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If I was religious I'd be buddhist.

Im an Atheist Buddhist

I'm not atheist, but im not religious or...semi-catholic..

agnostic much?

Very Much. Theres religion and beliefs then theres science.

a lot of Buddhists still eats meat .. only the monks dont

All Buddhists are atheists. Buddhism is an atheistic religion.

Another book that I recommend is "Gesture of Balance" by Tarthang Tulku. It is written for a western audience by a man who emigrated from Tibet soon after the Chinese occupation. I've read my copy several times.

I think a Buddhist is one who acknowledges the truth of the core principals of Buddhism. Following the path is the way to enlightenment and a corollary to acknowledging the truth. For me, more than trying to practice certain rituals, I try to stay balanced emotionally. Understand and reflect on my anger, jealousy, etc.

God, I hate religion.

Buddhism has no god(s) and is not a religion. You can feel free to be christian buddhist jewish buddhist whatever as long long as you believe the 4 truths and follow the 8 fold path

I believe in my own religion... im semi-catholic but with some changes in it

Religion = shit

serious pricks :p

I actually thought that was fkin funny :p

Sorry guys, the Dalai Lama was reborn into a fish, and was made into sushi by a Japanese fisherman.

Maybe I should've said "Emo much?"

A religion doesn't necesarily have to be a religion with a god.. A religion is something you believe in..

Something you believe in is a Faith....which is not necessarily a religion I only mentioned god because when most ppl think religion they think of Christianity, Judaism, Islam and they basically worship the G-man



guess were both kinda right....i don't consider Buddhism a religion though i consider it a lifestyle.

Buddhism is a religion, as are Christianity and Judaism. There are philosophical differences at the core of those religions that would prevent anyone from calling themselves a "Jewish Buddhist" for example. It makes as much sense as claiming to be a communist-anarchist.

There are rituals associated with each religion and you can follow them all, if you choose. But following rituals is a manifestation of belief, not belief itself. If you cherry-pick the beliefs of each religion to the extent that you can comfortably call yourself a Christian-Buddhist, you are neither.

When you call Buddhism a lifestyle, you are simply saying it is a collection of rituals with beliefs that are unimportant or nonexistent.



I think every Catholic but the pope describes themselves that way, at least in the US.

I disagree....You can believe in god and still practice the 8 fold path can't you....you can go to church then go home and meditate...There are MANY different ways to practice Buddhism Is Tibetan Buddhist rituals more important than Zen....Buddhism isn't about linear thinking save that for the dogmas of Christianity....You can very well believe that jesus christ was your savior but still be a Buddhist and i don't think even the Dalai Lama would deny that.

When i call Buddhism a lifestyle im saying that the basic Buddhist principles aren't about worship and there are no moral guidelines i have to follow to ascend to heaven or hell. Following the path of the Buddha is all about changing who you are to benefit yourself and by doing that you'll benefit those around you. You can believe in jesus christ and BAM your a christian but to be a true Buddhist you have o deeper and that and change your whole perspective on the world around you. Thats why i think its a lifestyle. You can be a semi-catholic and most ppl would consider that valid. I don't think you can be a semi-Buddhist, either your following the path and trying to enlighten yourself or your not.

Your argument is equivalent to saying "if you follow the ten commandments, you are Jewish." Adhering to the rituals of one's religion is important, to be sure, but I think you are confusing the beliefs with the rituals. You are doing one of three things, and I'm not sure which it is:

1) In Buddhism, belief isn't important. Following the rituals is what is important.

2) Buddhism does not have a fundamental set of beliefs about the nature of man.

3) Buddhism does have a fundamental set of beliefs, but they don't conflict with other religions.

I can give you ample evidence to contradict any of these claims. What is your background in Buddhism? (That question sounds like a challenge and it isn't meant to be. I'm just wondering what your personal exposure to Buddhism is and what material you have read.)

your right it does sound like a challenge. And im not going to back down but it'll sound like i am.

We clearly have 2 different views on the nature of Buddhism which is ok by me cause its Buddhism. Im sure we could go out and find 2 ppl better than ourselves that share our view point and they could argue but theres no point.

Normally i'd be the first person to turn this into a flame war (i have a long way to go) but im going to back down and just agree to disagree with you.

As for my background I'll give you a list of all the books i've read about Buddhism when i get home if your really that interested. But im just a practitioner...i have no intention of preaching or teaching this way of life cause its deeper than anything i've so far posted....so...i just practice it.

if i was religious i'd ignore everything to it.

i respect the stuff they believe in but i could never pray or anything like that myself :s

a personal journey
its either islam or zen for me

just cant decide,
i want 2 still belive in god

but i also wanna practice zen argh life is so perplexing