Have you ever explored Buddhism?

[MJ the Skeptical]

Yeah I've looked into Buddhism here and there. I think it boils down to being glorified-atheism but it is interesting from a philosophical position. There are some good teachings there but on the flip side some pretentious ideas within Buddhism I don't care for. I remember having a long argument a few years back on a different forum with a strict Buddhist who was cherry-picking from the main teachings of Buddhism, like with; Reincarnation, Karma, the Noble truths etc. But on average I might be able to get along with a Buddhist more than other religious folks if only because there's some overlap between us.

[vorlon13]

Is it Buddhists or Hindus that can wipe out their stomachs with the long white cloth?

(and presumably the drinking water till it passes clear out the anus, and the rite where water is induced into the rectum for an autologous enema)

And why can't we get the Christers to do that ???

[Jaysyn]

The religion module in my 7th grade world history class was plenty, thanks.

[*Deidre*]

Is it Buddhists or Hindus that can wipe out their stomachs with the long white cloth?

(and presumably the drinking water till it passes clear out the anus, and the rite where water is induced into the rectum for an autologous enema)

And why can't we get the Christers to do that ???

Lol!

[Polaris]

I don't like Buddhism as I only want to live one life and that to be sufficient, but I do like the idea of Karma...frankly, people complain about my posts here but like Karma as I only reflect the negative energy they project upon others. If they took a look in the mirror, they would see what they receive is the same as they give. Same is true for the theists who complain when they are persecuted when they did so much to persecute others.

That's what is best about Buddhist philosophy, for what you give out to the world, so will return to you. When atheists complain that others don't like their lack of belief, I have found it's more to do with their attitude than anything else....you don't even need to be spiritual to respect what karma means because it can be experienced in this lifetime rather than the Abrahamic view of the afterlife.

[MJ the Skeptical]

people complain about my posts here but like Karma as I only reflect the negative energy they project upon others. If they took a look in the mirror, they would see what they receive is the same as they give. Same is true for the theists who complain when they are persecuted when they did so much to persecute others.

That's what is best about Buddhist philosophy, for what you give out to the world, so will return to you. When atheists complain that others don't like their lack of belief, I have found it's more to do with their attitude than anything else....you don't even need to be spiritual to respect what karma means because it can be experienced in this lifetime rather than the Abrahamic view of the afterlife.

I don't respect what Karma means at all. Karma has some pretty sinister implications behind it. Like when somebody is raped, a person who believes in Karma must concede that there was a reason for that to happen, as does the theist...

[*Deidre*]

I don't like Buddhism as I only want to live one life and that to be sufficient, but I do like the idea of Karma...frankly, people complain about my posts here but like Karma as I only reflect the negative energy they project upon others. If they took a look in the mirror, they would see what they receive is the same as they give. Same is true for the theists who complain when they are persecuted when they did so much to persecute others.

That's what is best about Buddhist philosophy, for what you give out to the world, so will return to you. When atheists complain that others don't like their lack of belief, I have found it's more to do with their attitude than anything else....you don't even need to be spiritual to respect what karma means because it can be experienced in this lifetime rather than the Abrahamic view of the afterlife.

Agree completely! And...I've always liked your posts. lol

[psychoslice]

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.

You kind of lost me after saying that there's more to life than what our senses reveal. While I agree with that, I can't say questioning things keeps us from living. I would expect the exact opposite. How do you keep from becoming stagnant if you don't question everything?

Of course its good to question, but not to spend your whole life questioning, some things cannot be answered such as god, or no god. To truly awaken in this world is to drop all questions and let life be what it is, let it flow, if you believe there isn't a god then believe it, don't go through your life trying to prove you are right, if you believe its not so, then believe that and move on with the flow. Questions mean doubt, the only answer you need to know is that you and everyone and everything is ONE, try to realize this first and the rest will that care of itself. This is Buddhism.

[*Deidre*]

people complain about my posts here but like Karma as I only reflect the negative energy they project upon others. If they took a look in the mirror, they would see what they receive is the same as they give. Same is true for the theists who complain when they are persecuted when they did so much to persecute others.

That's what is best about Buddhist philosophy, for what you give out to the world, so will return to you. When atheists complain that others don't like their lack of belief, I have found it's more to do with their attitude than anything else....you don't even need to be spiritual to respect what karma means because it can be experienced in this lifetime rather than the Abrahamic view of the afterlife.

I don't respect what Karma means at all. Karma has some pretty sinister implications behind it. Like when somebody is raped, a person who believes in Karma must concede that there was a reason for that to happen, as does the theist...

actually, no...it really is more along the lines of reaping what we sow. which is true. it has nothing to do with reasons, and outside forces coming together.

it's reaping what we sow. everything we do...leads to the next thing we do...and so on. despite our best efforts however, ''bad'' things can still happen. disease, death of loved ones, etc. pain is inevitable, but suffering is an option. that's how I understand it, anyway.

[MJ the Skeptical]

I don't respect what Karma means at all. Karma has some pretty sinister implications behind it. Like when somebody is raped, a person who believes in Karma must concede that there was a reason for that to happen, as does the theist...

actually, no...it really is more along the lines of reaping what we sow. which is true. it has nothing to do with reasons, and outside forces coming together.

it's reaping what we sow. everything we do...leads to the next thing we do...and so on. despite our best efforts however, ''bad'' things can still happen. disease, death of loved ones, etc. pain is inevitable, but suffering is an option. that's how I understand it, anyway.

Clearly it's not true since everybody doesn't reap what they sow, I mean are you kidding me?...I guess your argument is bullshit huh since there are people who don't reap what they sow? Also, cause and effect =/= Karma.

EDIT: What's your favorite kind of posts by Polaris? his gross generalizations of people on this forum? or the ones where he tells mods they're sniveling rats who smoke meth? what are some good posts by this person? I've yet to see them...