Come here with you questions on: Buddhism

[Blacks42]

This will be a series of topic designed to help better inform the populace of GW on the various religions. Hopefully, it will also help to inform people of various things prior to them making mistakes that are either false or misunderstandings.

While this is a religion that we deal with normally and is probably fairly well understood already. It deserves it's place just as much as any other. This does not mean that you shouldn't post other topics with questions. This is meant as more of a general Q&A topic.

I ask that any Buddhist members start off this topic with a brief synopsis of Buddhism. If someone replies before you, then you can PM the Synopsis to me, and I will edit it into the first post or e-mail me at:
MichaelBlackmire@yahoo.com

To the party who requested this: ask and thy shall recieve! ;)

[TheSorcerer]

I was wondering if there would be a topic like this on a religion originating in the East. I was going to suggest one on many eastern religions together (Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.), but it looks like someone beat me to it.
Anyway, like Christianity and other religions, there are many different traditions and schools of Buddhism(e.g. Zen Buddhism, Theravada, Mahayana, Varyjana). Right now, however, I will just give a general overview of the main tenets to follow.

The Four Noble Truths:

1. The First Noble Truth states that suffering (dukkha - dissatisfaction) exists, even that this is the natural and universal state of beings.

2. The Second Noble Truth explains that suffering has a source. The immediate source of suffering is attachment or desire (trishna).

3. The Third Noble Truth asserts that there is a way out (nirodha) of the endless cycle of suffering.

4. The Fourth Noble Truth is the way out, detailed in the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path:

1. Right Knowledge: Strive to comprehend the first three Noble Truths. This might seem a bit circular, but language is a tricky thing, and the Great Seer wanted to make sure you had all your bases covered. The Noble Truths perhaps aren't as straightforward as they may seem at first. So you must strive to fully comprehend them.

2. Right Thinking: Consciously dedicate yourself to a life in harmony with the Noble Truths elucidated by the Buddha.

3. Right Speech: No gossiping, lying, backbiting, and harsh language. If you don't have anything valuable to say, keep your big yapper shut. Always good advice.

4. Right Conduct: For lay Buddhists (meaning Buddhists who aren't monks), Right Conduct means following the Five Precepts (see below). If you're a monk, there are some more rules for conduct, but don't worry about them until you're ready to become a monk.

5. Right Livelihood: Go peacefully into the world and do no harm. So choose a profession that's harmless to living things, and refrain from killing people.

6. Right Effort: Conquer the flow of negative thoughts, replacing them with good thoughts.

7. Right Mindfulness: Achieve an intense awareness of your body, emotions, and mental states. Quiet the noises in your head and dwell in the present.

8. Right Concentration: Learn about (and practice) various kinds of meditation, an important booster rocket on the launch pad to enlightenment.

The Five Precepts:

The Five Precepts are the basic rules of conduct for lay Buddhists-as opposed to monks and nuns, who have 227 and 311 rules to follow respectively. The Five Precepts aren't commandments given to you by an angry God who threatens you if you disobey; rather, they are guidelines meant to improve your karma and help you along the Eightfold Path to enlightenment. These few rules keep you out of the worst kinds of trouble, ultimately making you happier:

Don't kill - man or beast
Don't steal
Don't lie
Don't cheat on your loved one
Don't take drugs or drink booze


The goal of Buddhists is to achieve enlightenment or Nirvana. This is done by following the Eightfold Path. As a Buddhists, you also are supposed to take "refuge" in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.

The Buddha: the Awakened One.
The Dhamma: the teaching, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and a large canon of sacred texts.
The Sangha: the community of Buddhist monks and enlightened beings.

I am way too lazy right now to right all of this information myself. Information describing the Eightfold Path and Five Precepts came from www.soyouwanna.com (http://www.soyouwanna.com/), I also used about about.com. I'll write the story of the Buddha later if someone else does not post.

[Dogbert]

'lo. i was wondering what exactly Buddha is and what it does

[Digital Emu]

Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. He found the way to spiritual enlightenment, despite being borne of royal heritage, and taught that to others. He is the prime example of what a Buddhist can become spiritually (that is, achieving enlightenment).

