What is Buddhism

RE: What is Buddhism

dear Rainbowheart there is many lineages of Buddhism like many philosophies but the truth is very simple.

desire is the cause of pain and suffering and this core teaching is the pinnacle of Buddhism from my perspective.

to treat sacred all sentient beings and treat them as equal

this is also what Jesus tried to teach us

Love beyond measure

Kim xx

RE: What is Buddhism

dear rainbowheart

correction I should have said 'desire and attachment are the cause of suffering'

love beyond measure

kim xx

RE: What is Buddhism

Do Buddhists believe in God?
Unlike other major religions, Buddhism doesn’t have the notion of a supreme God who created the world and who looks over it. However, the Buddha taught that there are six realms of existence – gods, humans, jealous gods, animals, ghosts and hell-beings. The realm of the gods is one of great pleasure but it is not a place that one should aspire to particularly. This is because this world is not eternal and eventually the gods themselves will fall into the lower realms. The best of all realms is said to be the human realm. This is because the suffering we inevitably experience in life doesn’t make us too complacent and consequently we are more likely to make the effort necessary for spiritual progress. The gods are too absorbed in pleasure to attempt this. Buddhism has been described as ‘a moral system without a god’ and ‘a faith without a god’.

What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is one of the six major religions of the world. Like other religions it has a highly developed system of beliefs, a moral code and a transcendental dimension. In simple words, it looks beyond ordinary human experience to something deeply spiritual which can be realised through leading a good moral life and religious practice. Buddhism takes its name from the Buddha, a human being whose teachings developed into what is now known as ’Buddhism’.

How long has Buddhism existed?
Buddhism has existed for about 2500 years. It is, therefore, older than both Christianity and Islam.

Hope this also helps. I stayed at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey in Northumberland, UK a few years ago and would be happy to share my experiences.

Gassho,

Gina

RE: What is Buddhism

Hi there people, Sorry if i have posted this in the wrong side of the forum. I am becoming in more and more instrested in buddhism. Is there any, information or web sites that i can look at. As my friend, does Buddhism. The more and more we talked about it, the more and more i was becoming intersted.

Thanks for reading my post, sorry for any mistakes that i have made. x

Daniel Havis

RE: What is Buddhism

Hi Daniel.
I follow the path of SGI Buddhism

Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, was born some 2,500 years ago in what is now Southern Nepal. Followers of Nichiren Daishonin believe that Shakyamuni's enlightenment to eternal, universal reality was most succinctly articulated in his teaching called the Lotus Sutra.

According to Nichiren Daishonin, the workings of the universe are an expression of a single principle or Law - Myoho-renge-kyo, the title and essence of the Lotus Sutra. By putting their lives in rhythm with this Law, individuals can unlock their hidden potential - the Buddha nature- and achieve creative harmony with the environment. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is a vehicle of individual empowerment - that is, individuals have within themselves the power to transform the inevitable sufferings of life into happiness and to be a positive influence in the community.

The thing which appealed the most was that its weekly meetings, generally at members homes. One week is a discussion meeting and the next is a planning meeting for the next discussion. There is approx 45mins of chanting at the meeting and you can go every week, once a month - which ever suits you.

Your aim is to be given a Gohonzon, to which you chant and become a member of SGI.

If you look at you will find or be able to contact a "leader" in your area who would give you more info.

Its quite common to go to a meeting, have a chat and find its not your cup of tea, and that is fine! We are all on a journey, and you need to make stops along the way until you find your goal.

If you cant find someone local, let me know which town you live in and I'll forward your email address.

RE: What is Buddhism

Great information, thanks peeps. 😀

Desiderata

RE: What is Buddhism

[color="#990066"]If you really want to know what Buddhism is visit this website, everything you need to know is on it.

[link= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism ]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism[/link]