Are there any buddhist atheists out there? I have heard it mentioned on here. I was wondering if there is any conflict with atheism and buddhist teaching, especially regarding faith,
It seems to me that this would prove problematic for atheists, or perhaps people who view faith as a bad thing. Or maybe the accusation of cherry picking might be appropriate, Cherry pick buddhist teaching you like and ignore bits you don't like?
Quote:The definition of faith is a mental factor that functions principally to eliminate non-faith.Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Understanding the Mind.
Without understanding non-faith we cannot understand faith. There are three types of non-faith: non-faith of disbelief, non-faith of non-admiration, and non-faith of not-wishing.
Non-faith of disbelief is disbelief in any correct object in which it is necessary to believe to make spiritual progress, such as objects explained in Dharma teachings. If someone correctly explains Buddha's teachings on actions and their effects and we do not believe what they are saying, this is because the mental factor non-faith of disbelief is present in our mind.Non-faith of non-admiration is a mental factor that causes us to see faults in virtuous objects such as Dharma Teachers, the Three Jewels and other holy beings. It makes our mind unclear and confused. Non-faith of not-wishing is a mind that does not desire virtuous attainments. It prevents us from developing a wish to engage in the paths to liberation or enlightenment.
These three types of non-faith are very harmful. Disbelief prevents us from engaging in spiritual practices and attaining Dharma realizations.
Non-faith of non-admiration robs us of our mental peace and makes our mind turbulent and defiled. As a result, our virtuous minds decrease and we are unable to develop pure experience of Dharma
It seems to me that this would prove problematic for atheists, or perhaps people who view faith as a bad thing. Or maybe the accusation of cherry picking might be appropriate, Cherry pick buddhist teaching you like and ignore bits you don't like?