FP, a question for you. The way I learned it, was that the 5 precepts weren't exactly concrete, "you-can't-do-it" type rules, but rather, left for personal interpretation. Example, where you said don't cheat on your loved one, I learned it to be do not practice sexual misconduct (granted, cheating probably is, and also falls under breaking the do not lie precept). A better one would be the last one you listed. I learned it to be do not intoxicate one's mind. So while have some wine, or a beer, would be permissible, getting totally drunk would not be. Kind of a little thing, but from what I've learned, a lot of the rules and precepts are up for personal interpretation, as to further your spiritual enlightenment, as opposed to having concrete rules.

[TheSorcerer]

Originally posted by Digital Emu

FP, a question for you. The way I learned it, was that the 5 precepts weren't exactly concrete, "you-can't-do-it" type rules, but rather, left for personal interpretation. Example, where you said don't cheat on your loved one, I learned it to be do not practice sexual misconduct (granted, cheating probably is, and also falls under breaking the do not lie precept). A better one would be the last one you listed. I learned it to be do not intoxicate one's mind. So while have some wine, or a beer, would be permissible, getting totally drunk would not be. Kind of a little thing, but from what I've learned, a lot of the rules and precepts are up for personal interpretation, as to further your spiritual enlightenment, as opposed to having concrete rules.

Hmm, I suppose you're right. Most of the documents I've read say that you shouldn't consume alcohol and other toxins, but it is still open to interpretation. Anyway, I was too tired right then to post about anything, so I just copied it from a website.

Here is a better translation for the five precepts:

1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.

2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.

3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.

4. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.

5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

Could a moderator edit the second post and put this in place of the five precepts?

[sayuri]

Okay. i know nearly nothing about buddhism, but do they have a particular thing they worship?

[Digital Emu]

Worship, no, not really. They have people like Buddha, which they look up to, though, as an example of a man who achieved enlightenment.

[Blacks42]

Yeah, one of the things I like about Buddhism in particular is that it doesn't follow any particular doctrine of faith. Buddha was just a guy who saw things a certain way, and shared it with others.

[sayuri]

well, what, if anything, do they think about the afterlife?

[Kitten]

I'm curious as to their opinions of those of other religions. Actually is Buddhism considered a religion or a way of life? It seems to me it is a way of thinking more so than a religion (no offense meant) well that is all I am curious about at the moment if I think of anything else I'll post later.

[TheSorcerer]

Originally posted by sayuri
well, what, if anything, do they think about the afterlife?

Buddhists believe in reincarnation.

Originally posted by Kitten
I'm curious as to their opinions of those of other religions. Actually is Buddhism considered a religion or a way of life? It seems to me it is a way of thinking more so than a religion (no offense meant) well that is all I am curious about at the moment if I think of anything else I'll post later.

Well, it depends. I consider it a way of life or a philosophy, while others might consider it a religion.

[Dogbert]

how does reincarnation work?

[Kanis]

Originally posted by Dogbert
how does reincarnation work?
according to Bhuddist belief you live and die until you ahve learned all of life's lessons and acheive total spiritual harmony whereupon you enter the stat of "Nirvana" im not exactly sure on what Nirvana entails though so i stop right there

[Ermmm]

When you reach enlightenment you go to nirvana.

Some people when they reach nirvana want to live again to teach other people how to become enlightened. One famous example of this is the Dalaih Lama.

[SythPT]

Karma also has to deal highly with Enlightenment. In which the better your Karma the closer you reach Englightenment once you get so much good Karma you will reach Enlightenment and finally Nirvana. So say all you collect is negative Karma you will continue to live back and forth until the end of time.

[etile]

maybe you meant that as just a saying, but if not:

what/who will cause the end of time

why will it be done

and will it start back again?:confused:

[RadRacer46]

Here (http://www.rider.edu/users/suler/zenstory/zengarden.html)is a website that overviews the values of a Zen Budhist. Click on the trees on the page to be taken to another page with various stories that help you comprehend Zen Budhist virtues.

[Zell 17]

How long would it take someone to become a Buddhist?

[Thad]

I was trying to get into Buddhism once, infact I became (and still am) a vegetarian, hopefully someday a vegan. But I suffer too much. I guess people with MDP can't really become Buddhist.

[Brygen Reed]

You think Buddhists don't suffer? It's a path isn't it?

[I/O Error]

*Bumping thread to avoid Forum Prune - Ignore*

[Seraph Zerø]

I really don't consider Buddhism to be a religion. It is, in fact, a philosophy. That is actually the way that Gautama Buddha wanted it.

