Ask a Buddhist

[Mr. Dictator]

But when you're lying in bed after a long day, you don't want to continue to lie there and be relaxed - you want to go to sleep!

that is where i admit the metaphor has a flaw.

but you could say that the bed represents a rest from life, just like nirvana.

but i'm no buddhist, which is why i asked if you can lose nirvana. if you can then it can't be an eternal sleep, and from what i've heard you're still conscious to an extent when you reach nirvana.

 

[GenMarshall]

Can anyone become a Buddhist?

Is it possible for a Christian to adopt Buddhist Philosophies such as the Eight Fold Path, etc?

What is the difference between your (your as in Taillesskangaru ) Buddhist Sect and Zen Buddhism?

 

[CaptainF]

Buddhism is a peaceful religion, that is to say it renounces violence, including violence in war. Killing is clearly prohibited by the first precept. Of course, this does not mean that all Buddhists are pacifist.

so does this mean that they aren't true buddhists?

 

[a space oddity]

so does this mean that they aren't true buddhists?

A buddhist tries to become like Buddha, by no means this means that all reach it. Trying to follow the path doesn't mean you will always succeed. Failing doesn't stop you from trying, so erring from the path doesn't mean you're not a Buddhist. Buddhism is at once more lenient than other religions (there no Deity to punish you) but at the same time harsher (you're the one who strayed from the path and is far from reaching enlightenment no-one can bring you back on it but yourself).

 

[Jawz II]

How do you feel about violence? are you allowed to defend yourself?

What do you think about pacifists? shouldn't they be responsible for their own security?

 

[Narz]

Is your family vegetarian?

What's your favorite aspect of the religion?

Are there any Buddhist scriptures?

 

[Tee Kay]

While she found the work personally rewarding, she also talked about a karmic burden. Could you explain?

If you committed bad karma then that adds to your karmic burden. The more karmic burden the less you'll be able to find true happiness as outlined in the Four Noble Truths.

What exactly is "Enlightenment", or "Nirvana"? If I understand it correctly, it means "to be extinguished" or something along those lines? Why is such a thing desirable? Simply to escape from the cycle of reincarnation? What if I prefer the idea of reincarnation to Nirvana?

Enlightenment and Nirvana are two different things. Enlightenment is one step before nirvana and is where one realises the true nature of the universe and where one detaches oneself from earthly desires. Nirvana is a state of mind free from suffering, carvings, desire, fear etc and brings a person out of the cycle of reincarnation.

How do you deal with the Advaitic criticism of Buddhism found in Shankaracharya's Brahma Sutra Bhashya?

Never heard of this. Explain it in more detail and I'll answer your question.

I have always personally viewed Buddhism, and many of the eastern practices, as more of philosophies or creeds of life rather than a religion. There seems to be no diety that is worshipped, which is why I feel that way. I am also told that's a rather controversial and potentially offensive way to feel about it. Could you explain why I would be wrong not to view Buddhism as a religion?

In a sense, you're right. Unlike Abrahamic religions Eastern religions (or "philosophies") are products of the societies that produces it, which is why they tend to take a more philosophical approach. Buddhism have no diety (the Buddha is revered as a teacher, not a god). So you wouldn't be wrong to view Buddhism more as a philosophy than a religion (in fact, a few Buddhists even hold this view).

btw, buddhists...is it possible to lose nirvana?

No, as far as I know. (other Buddhists please correct me if I'm wrong)

When do you get to be re-encarnated as a Budda?

Well Buddha is the title of an individual, so you can't reincarnate as the Buddha, any more than you can reincarnate as, say, George Washington.

To achieve enlightenment, a person must follow Buddha's teachings as summarised in the Eightfold Path.

 

[Tee Kay]

Can anyone become a Buddhist?

Yep.

Is it possible for a Christian to adopt Buddhist Philosophies such as the Eight Fold Path, etc?

Of course, as long as you don't think it is in conflict with Christianity.

What is the difference between your (your as in Taillesskangaru ) Buddhist Sect and Zen Buddhism?

Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism mainly practised in Japan. It placed less emphasis on textual study and more on daily life experiences and meditation. Other than that there are a few cultural differences as it evolves in a different part of the world to Therevada Buddhism.

so does this mean that they aren't true buddhists?

What space oddity said. They call themselves Buddhists and try to follow the Buddha but they didn't succeed.

How do you feel about violence? are you allowed to defend yourself?

