I'm an atheist but I quite like Buddism...

[dscross]

I practice yoga, and find I get a lot out of it, but other than that, I think it's woo for the most part, and have a hard time taking it seriously.

You know Buddhists who are hostile to atheism? Or atheists who are hostile to Buddhism?

Atheists who are hostile to any ideas of Buddism. I don't know any real Buddists, or even many people who meditate. Which bits do you find 'woo'?

Just to clarify btw, I'm not an actual Buddist. I just like a lot of the mind practices they teach. I think they can lead to a more fulfilled life.

[rexbeccarox]

I practice yoga, and find I get a lot out of it, but other than that, I think it's woo for the most part, and have a hard time taking it seriously.

You know Buddhists who are hostile to atheism? Or atheists who are hostile to Buddhism?

Atheists who are hostile to any ideas of Buddism. I don't know any real Buddists, or even many people who meditate. Which bits do you find 'woo'?

Just to clarify btw, I'm not an actual Buddist. I just like a lot of the mind practices they teach. I think they can lead to a more fulfilled life.

Read rasetsu's post on the previous page. It's something I couldn't put into words, but an excellent representation of how I think of Buddhism.

[My imaginary friend is GOD]

There are lots of things about Buddhism that I like, but most forms discourage enlightenment through sexual activity, which is the closest thing to a "spiritual experience" I've ever had.

[Rampant.A.I.]

There are lots of things about Buddhism that I like, but most forms discourage enlightenment through sexual activity, which is the closest thing to a "spiritual experience" I've ever had.

Have to agree with that one. I've had several long-term relationships develop out of one-night stands, not that they were exclusively based on sex, but when it's good. . . Holy damn.

There's no more spiritual connection, IMO.

[*Deidre*]

I practice yoga, and find I get a lot out of it, but other than that, I think it's woo for the most part, and have a hard time taking it seriously.

You know Buddhists who are hostile to atheism? Or atheists who are hostile to Buddhism?

Atheists who are hostile to any ideas of Buddism. I don't know any real Buddists, or even many people who meditate. Which bits do you find 'woo'?

Just to clarify btw, I'm not an actual Buddist. I just like a lot of the mind practices they teach. I think they can lead to a more fulfilled life.

Not sure if I'd categorize it as 'woo,' but the whole 'enlightenment' philosophy. While I do find some of the concepts and practices of Buddhism to be pretty intriguing, I'm not interested in anymore pathways to finding 'enlightenment.' Everyday life can be enriching, and beautiful, and even in the sorrows, we can grow as well. I guess I've come to the realization that life is what we make of it, not what ancient 'religions' or sets of beliefs passed down by others before me, tells me it should or shouldn't be.

[CapnAwesome]

As the thread subject states, I am an atheist but there are lots of things about Buddism I like - meditation, self discovery, presence of mind, the idea of a higher state of consciousness etc.

Do you guys think I am mad for this? I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of the atheist community on this topic.

I'm not entirely sure actually what those things have to do with Buddhism. They certainly exist outside of Buddhism as well as within it. For example self discovery is hardly a Buddhist idea. It's a very general idea that anybody can do and exists in many philosophies and also entirely independently. Can you be a little more specific about what exactly about Buddhism doctrine appeals to you?

As for some of the bits that I personally find to be woo....

The Dahlia Lama is said to be the reincarnate of an adviser to a 16th century mongol warlord. If that isn't woo I don't know what is. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Dalai_Lama
Nirvana is a scam not dissimilar to the Christian idea of heaven, a carrot dangled in front of people and used to get them to behave. Why does nobody ever become enlightened? Why are multiple lives needed do reach nirvana?
Karma is one of the worst ideas ever invented. One of the side effects of believing in Karma is the belief that something bad happened to somebody (say they got sick or maimed) because they deserved it karmically. They did something bad either in this life or a past life and their suffering is deserved.
That's the off the top of my head woo that I can think of.

[Bittersmart]

As the thread subject states, I am an atheist but there are lots of things about Buddism I like - meditation, self discovery, presence of mind, the idea of a higher state of consciousness etc.

Do you guys think I am mad for this? I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of the atheist community on this topic.

Nah. I like The Tao Te Ching. There is some wisdom found in there, I believe.

[The Valkyrie]

What is self discovery? Is that something you do with a box of tissues and a laptop?

Most of this stuff sounds like bollocks to me, but if you enjoy and it gives you pleasure then why not.

I thought that would be a laptop and a sock . . .puppet?

[cromwell]

I like some aspects of all different religions, and I also don't like a lot about them either. You can find good things in anything. However, I do meditate, I find it great to relieve stress and clear my mind, as for the reincarnation and karma part of buddhism though, I would compare that to a belief in a god.

[truthBtold]

I like some aspects of all different religions, and I also don't like a lot about them either. You can find good things in anything. However, I do meditate, I find it great to relieve stress and clear my mind, as for the reincarnation and karma part of buddhism though, I would compare that to a belief in a god.

Nicely said.. they are all made up