Narz
keeping it real
So, do you think this guy (Gotama) really existed or his life is just a legend?
Was the Buddah real?
- Thread starter Narz
- Start date
The Last Conformist
Irresistibly Attractive
I'd guess that he actually existed, or, put another way, that the legends are based on a real personage.
Riesstiu IV
Deity
Yes, he was a real person who lived approximately 563 BC and 483 BC. But whether one thinks the man achieved spiritual enlightenment is entirely up to the believer and his faith.
North King
blech
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2004
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- 18,165
Of course he existed, that's a near historical certainty.
mastertyguy
I'm tired!
AFAIK, he existed.
blackheart
unenlightened
Yes Siddartha Gautama (aka Buddha) really existed with solid historical evidence.
Evil Tyrant
Eccentric Dictator
There is a religion named after him, so I think it is a good bet that he existed.
feline_dacat
Sheep are welsh.
Hehe - here's a quick funny story I have that vaguely relates to Buddha!
Me and my friend went to Brighton to get some piercings and while we were in the waiting room a girl and her younger sister comes in. On the reception desk is a large wooden statue of Buddha. The little girl points at it and asks "'Who's that?". Rob who works at the studio was very being very patient with this little girl answers "That's Buddha. Its good luck if you rub his belly."
The little girl ponders this for a second before announcing "I hate him!"
Rob replies "Well. He hates you too. Wait, no he doesn't, he's Buddha. He doesn't hate anyone."
Man, I'm so glad i was there to hear that story!
In answer to the original question though, I think he did exist and i don't think that its at all unlikely that his life is real, but like someone said he may not have actually achieved enlightenment.
Me and my friend went to Brighton to get some piercings and while we were in the waiting room a girl and her younger sister comes in. On the reception desk is a large wooden statue of Buddha. The little girl points at it and asks "'Who's that?". Rob who works at the studio was very being very patient with this little girl answers "That's Buddha. Its good luck if you rub his belly."
The little girl ponders this for a second before announcing "I hate him!"
Rob replies "Well. He hates you too. Wait, no he doesn't, he's Buddha. He doesn't hate anyone."
Man, I'm so glad i was there to hear that story!In answer to the original question though, I think he did exist and i don't think that its at all unlikely that his life is real, but like someone said he may not have actually achieved enlightenment.
Bluemofia
F=ma
The big belly guy is the "god" of fortune. I put god in quotes because I'm not sure whether it's god or spirit.
Anyways, I believe that he existed.
Anyways, I believe that he existed.
feline_dacat
Sheep are welsh.
hehe well i did say vaguely!Dida said:
Gr3yL3gion
Voice of Madness
Sidthartha Goutama did exist, and I believe that he really did achieve enlightement.
I think he did exist. That's not really the issue, the issue is whether he was the first truly enlightened man or a selfish-wannabe who wasted his life and needed a good smacking from his father when he was young to straighten him out.
I think he's the latter.
I think he's the latter.North King
blech
- Joined
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- Messages
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Elrohir said:I think he did exist. That's not really the issue, the issue is whether he was the first truly enlightened man or a selfish-wannabe who wasted his life and needed a good smacking from his father when he was young to straighten him out.
Interesting, calling a man who gave up most earthly pleasures and preached a religion of life being a bitter illusion a "selfish wannabe".
punkbass2000
Des An artiste
I don't think he was supposed to be the first enlightened person.
North King said:
He abandoned his family to pursue 'enlightenment' for himself[/I. The main word there is 'himself', I even italicized it for you. Questioning the nature of the universe and trying to better yourself are good goals, but not at the expense of those who depend upon you. Bettering yourself is good, but you still have responsabilities.
Buddah spent his whole life focused on himself. He was selfish.
And while we at it, how about Zoroaster, Krishna, and Mohammed? Well we know Mohammed was a eal person. I suspect all of them, including Buddha and Jesus, were actual people.
He provided a path for everyone else to follow if they so choose. Kinda like dying for the sins of others.Elrohir said:He abandoned his family to pursue 'enlightenment' for himself[/I. The main word there is 'himself', I even italicized it for you. Questioning the nature of the universe and trying to better yourself are good goals, but not at the expense of those who depend upon you. Bettering yourself is good, but you still have responsabilities.
Buddah spent his whole life focused on himself. He was selfish.
