RE: Have you ever explored Buddhism?
July 29, 2014 at 5:27 pm
(This post was last modified: July 29, 2014 at 5:31 pm by Angrboda.)
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.
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.