[Blacks42]

Originally posted by seraphim v420
I really don't consider Buddhism to be a religion. It is, in fact, a philosophy. That is actually the way that Gautama Buddha wanted it.

As it should be. Buddha never fashioned himself a god. He had some ideas and shared them. The way it should be...

[Ardor]

hm, interesting. so i do have a couple of things to say:

1) so then what is nervana? you said that it is a total state of enlightenment over the period of many lifetimes and that is where you go when you have learned everything about life.

2) assuming that then wouldnt it be neccisary to live a bad life also in order to excperience all lessons that exictance has to offer?

3) if one is reencarnated but does not retain memories then how are we to learn all if we forget it? even if when we die we have all knowledge of past lives it still does us no good in the next one. so then one is doomed to life an inumerable amount of lives making the same mistakes because we can never truely learn from them.

4) once person said that this belief system does not have an angry god treatening people to obey his laws but there is still a threat. if one does not learn to follow these teachings then he/she is doomed to live countless lives of ignorance and pain. sorry, but if your beliefs really hold any wheight then there will be conciquencess for the immoral or wrong actions. if there werent then life would have no meaning because there would be nothing to motivate us and nothing for us to achive.


on a side note though many of these teaching reminds me of plato's teachings. all except not eating meat.

[Blacks42]

Originally posted by Valiant Ardor
once person said that this belief system does not have an angry god treatening people to obey his laws but there is still a threat. if one does not learn to follow these teachings then he/she is doomed to live countless lives of ignorance and pain. sorry, but if your beliefs really hold any wheight then there will be conciquencess for the immoral or wrong actions. if there werent then life would have no meaning because there would be nothing to motivate us and nothing for us to achive.

You must be christian. Only a Christian would require suffering as a pre-requisite to good behaviour. Some people don't need the threat of eternal damnation to do good deeds. Your theories are based solely upon a teacher getting ready to spank you if you do something wrong.

How about this: Believe in the good in man and act accordingly solely for doing good deeds, instead of worrying about the consequences of doing "bad" deeds.

Novel idea isn't it?! :rolleyes:

[Ardor]

hm, sounds like something that aristotle would say, all except the shot at Christianity. how do i answer this? im trying to be nice so its taking me a little while to sort out my answers (little tiered).

ok, Buddism has a threat of eternal damnation also. if a person doesnt learn then they dont move on to the level of being that they were ment to... so how is that not a threat? if there is something out there better than this life (and im not complaining about it) and a person can take actions that will keep him/her from obtaining it then that in itself is a punishment. from what i've seen in human nature people dont do things without motivation. all human actions are driven at a threat, even the good ones. lets see, dont work dont eat. dont learn stay stupid. touch the fire get burned. dont act in the interest of those you love and they get hurt. so you see, we are all motivated by a threat of something wether it be for the benifit of us or those we care for. dening that is ignorant. who said God has to threaten us? we do it plenty ourselves.

so in a non-smug way please answer my question this time honest request, not trying to insult you guys but your comment came across as very egotistical. i asked a question and put it as considerate as i could so please treat me with the same respect. oh, and i did not wish to offend you guys in any way. im tiered right now so im having trouble putting things delecatly so forgive me if i said something offencive.

[Blacks42]

Fair enough, I apologize if I insulted you here in any way.

Personally, I'm not motivated by any threat. I'm motivated by the joy of life. I don't eat because I'll starve if I don't, I eat because I genuinely love food!

In the worst snow storm of last year, I pulled over twice to dig cars out of a ditch on the side of the road, not because I would go to hell if I didn't, but just to help my fellow man.

That's why I got annoyed. I feel you should do good for the joy of helping, not fear. If I'm being helped out of fear, I'd rather do it myself.


As for the Buddhist philosophy, I try not to defent the faith of others. I'm not Buddhist, I'm Wiccan, and as buddhism isn't my area of religious expertise, I'll leave it's defenses to those better suited...

