Buddhism is not Atheism (grace, Buddha, prophet, atheist)
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Consequently, Buddhism believes that a god is not the highest level of spirituality. Entry into bliss and freedom of Nirvana and emancipation from the world of suffering and rebirth is gained only through undergoing Buddhist discipline.
Buddhism is not, therefore, atheistic in the modern understanding which developed in the West as a reaction to theistic Christianity. Rather, Buddhism affirms many forms of spirituality and belief in gods as means to elevate and improve worldly life. In its spread through Asia, it has been able to adapt to the various native religious traditions to promote the spread of Buddhism.
In our modern and contemporary context, Buddhism can coexist with Western beliefs in God because it recognizes that such beliefs assist people in dealing with their everyday needs. However, we can only achieve enlightenment when we understand reality as it is, beyond all concepts and beliefs, and the nature of our own minds which become attached to concepts and beliefs
In Hindu thought Buddhists were considered Nastika, those who reject the rites part of the vedas. There was never a concept for godlessness. The Western atheist claim of Budhism as atheist is just that, a claim. It is not based on any evidence, just as denial of Divinity is not based on evidence. It is a wholesale appropriation of an ancient religion for their own purpose.
Last edited by Mightyqueen801; 07-04-2022 at 11:09 AM..
Reason: Replaced link
Then some Buddhist worship some 57 prophet of Buddhas, some worship 5 Buddhas, and other worship Hindu deities, but denies that they are gods ... Still other regional Buddhism takes on other countries deities from India to Japan deities in eastern China but still not considered god but some spiritual emotional ideas
In Hindu thought Buddhists were considered Nastika, those who reject the rites part of the vedas. There was never a concept for godlessness. The Western atheist claim of Budhism as atheist is just that, a claim. It is not based on any evidence, just as denial of Divinity is not based on evidence. It is a wholesale appropriation of an ancient religion for their own purpose.
Well, the evidence would be those Buddhists who are atheists. But it is strange how you like people finding wisdom in ancient texts so long as they remain religious or spiritual, but when atheists find that wisdom, it is wholesale appropriation of an ancient religion.
Then some Buddhist worship some 57 prophet of Buddhas, some worship 5 Buddhas, and other worship Hindu deities, but denies that they are gods ... Still other regional Buddhism takes on other countries deities from India to Japan deities in eastern China but still not considered god but some spiritual emotional ideas
Is there a point to your post? I am sorry i am missing it.
Well, the evidence would be those Buddhists who are atheists. But it is strange how you like people finding wisdom in ancient texts so long as they remain religious or spiritual, but when atheists find that wisdom, it is wholesale appropriation of an ancient religion.
Former Buddhists can be atheists, Godless. But Buddhism is not without Divinity, it is not atheism. I know this is logic that is hard to grasp. But you will get there, by God’s grace.
Well, the evidence would be those Buddhists who are atheists. But it is strange how you like people finding wisdom in ancient texts so long as they remain religious or spiritual, but when atheists find that wisdom, it is wholesale appropriation of an ancient religion.
Buddhism recognizes the holy and the sacred. Buddhism recognizes the prayer, reincarnation, karma, and enlightenment. Buddhism has sacred texts and a path of practical application in daily life. Atheism has none of those. Atheism does not recognize the holy and the sacred, does not recognize prayer, does not recognize enlightenment, has no sacred texts, and has no path of practical application in daily life.
Last edited by Tzaphkiel; 07-04-2022 at 07:37 AM..
Buddhism recognizes the holy and the sacred. Buddhism recognizes the eternal soul, reincarnation, karma, and enlightenment. Buddhism has sacred texts and a path of practical application in daily life. Atheism has none of those. Atheism does not recognize the holy and the sacred, does not recognize the eternal soul, does not recognize enlightenment, has no sacred texts, and has no path of practical application in daily life.
Buddhism actually does not recognize an eternal soul/atma within. Yet it believes in rebirth/reincarnation. There is no clear answer to what survives that reincarnates in Nagarjuna’s treatise on Buddhism. This is the reason Western Buddhism is a bit obscure on that issue. But there is nothing obscure in the mind of Buddhists of south asia and elsewhere who do worship that which is transcendental.
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