Have you ever explored Buddhism?

[*Deidre*]

I studied it, but didn't care enough for it to try because I viewed it as a punishment fitting of Hell.

really? you're being serious i think?

care to explain more?

Skip it. You have more understanding inside of you then you can learn from another. Find your own path there, and don't feed the animals on the way.

This...is really something. We have more understanding insude of ourselves that we can learn from another. That's pretty profound. I wonder if we are the sum total of what we've learned from one another though, recycled through our own world view? Thank you for the comment.

Just wondering. I've been reading a lot about it, and there's so much richness to it. So much goodness. And it's so vastly different from anything I ever was 'taught.' I read a little every day about it, and find it fascinating on many levels.

I'm an atheist, but exploring Buddhism...is that acceptable?

First of, studying anything like this isn't bad in and of itself.

As for believing it in its entirety: I could see looking at the ethical teachings to see what you want to take away from it, but at the end of the day, they're going to make a lot of nonfalsifiable assertions about spiritual things. While it might not be talking about "God" specifically, it's still nonfalsifiable woo.

This was very helpful, thanks!

I'm an atheist, but exploring Buddhism...is that acceptable?

Not sure that is permitted.

We should take this up with the Atheist Central Committee.

lol

i knew that term wasn't really the one i wanted to use...but i went with it. :p

I think you can separate meditation from Buddhism. A lot of different traditions embrace meditation; Buddhism isn't a necessary part of it.

I've flirted with Buddhism over the years. I've come to the conclusion that it's pretty on the outside, but the center is filled with woo. Plus, I find Buddhists are often egotistical. In my own mind, I see Siddhartha as a failed ascetic. He set out to find enlightenment but failed, and settled for a teaching career instead. I don't think he ever reached enlightnment. But you suggest anything of the sort to dyed-in-the-wool Buddhists, and you get a lot of faith based blowback. His teachings are useful, as far as that goes, but because he never finished his framework, the gaps are filled in with metaphysical speculation. As a moral guide, it's admirable; as a statement of truth about life, it falls short.

You always manage to put things into great perspective. I think this too, and from this point of view, I think that it's ok to explore it, but to ''become'' a Buddhist isn't probably what I'm heading towards. Thank you for your input!

I think Buddhaism is a beautiful way to live, labeling yourself an atheist and jumping on every belief system is ugly and clinical. There is more to life than what any of our senses can ever reveal, we are life itself, we are all connected to everything there is. To be aware of this connection and to even experience this connection is to truly live, to live outside of this connection is to live your life in fear, this fear is what questions everything, and because of this questioning of everything you never truly live.

I like how you worded this and appreciate the thoughts to this.

Just wondering. I've been reading a lot about it, and there's so much richness to it. So much goodness. And it's so vastly different from anything I ever was 'taught.' I read a little every day about it, and find it fascinating on many levels.

I'm an atheist, but exploring Buddhism...is that acceptable?

No!

How can you call yourself an atheist and have an interest in Buddhism?

OMD, woman. What sort of atheist are you??

On a serious note, however, there's nothing wrong with reading up on Buddhism. From the little I've read it is far superior to the Abrahamic religions.

And many of its adherents are atheists, judging by some I've encountered.

It makes more logical sense to me than Christianity, or the Abrahamic faiths ever did. It doesn't require blind faith, it requires discipline moreso, and a desire to improve. I find that admirable.

Of course, at first, I thought you were being serious at the beginning of your post. lol

Thanks everyone for your feedback. BRB...moving to Tibet!