[Ardor]

ok, maybe that didnt come out quit as how i wanted it to sound. the example of helping people out of the snow, its a kind action that you were not obligated by anything to do it. like you said, you should pick the decision that is the right one to do because it should be something that you want to do, not because your forced to do. but wether or not you have that reasoning, there would have been a concequence non the less. they would have been stuck in the snow. thats how life is, if there werent negative concequences for actions then everyone would be perfect. we wouldnt do anything wrong because we wouldnt hurt anyone because nothing bad would happen due to our actions; all actions would be the right one. so then each person would be enlightened and there would be no point to living since we wouldnt learn anything through life. its like physics, for every action there is an equal and opposit reaction**. ok, hmm, maybe that is a little bit far streatched but after a hard-days work my mind doesnt always collect its thoughts like i want it to. but hey, i enjoy a good day of work, getting something accomplished is a rewarding feeling. know what, i think i had something else to add to that but it slipped my mind.

**will have to go further indepth on a thoery of mine that i've worked out later, it has something to do with that physics stuff.

-Ardor ;)

[SLOBGOBLIN]

Originally posted by Blacks42

To the party who requested this: ask and thy shall recieve! ;)

it wasnt me,but i think if your not happy with your current life,or so called life,you shoud be able to get a refund.ive asked for things and am yet to receive them,it is not right to garf with yourself,so what must i do,wait?should i already have garfed,and for being afraid too,am now suffering,or should i let this life play its self out?
-signed-?????? ??? ??? ??? ????!

[Blacks42]

Slobgoblin: Spam in my forums again and we will have a problem. Just because it's long spam doesn't negate the fact that it IS spam.


Ardor: I see your point, but the consequences you speak of wouldn't be against me. I would have actually been on time to dinner and it would have been warm, no harm no foul. As it is, I was late, ate cold meat and was satisfied with it IN SPITE of the consequences.

[Ardor]

i know it wouldnt have affected you. but do remember that what goes around comes around ;) . i agree that you did the right thing out of the kindness of your heart: welcome to the New Testament of Jesus! thats how he said to act... acctually that was said in the Old Tes. also. the Bible says that if you see a poor person who is cold in the winter to take off your shirt and give it to him/her then take him/her home and give him/her food to eat and shelter for the night. it says that if you truely want blessings in your life then you should act for the good of mankind but not to get the reward but rather for the satasfaction of seeing a hungry person fed or a cold person warm. if you need i can give you the chapter and verse but this isnt a discussion of Christianity so i dont think it would be proper to continue going on about it in this forum. i would still like to hear one of our Buddist friends give me his/her take on my questions though.

[Blacks42]

Originally posted by Valiant Ardor
i know it wouldnt have affected you. but do remember that what goes around comes around ;) . i agree that you did the right thing out of the kindness of your heart: welcome to the New Testament of Jesus! thats how he said to act... acctually that was said in the Old Tes. also. the Bible says that if you see a poor person who is cold in the winter to take off your shirt and give it to him/her then take him/her home and give him/her food to eat and shelter for the night. it says that if you truely want blessings in your life then you should act for the good of mankind but not to get the reward but rather for the satasfaction of seeing a hungry person fed or a cold person warm. if you need i can give you the chapter and verse but this isnt a discussion of Christianity so i dont think it would be proper to continue going on about it in this forum. i would still like to hear one of our Buddist friends give me his/her take on my questions though.

Fair enough, we'll leave the Christian discussions to the Christianity threads. But this isn't over by a long shot! :p ;)

[Kitten]

Sorry for the extremely late answering of these questions, but I haven't checked this thread out for awhile saw them and thought I'd try to shed some more light on them.

Originally posted by Ardor


2) assuming that then wouldnt it be neccisary to live a bad life also in order to excperience all lessons that exictance has to offer?

Yep it would. Negative things as well as positive things must be learned in life- ying/yang.

Originally posted by Ardor

3) if one is reencarnated but does not retain memories then how are we to learn all if we forget it? even if when we die we have all knowledge of past lives it still does us no good in the next one. so then one is doomed to life an inumerable amount of lives making the same mistakes because we can never truely learn from them.

Damn man, I don't have a Buddhist answer for this one but I do have one based on Native American beliefs-
When one is reincarnated they are born with certain urges meant to lead them in the direction of their spiritual purpose in life.
For an example a leaning toward living in a certain area/ country.
What has been learned in previous lifes does not need to be remembered in the present the only thing that should be remembered are the next lessons one must learn. These lessons after physical death and once in the spiritual realm are researched and studied before entrance into the next life.
Once reincarnated the person must try and learn the lessons they must learn to the best of their ability in order to complete the cycle of karma and reincarnation.
I believe this is why we are born asking the question "What's the meaning of life?" and "Where do we come from?" To get people started on the track to learning the lessons needed to make them spiritually whole before they return permanently to god in Heaven.