What do you think about pacifists? shouldn't they be responsible for their own security?

Buddhism renounces violence (this of course does not mean every Buddhists renounces violence). As for self defence, Buddhists generally practise passive resistance. Buddhists are allowed to defend themselves, but they're forbid to kill (so there's no such thing as a crusade in Buddhism). Generally, Buddhists hold that it is better to be killed than to kill. In fact, the Buddha said "Even if thieves carve you limb from limb with a double-handed saw, if you make your mind hostile you are not following my teaching."

As for me I tried to refrain from violent action (I'm not always successful). As for pacifists, I have great respect for them.

Is your family vegetarian?

No. Actually the concept of eating meat is a topic of debate for Buddhists. Some hold that it's a sin since it supports killing, while the other side argues that Buddha said nothing specific against eating meat.

What's your favorite aspect of the religion?

Gee, I don't know. Morals and the outlook on the world in general I guess.

Are there any Buddhist scriptures?

There's a lot. There's the Tripitaka, the canon of Buddhists from all branches. It covers Buddha's sermons, philosophies and rules for monks, among other things. Then there are hundreds of other pieces of literature, some from Therevada branch, some Mahayana, some Tibetan, which are also hold in high regards. They were all compiled after the Buddha's death.

 

[lassia]

What is Theravada Boddhism's view on non-believers? Are they condemned? From what I know about Mahayana Boddhism, monasteries would actually refuse initiates if they still have "secular thoughts", rather than trying to convert them. Is this true for the Indian branch as well?

Also there is a rather strict rule of vegetarianism in Mahayana Boddhism. Both monks and stay-home practitioner are forbidden from eating meat. I think that's the only thing that stops me from seriously considering to become a buddhist...

 

[Birdjaguar]

btw, buddhists...is it possible to lose nirvana?

No, as far as I know. (other Buddhists please correct me if I'm wrong)

Nirvana is a state of "mind/being" in which existence and the suffering of being in the world are gone. You cannot lose or "come back" from that.

 

[Swedishguy]

What do you think about christians shamelessly stealing some your "religion's" ideals?

 

[Mr. Dictator]

What do you think about christians shamelessly stealing some your "religion's" ideals?

i don't see why it would be a problem.

the truth is the truth, and if buddhism is true then i see no reason why they would object to their influence spreading.

 

[Elrohir]

Enlightenment and Nirvana are two different things. Enlightenment is one step before nirvana and is where one realises the true nature of the universe and where one detaches oneself from earthly desires. Nirvana is a state of mind free from suffering, carvings, desire, fear etc and brings a person out of the cycle of reincarnation.

Where do you exist when you achieve Nirvana? Do you merge with "God", or cease to exist, or what? Since you can't be reborn again.

 

[Souron]

That is the relationship between Buddhism and Taoism?

 

[Perfection]

What does Buddhism have to say on abortion?

 

[CaptainF]

So, is it impossible for someone like a soldier to be considered a buddhist?

 

[Xanikk999]

Why are you buddhist?

 

[Bast]

That is the relationship between Buddhism and Taoism?

As far as I know. None. Why would there be? Buddhism originated in India and the theraveda branch has nothing to do with and owes nothing to eastern religions like Taoism and Confucianism.

However, not sure if the Mahayana branch does have anything to do with Taoism. Or Taoism with Buddhism.

But the origins of Buddhism have nothing to do with Taoism.

 

[Bast]

So, is it impossible for someone like a soldier to be considered a buddhist?

As far as I know self-defence is fine and so is defending one's country. But in the end it all comes down to your personal judgement. I suppose this is like eating meat or telling white lies.

I think what's the most important thing is your thoughts when taking an action. Are you doing something with a goal of revenge or out of anger or just purely out of hatred? That's something that you shouldn't do.

If someone comes towards you with a knife and the only way to defend yourself is to kill them, I'm sure that's fine because you're not taking revenge, you're not angry at them nor do you hate them.

Anyway, that's my understanding.

 

[Birdjaguar]

That is the relationship between Buddhism and Taoism?

They competed for converts in China. One story about that competition is that often monks from both religions would be in village trying to convince people to join. The Taoists would put hot coals on their heads and say "See it doesn't hurt!" Then the Buddhists would put hot coals on their heads and say "It hurts like hell, but so what?"

The Buddhists got more converts because they recognized the pain of living while the Taoists just said it wasn't real.