.
I agree. |
Tom
`Contrariwise,' continued Tweedledee, `if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic.'
-Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Caroll- |
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