By the way, my personal view is, it isn't about being utterly perfect, it's about trying your best to make god proud of you as a spiritual being.

Originally posted by Ardor
4) once person said that this belief system does not have an angry god treatening people to obey his laws but there is still a threat. if one does not learn to follow these teachings then he/she is doomed to live countless lives of ignorance and pain. sorry, but if your beliefs really hold any wheight then there will be conciquencess for the immoral or wrong actions. if there werent then life would have no meaning because there would be nothing to motivate us and nothing for us to achive.

I think Black's answered on the whole motivation issue nicely, one doesn't actually need a belief in god to do good in life.
How someone behaves in a lifetime is actually quite a personal issue- life's what you make of it.

And just a question for buddhists on my part, this no alcohol thing, seems a bit harsh. Do you guys believe the consumption of alcohol can really damage one's spirituality to the extent that it becomes a rule? (And I am indeed speaking of getting drunk, not just having a bottle of beer every now and then).
I guess what I'm wondering is why is that rule so important?

[Ardor]

well, im obviously not Buddist but i think i might have the answer to that. i think that it is a matter of the whole discipline that is taught by Budda. after reading all the rules i saw that the rules are more about keeping a healthy, disciplined life and getting drunk is counter active to that. its too much of an unessisary indulgence (not that fun is a bad thing just that this is something that causes more harm than good).

-Ardor (F.Y.I.: you cant lick your elbow.)

[Digital Emu]

The way I learned it is, alcohol isn't so much a taint in your health as it is a toxic influence. Too much alcohol makes you do stupid stuff. It makes you act in ways you wouldn't normally act, talk like you wouldn't talk, and think like you don't normally think. Now, if you are on a path to self discipline, getting drunk is definitely a deviation, in my opinion. I suppose if you could control the negative thoughts and feelings, it would be okay, but I'm not a Buddhist, so I wouldn't know for sure.

[Blacks42]

Bumping to save from purge

[DRAIN YOU!]

Things most people don't know about buddhism. It was a religion far before there was a first Buddha. The first Buddha's name was Siddartha Gotama. And Nirvana is when you reach wholness. One with all, wich can loosley be interpeted as being one with god. Or just realizing as a whole the connections are already there. Also this is why out of all the religions I like buddhism the most: Buddhists believe that you are your own savior. No one else can save you.

[ms04uk]

whats the point in it?

[Blacks42]

whats the point in it?

Spiritual Enlightenment? Inner Peace? The joy of a belief that could possible help you understand or give meaning to your life?

For that matter what's the point of religion at all? What's the point of atheism and anti-religion? What's the point of life?


Are we finished yet or do you have something to contribute? :rolleyes:

[Chris]

Spiritual Enlightenment? Inner Peace? The joy of a belief that could possible help you understand or give meaning to your life?

For that matter what's the point of religion at all? What's the point of atheism and anti-religion? What's the point of life?


Are we finished yet or do you have something to contribute? :rolleyes:
haha, well said blacks, shot down, I saw this, this morning, but I didn't have time to write up the exact same response you wrote lol. Come up with a better post next time ms04uk :)

[The Smart Patrol]

Also this is why out of all the religions I like buddhism the most

I like Buddhism the most as well, probably because I haven't been exposed to it very much(haven't had time to grow to hate it). When it comes down to it, however, it's a load of crap just like every other religion.

[jackenape]

...it's a load of crap just like every other religion.

Christ, angsty much?

[Chris]

I like Buddhism the most as well, probably because I haven't been exposed to it very much(haven't had time to grow to hate it). When it comes down to it, however, it's a load of crap just like every other religion.

You know I'm lenient, but that's complete disrepect for a religion in general, and also a post which is nothing but an attack on the religion without any deeper point. Here's your warning

[Shaolin Buddha]

Some questions:
What is the definition of a Monk?
What's the diffenerce between a Monk and a Buddhist? Can you believe in Buddhism yet not a Monk, or vice vera?
Why would you want to become a Monk? Why wouldn't you?
Is becoming a Monk an important step in the path of acheiving Nirvana?
Why would you want to acheive Nirvana?

