a more personal opinion

[Tyrantt]

So, lately I've became interested in the way of buddhism. I've seen some video about it and got me interested in it's backstory, origins, etc...
So what are your views on buddhism? Do you consider it religion as every other or maybe something else? I'm really interested in your views here on "pol and soc", since you guys are mostly bashing every religion (I've never been religious person, never really cared at all but this got my attention).

[popcorn1]

So, lately I've became interested in the way of buddhism. I've seen some video about it and got me interested in it's backstory, origins, etc...
So what are your views on buddhism? Do you consider it religion as every other or maybe something else? I'm really interested in your views here on "pol and soc", since you guys are mostly bashing every religion (I've never been religious person, never really cared at all but this got my attention).

HOW DARE YOU CALL IT A RELIGION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQj9c8bU_OA  listen to this

all about inner peace..headphones on and listen and chant..you will feel much better? stress reliever
A GIFT FROM ME TO YOU ENJOY ..please don't call it a religion..
If you think its a religion then watch..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okD6Uet602s  off the main man

But what ever you do don't take it to serious..A little chant now and then wont hurt you..
BUT REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE DOING COULD BE ALL A LOAD OF BULL..
I.E chanting to relieve stress..you could just breath in and out probable get the same affect..

the chanting sounds good with headphones on rather than just breathing in and out to relieve stress .AND RELAX

[af_newbie]

So, lately I've became interested in the way of buddhism. I've seen some video about it and got me interested in it's backstory, origins, etc...
So what are your views on buddhism? Do you consider it religion as every other or maybe something else? I'm really interested in your views here on "pol and soc", since you guys are mostly bashing every religion (I've never been religious person, never really cared at all but this got my attention).

I think Buddhism is way better than any of the theistic religions.  I especially like the meditation aspect and reflection.  Focus on a human vs deity.
When I looked at it last time, it has lots in common with humanism.

Their belief in supernatural powers is a bit too much for my blood.  But in all, it is way more positive than traditional bronze age religions; they see things as they are.

[Moloch]

Most people consider Buddhism to be a philosophy rather than a religion...

Buddhism does not require belief in any specific god, nor does it condone belief in a diety

Buddhism has no sacred texts requiring you to murder heathens/unbelievers...

I'd say it's much less dangerous than religions, and has some interesting texts which can be interpreted on various levels...

Unlike religion, which condemns critical thinking in lieu of faith... Buddhism encourages thinking and reasoning

Mostly harmless, but probably does not have the answers you are looking for

[mrhelpful]

Some people dont consider it even a religion.

As it is more towards of a way of life style - I personally met a few buddahist friends and they go to temple and what not. And they seem pretty open minded on other religions so why not if its to improve you.

Also you dont need other peoples validation to get into something. 

[Tyrantt]

I think Buddhism is way better than any of the theistic religions.  I especially like the meditation aspect and reflection.  Focus on a human vs deity.
When I looked at it last time, it has lots in common with humanism.

Their belief in supernatural powers is a bit too much for my blood.  But in all, it is way more positive than traditional bronze age religions; they see things are they are.



[/quote]

Most people consider Buddhism to be a philosophy rather than a religion...

Buddhism does not require belief in any specific god, nor does it condone belief in a diety

Buddhism has no sacred texts requiring you to murder heathens/unbelievers...

I'd say it's much less dangerous than religions, and has some interesting texts which can be interpreted on various levels...

Mostly harmless

That's what got me interested the most. The very concept of humanism and your inner self, inner peace, the lack of rules to obey and the lack of words of hate.

Personally, in todays world, the way of buddhism can be very healthy and relaxing, helping the cause of peace and tranquillity.
The very philosophy of the buddhism is what I'm attracted to.

[Tyrantt]

Some people dont consider it even a religion.

As it is more towards of a way of life style - I personally met a few buddahist friends and they go to temple and what not. And they seem pretty open minded on other religions so why not if its to improve you.

Also you dont need other peoples validation to get into something. 

