Buddhism

Any Buddhists in here? People often want to think of Theism when they think of the topic of Religion. But Buddhism is in a sense more of a philosophy. A Buddha, is simply an awakened one/enlightened one. To understand the true nature of ourselves and our environment. The central philosophies and teachings in Buddhism is founded on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Just do a quick Google search and you will find quickly and easily. Why should the question of God be all that relevant?

Once for a collage class I had to go to a religious service. So I went to a Buddhist service in Long Beach. The pastor, or whatever the term is, said as you did. That Buddha wasn't a god, they don't worship him, but just somebody very enlightened.

Sometimes I come across people who claim to have Buddhist leanings. My response is always to ask them to name the Four Noble Truths. I've yet to meet one of these phony Buddhists who could name even one of them.

All I know is with want, there is suffering, and you're supposed to not want more than you need, so you don't suffer. Then the ultimate goal is to choose not to be reborn, resisting the temptation of life. I don't know where you exist then, maybe floating on a cloud entombed in Neptune.

Being neither alive nor dead must be kind of boring or there is some temptation somehow to get back in the game.

Isn't there son kind of rule about not helping someone, because they become your responsibility? It's a deep religion I don't think I could handle because I would fail with my weaknesses and trying to fix things.

Quote: Wizard

Sometimes I come across people who claim to have Buddhist leanings. My response is always to ask them to name the Four Noble Truths. I've yet to meet one of these phony Buddhists who could name even one of them.

This is me, I guess. I've read some Buddhist scripture and really liked it, particularly when Buddha is speaking. I think, in many ways, he is more of a skeptic than your typical atheist, because of his criticism of the concept of the self as a persistent entity through time.

I only know the gist of the 4 truths though.

Quote: onenickelmiracle

All I know is with want, there is suffering, and you're supposed to not want more than you need, so you don't suffer. Then the ultimate goal is to choose not to be reborn, resisting the temptation of life.

There's been the question...."is gambling a sin according to the bible and or in God's eyes?"

The bible doesn't really address gambling but teaches similar things therefore I proclaim that gambling IS a sin in Gods eyes and it should be absolutely apparent to anyone religious. People like to justify their sinful activities but deep down they know the truth. I believe even FmGamble knew I spoke the truth as his departure from a gambling forum was very telling IMO.

As an AP If I was religious I would argue it's not really gambling in a true sense and it's like any other job and what's needed to support myself and or family. I would claim it's no different than stock trading or starting a restaurant. I would actually put it as less sinful than starting a bar.

I guess a stripper or hooker could use that same argument but that's a stretch. Anyways God would know your true intentions and judge you accordingly.

Quote: AxelWolf

As an AP If I was religious I would argue it's not really gambling in a true sense and it's like any other job and what's needed to support myself and or family. I would claim it's no different than stock trading or starting a restaurant. I would actually put it as less sinful than starting a bar.

People working in a restaurant are providing a service to society. AP gives nothing back. I would compare it to mooching off welfare. Of course, I admit I do some AP, and I expect to get no karma credit for it.

If there is a god, I can't say how he will judge each of us. However, if I'm a god someday I'll put a big emphasis on how much did an individual give to mankind less what did they consume from it.

While I agree Ap doesn't give anything back,I don't think comparing it to welfare is an apt comparison.

I'm not a Buddhist, but have found value in Zen.

See: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

Quote: Hunterhill

While I agree Ap doesn't give anything back,I don't think comparing it to welfare is an apt comparison.

Why not? And note I said "mooching off welfare."

What do parking ticketing meter people provide?

Especially the ppa in phila

Quote: Wizard

Why not? And note I said "mooching off welfare."

Well for one thing Ap is work,mooching off welfare isn't.
Also welfare is taking from all of our tax dollars.
Ap is taking from private companies.
I would compare aping more with extreme couponing
Or playing the credit card or airline mileage game.

What about professional stock traders do you equate them to mooching off of welfare?

Quote: Wizard

Once for a collage class I had to go to a religious service. So I went to a Buddhist service in Long Beach. The pastor, or whatever the term is, said as you did. That Buddha wasn't a god, they don't worship him, but just somebody very enlightened.

Sometimes I come across people who claim to have Buddhist leanings. My response is always to ask them to name the Four Noble Truths. I've yet to meet one of these phony Buddhists who could name even one of them.

1) He who does not seek true enlightenment will never sip the nectar of the holy kumquat.
2) Those jeans do, in fact, make your wife look fat.
3) Russian vodka is better than American vodka.
4) The great wheel of karma deserves Michelin tires.

I got 'em all right!

I consider Buddhism and mindfulness in itself an eternal elixir to living a fulfilling and "happy" life.

yes, for me it is relative and too

Warnings to StevieRayShine and WhatBoy for religious statements. Please note the forum rules have changed since this thread was started.

Thread closed.