No I am not a buddhist, I don't get to know much about it but I do think it is interesting...

[jackenape]

1. Monks tend to be ascetic practitioners of Buddhism who live in monastarys and devote their lives to their religion.

2. All monks (within the realm of this discussion) are Buddhist, but not all Buddhists are monks. Think of monks as the clergy.

3. Monks are the embodiment Siddhartha's teachings on modesty, charity, and reflection. They are people who dedicate their lives to teaching and improving themselves. Why wouldn't you want to become one? No Nintendo.

4. No, not necessarily, although most people who live in the "real" world don't have the time to dedicate themselves to the meditation and self-learning that will bring it about.

5. Because total emlightenment is a chick magnet.

[Havoc51]

Hey guys

I need help that concerns Buddhism greatly, in our AP World History class we - i refer to my friends - were assigned a project to write a newspaper addressing one of the religion. The teacher told us to chose a religion not known to us at all, so i chose Buddhism

Within the newspaper, i have to write four article, each containing one of the following

1. - The History of the religion, date, founder, place of origin, gods or God, and basic belief.

2. - Change over time: how the religion has changed from its begining to modern times.

3. - Gender roles in the religion

4. - Discuss the holy books, symboles, and holy days of this religion.



I was wondering if you could provide us the facts of these questions or at least tell us what to include in each, thank you for your time.

[The Smart Patrol]

Someone may sit and type out all the answers, but in case they don't you should check out http://www.buddhanet.net/

It should tell you everything you need to know.

[Havoc51]

Well the following is what i wrote an Article for the first one, please tell me if i am wrong in any facts -

The Extreme Fundamental

Buddhism is a unique religion that was founded by a man named Siddartha Gautama, He is sometime referred to as Buddha, but some people think that this is a name but it is actually a title; it means “woken up to reality.” Siddartha Gautama was born into a rich family in 563 BCE; the father of the family was a ruler of the Sakya tribe of Kapilavastu, Nepal. Around the age of 35, he left the luxuries of his life to search for an answer, “Why is there so much pain and suffering in this world?” He journeyed on many journeys over a span of six years but his effort was in futile. On one day he sat down under a Bodhi tree, declaring not to rise until he had obtained "supreme awakening." According to Buddhist, he received his enlightenment; he entered a state of perfect clarity and understanding giving him the experience of unexcelled, complete, awakening. He spent the next 40 years teaching, gaining followers. He died about the age of 81 in Kusinagara, Oudh. The decline of Buddhism in India began in the seventh century, due to the growth of Hinduism, and the Muslim Turk invasion only added more pressure; by the thirteenth century, Buddhism winked out of existence in India. However, the religion of Buddhism found a home in Sri Lanka and Thailand. In the sixth century it was in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Buddhism began to enter China via the Silk Road (early first century) Korea (fourth century), Japan (sixth century) and Tibet (seventh century). It still remains to exist in today world.

There is no god in Buddhism, Buddha teachings can be summarized in to the Four Noble Truth and the eightfold path to the cessation of suffering. The First Noble Truth states that suffering (dukkha - dissatisfaction) exists, even that this is the natural and universal state of beings. The Second Noble Truth explains that suffering has a source. The immediate source of suffering is attachment or desire (trishna). The Third Noble Truth asserts that there is a way out (nirodha) of the endless cycle of suffering. The Fourth Noble Truth is the way out, detailed in the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path:

Right Knowledge: Strive to comprehend the first three Noble Truths. This might seem a bit circular, but language is a tricky thing, and the Great Seer wanted to make sure you had all your bases covered. The Noble Truths perhaps aren't as straightforward as they may seem at first. So you must strive to fully comprehend them. Right Thinking: Consciously dedicate yourself to a life in harmony with the Noble Truths elucidated by the Buddha. Right Speech: No gossiping, lying, backbiting, and harsh language. If you don't have anything valuable to say, keep your big yapper shut. Always good advice. Right Conduct: For lay Buddhists (meaning Buddhists who aren't monks), Right Conduct means following the Five Precepts (see below). If you're a monk, there are some more rules for conduct, but don't worry about them until you're ready to become a monk. Right Livelihood: Go peacefully into the world and do no harm. So choose a profession that's harmless to living things, and refrain from killing people. Right Effort: Conquer the flow of negative thoughts, replacing them with good thoughts. Right Mindfulness: Achieve an intense awareness of your body, emotions, and mental states. Quiet the noises in your head and dwell in the present. Right Concentration: Learn about (and practice) various kinds of meditation, an important booster rocket on the launch pad to enlightenment.