I didn't look for the validation of others, just rather a personal opinion on buddhism just because it is different from religious we know today. I like to hear other peoples opinions.

[Moloch]

Meditation has been shown to have several health benefits
http://liveanddare.com/benefits-of-meditation/
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/meditation-heals-body-and-mind

It isn't going to cure your cancer, but neither is prayer...


And, while I wouldn't recommend it... I have the utmost respect for anyone willing to light themself on fire in protest of war
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thích_Quảng_Đức

Quảng Đức's last words before his self-immolation were documented in a letter he had left:

    Before closing my eyes and moving towards the vision of the Buddha, I respectfully plead to President Ngô Đình Diệm to take a mind of compassion towards the people of the nation and implement religious equality to maintain the strength of the homeland eternally. I call the venerables, reverends, members of the sangha and the lay Buddhists to organize in solidarity to make sacrifices to protect Buddhism

[popcorn1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okD6Uet602s

[Zeke2345]

Lot of people do not study this religion on more than a superficial level. Its been repackaged for the Western world.
Meditation is great but beyond that...its not for me.

[popcorn1]

Lot of people do not study this religion on more than a superficial level. Its been repackaged for the Western world.
Meditation is great but beyond that...its not for me.

Same for me..Meditation is all I need.Well once a month

[Spendulus]

Lot of people do not study this religion on more than a superficial level. Its been repackaged for the Western world.
Meditation is great but beyond that...its not for me.

Yeah.  Always beware of the "repackaging for the Western World."

[The Sceptical Chymist]

I don't know much about Buddhism, but we have a Buddhist monk come in to our facility once a week to do a group on meditation with our clients.  Her head is shaved and she is like a model of serenity, and I like that.  If that's what she got out of Buddhism (I'm sure it's not the only thing), then I'd say it's worth it.  Not many people can lay claim to serenity.

[Zeke2345]

Serenity Now!!!!!

[af_newbie]

You might find this interview useful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogi9QSJIMqI

[bonski]

I'm a Christian and I've got an uncle who is a buddhist I found him always offering some foods the altar of his buddha. But I respect him as what he is doing and he is also respecting my faith. But on my own opinion regarding the topic, Buddha lived like us as a person so we all know that no man must worship a person. No debate here guys just my opinion.

[Moloch]

I'm a Christian and I've got an uncle who is a buddhist I found him always offering some foods the altar of his buddha. But I respect him as what he is doing and he is also respecting my faith. But on my own opinion regarding the topic, Buddha lived like us as a person so we all know that no man must worship a person. No debate here guys just my opinion.

As far as I am aware, Buddhists do not worship Buddha...

They might hold him in high regard as a source of wisdom, similar to a Catholic saint, or how a mathematician might hold Pythagorus in high esteem... But, that is a far cry from worshipping the man

Then again, everyone is different, so there is likely a small portion who do worship Buddha

[Tyrantt]

Meditation has been shown to have several health benefits
http://liveanddare.com/benefits-of-meditation/
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/meditation-heals-body-and-mind

It isn't going to cure your cancer, but neither is prayer...

No, but it will help you in some other ways and that's why I like it.

as much as I understand, buddhists worship the spirit and have no higher deity than Buddha himself.

[Tyrantt]

Also, are there any buddhist here by any chance? to give out some more info first hand about practising it. :p

[Moloch]

Also, are there any buddhist here by any chance? to give out some more info first hand about practising it. :p

I'm no expert, but... I'd recommend starting with some basic info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism

Then perhaps moving on to some of the texts of Buddhism:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching

I like the Tao Te Ching myself... definitely better than the bible
http://www.taoism.net/ttc/complete.htm

Holding a cup and overfilling it
Cannot be as good as stopping short
Pounding a blade and sharpening it
Cannot be kept for long

Gold and jade fill up the room
No one is able to protect them
Wealth and position bring arrogance
And leave disasters upon oneself

Much better than "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live"...

or, "...the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda..."
(the bible has some super boring sections)