| </span><blockquote><span class="smallfont">Quote:</span><hr size="1" />Originally Posted by
To the person who atarted the topic: Buddhism isn't a religion because it is atheiestic. We don't beleive in gods.
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You are right, but the truth is more complicated. The core of Buddhism is not a religion. It is an existentialist philosophy. It does not deal with questions like "is there a god" or "what happens after one dies". It deals with getting into "the zone" .... abandoning mental blinders that prevent us from being in the moment. Zen and Chan Buddhism in Japan and China are the most minimalistic, or core oriented.
But Buddhism is often syncretic - mixed with other creeds. Tibetan Buddhism includes beliefs in reincarnation, spirits, and demons. Nepalese Buddhism still contains elements of Hindu thought. Taoism and Animism are present in some Chinese Buddhism. Pure Land Buddhists 'worship' Amitaba, believing that merely having faith in him and calling on his name will lead to salvation (sounds like some Christians). |