[Havoc51]

I have a question, what does sasana means

[The Smart Patrol]

http://www.xmission.com/~mustard/sangha.html

Flippin' heck I am so sad.

[Nathan]

I don't know if this has been asked before, but I'll ask anyway.

I've heard Buddhists cannot swear or curse, is this true?

[Kitten]

Yes it is true they believe swearing to be a way to act wrongly.

They think that way about a lot of things, including gossip.

[The Smart Patrol]

Well, it's certainly not going to help them attain a state of Nirvanqa if they're that pissed off about something they have to swear.

[Nathan]

Well if a Buddhist does swear, is there anything they have to do to correct themselves on what they said?

[Ardor]

not to my knowledge. i dont really think that their is much of a pentence for "sins". you can only try to not faulter again. of course it would probably best if one of our Buddhist members could answer the question more clearly.

[Shaolin Buddha]

A Buddhist should "correct" it by not doing it again the in the furture; and to accept the punishment, if they were not forgiven.

[g4diva_uk]

basically....BUDDHISM = INNER PIECE

[Blacks42]

basically....BUDDHISM = INNER PIECE
I would say it's the more of the SEARCH for both internal and external peace.

[g4diva_uk]

I would say it's the more of the SEARCH for both internal and external peace.
correct. but most times, the only way to external piece is if you have already found your internal piece.

[Shaolin Buddha]

Hmm well this is not really a question, but is anyone here actually really into buddhist??? If so, do you go through the Heart Sutra once in a while, or even heard of it? I learnt the Chinese version of it from my mum when I lived in China, and I found an English version of it today: http://www.sun36.com/chinesebig5/buddhism/heartSutraEnglish.php

[sushi san]

nirvana is a bhuddist term meaning bliss

[The Smart Patrol]

nirvana is a bhuddist term meaning bliss

Yeah, Nirvana is a state of enlightenment. Sounds cool.

[X]

nirvana is a bhuddist term meaning bliss

Nope. Not Buddhist term. It's Sanskrit. It is a term in three religions:

1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Jainism

Maybe even Sikhism, but not sure.

[The Smart Patrol]

Nope. Not Buddhist term. It's Sanskrit. It is a term in three religions:

1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Jainism

Maybe even Sikhism, but not sure.

I prefer the rock band.

[Bindo]

I have a question, You know how they say that "you should'nt have any attactchments, both material and personal"? DOes this statement fill this situation...

For example, trying to impress people, and then they end up hating you and you feel awkward about it, and sense lots of tension? This whole situation could be avoided if u just mind ur own business..

Would the above sitiation fit the above, above stateement?

(sry if it seems confusing...I am really tired.)

[Dol-Fan]

what doesnt make sense is this:
you are reincarnated to live your life until you reach Nirvana. so what happens after you reach Nirvana?

[The Smart Patrol]

what doesnt make sense is this:
you are reincarnated to live your life until you reach Nirvana. so what happens after you reach Nirvana?

Nothing. You cease to exist. I suppose that's some folks' idea of heaven.

[Theoden6590]

Hi,Im Jack Ferriman.(Not Really)

:triforce: I used to be a Christian and I recently converted to Buddhism.If any of you are not a just knowing of Buddha and can help me in my steps to enlightenment,that would be great,so can anyone here do that for me?If so thank you so much! :triforce:

[Heretic Monkey]

Nothing. You cease to exist. I suppose that's some folks' idea of heaven.
The end of pain, stress, questions, and boredom? Yeah, i'd say that's nirvana.....

Until you reach enlightenment, you're doomed to remain on the earth indeterminately.

[Shaolin Buddha]

Nothing. You cease to exist. I suppose that's some folks' idea of heaven.
No it is not heaven, not even close. Heaven is pretty much a Christian concept where everyone is perfect and happy. Buddhism either doesn't believe that heaven exists or simply don't care if it does or not.

Buddhism is about completion of one's self and getting out of the illusion we lives in now; such that in a sense, earth, hell and heaven could be an illusion that a Buddhist is trying to be beyond with.

[Hyccan]

I hope no Buddhist or anyone else takes this as an insult, but I thought Buddhism was a way of life... But after seeing the noble truths and everything, cuz I thought I could follow Buddhism with out disobeying my own religion.

[Shaolin Buddha]

I hope no Buddhist or anyone else takes this as an insult, but I thought Buddhism was a way of life... But after seeing the noble truths and everything, cuz I thought I could follow Buddhism with out disobeying my own religion.
What's your religion? And what are the conflicts?

I don't think it matters, no one is stopping you to take Buddhism as a way of life.

[SpeedDemon1972]

How can you say this is a religion? I have never heard of Buddhists slaughtering millions of people in the name of Buddha. And since Christians HAVE slaughtered millions of people in the name of GOD, then Christianity must be true right?

[Bian]

Well, what is a religion? What do you consider as being a religion?

A belief of moral?

A belief of the right way of life?

A belief that has caused killing?

[asian jew]

I just want to express my incredible respect for this religion.

Based entirely on knowledge and virtue, its teachers do not waste time condemning others, and the main goal is enlightenment instead of eternal pleasure. Also, the idea of reincarnation is wonderful as it does not reduce the beautiful idea of souls to levels of inferiority and superiority(the righteous go to heaven and the unclean go to hell) as all religions do. No wars waged with this one, I believe.

My knowledge is highly limited on it and I'd like to be corrected and perhaps given some of meditation techniques used in the process of achieving Bodhi? Also, I would like to know if anything is worshiped, because I am strongly against that(but not against revering something, which is entirely different). If anyone is aware of any sort of herb or other natural chemical used in meditation, I'd like to know of that as well.

I've always been very interested in this religion and have considered converting to it for quite some time now.

[Mr. DNA]

Buddhism is not anywhere near as egregious as pretty much every other religion (it could even be argued that it's not really a religion at all, in the conventional sense), and I don't think that Buddhists worship anything or even believe in some sort of deity. However, whilst I do have a sneaking fondness for Buddhism (compared to the competition), and whilst I think that meditation can be a good thing (in a non mystical sense) it's still highly reliant on non-evidence based superstition. Reincarnation, for example, is clearly nonsense and the talk about "karma", which my Buddhist friend who now teaches in Japan was so keen on, also sounds like a load of guff. But yeah, compared to the whack-job competition, Buddhism gets a big thumbs-up.

[shortkut]

zen buddhism is more guff than theravada buddhism. mahayana buddhism portrays buddha as a god-like figure.

[asian jew]

I do not believe in reincarnation, but it is a somewhat similar concept to the notion of collective existence that I believe in; that we are all one being despite our individual perceptions. I've also got some sort of faith in the concept of soul age.

I shall post a thread about it someday... its a very frustrating theory because all I can come up with to describe it are "souls" and I believe its much beyond that... just nothing I can possibly understand in my human life,.

[jesuslovesosama]

what is the difference between a religion and a philosophy?

[Adrien]

what is the difference between a religion and a philosophy?

Every religion is a philosophy, but not every philosophy is a religion. Religion is all about ritual; philosophy is broader and can mean something as simple as logic. There are no gods inherent in philosophy, but plenty in religion...

[~The Juice~]

I have a question on Buddhism. Where could an average person practice Buddhism? (disregarding temples with Buddhist Monks..etc..) And also besides at home.. lol. I'm more or less wondering if Buddhists "go to church" in a sense..

[Digital Emu]

Well, the closest thing to "going to church" would be going to a Buddhist temple. Not all of them are in isolated mountain or forest regions, if that's what you were getting at; most of them in the U.S. can be found in "modern-style" buildings in local neighborhoods or cities. To the best of my knowledge they don't have a specific date of the week where they go to temple and worship, like in Christianity. The exception to this would be major festivals and holidays.

So I guess, to try and make this clearer, they do go to a temple but it isn't a strict rite that they do so. A lot of people do meditate and worship at home but the temple is also another place to do it, or to gain more knowledge and insight from the monks that keep the place. Worship and meditation are mainly individual acts a person performs; "going to church", as you know it, isn't really a part of Western Buddhist practice.