what makes a Buddhist a Buddhist?

[Summerlander]

I've seen many misconceptions here regarding Buddhism. I'll address one...the god Brahma is not a sentient spiritual being. Those 'mythical' stories where Brahma gets in touch with Buddha after he became enlightened can be interpreted as...Buddha was in touch with his creative side. Brahma, in Hinduism, is a creative force in nature, an element of Brahman...the infinite. Brahma is nothing but creativity.

Another thing I'd like to clarify here...Buddha was not an Atheist. Buddha was Agnostic and he was not concerned with the existence of gods anyway. He was a pragmatic human being who strived to make everyone realise they can be better and more harmonious human beings. Buddha was more concerned with the mind and its various states.

That's all. This is where real Buddhism comes from.

[personalreality]

I've seen many misconceptions here regarding Buddhism. I'll address one...the god Brahma is not a sentient spiritual being. Those 'mythical' stories where Brahma gets in touch with Buddha after he became enlightened can be interpreted as...Buddha was in touch with his creative side. Brahma, in Hinduism, is a creative force in nature, an element of Brahman...the infinite. Brahma is nothing but creativity.

Another thing I'd like to clarify here...Buddha was not an Atheist. Buddha was Agnostic and he was not concerned with the existence of gods anyway. He was a pragmatic human being who strived to make everyone realise they can be better and more harmonious human beings. Buddha was more concerned with the mind and its various states.

That's all. This is where real Buddhism comes from.

*applauds*

spot on friend.

[Summerlander]

Thank you! Thank you!

[paralizedeyes]

Thanks you, for the love of whatever deity you choose, summerlander.

and personalreality, opps, I will disreguard that then lol I was thinking, wait, this guys has helpped me out before, why does he suddenly sound like a confusing willy? It's fine. Thanks for helping out.

[GodsProxy]

you're missing half a life.

Isn't that almost the same as saying you're missing half a head?

I've seen many misconceptions here regarding Buddhism. I'll address one...the god Brahma is not a sentient spiritual being. Those 'mythical' stories where Brahma gets in touch with Buddha after he became enlightened can be interpreted as...Buddha was in touch with his creative side. Brahma, in Hinduism, is a creative force in nature, an element of Brahman...the infinite. Brahma is nothing but creativity.

I've read conflicting reports on the web as to whether or not Buddhists believe in God. All I can conclude, is that is is not a defining belief, ie it is not "what makes a Buddhist a Buddhist", as some Buddhists believe in God, others do not. As for Brahma, Wikipedia characterizes him as a sentient being. However, those "on the ground" often are closer to the beliefs than the media, so Summerlander, I'll grant you the benefit of the doubt on that particular one. As for Buddha being Agnostic ... his history is too obscured for us to anything for certain about his specific beliefs, but anyway, in terms of Buddhism I don't think it is even relevant to discuss the issue, since Buddhism itself doesn't appear to concern itself with the existence of God.
I, too, do not concern myself with the existence of God. I merely wish people to be good to each other. I see little of that on this planet. I think the best Buddhists are better than most, but the average little better than the majority

[paralizedeyes]

I started this meaning in terms of the practice, not deitys lol

like are sutras and koans nessacary.
I like this so far though

[personalreality]

Isn't that almost the same as saying you're missing half a head?

sure.

whatever you want.

[GodsProxy]

I particularly enjoy the practice of meditation. For some reason, many Westerners perceive this as satanic (go figure, mass brainwashing).

I particularly like the 'Vajra Guru Mantra'. Spreading positivity through mass repetition is something that could definitely work.

Perhaps that is why we have come to this turning point in our history.

I started this meaning in terms of the practice, not deitys lol

like are sutras and koans nessacary.
I like this so far though

[personalreality]

I particularly enjoy the practice of meditation. For some reason, many Westerners perceive this as satanic (go figure, mass brainwashing).

I particularly like the 'Vajra Guru Mantra'. Spreading positivity through mass repetition is something that could definitely work.

Perhaps that is why we have come to this turning point in our history.

followers of the abrahamic religions perceive eastern meditation as satanic, not westerners.  there is a very rich magical tradition in the west that is founded on meditation.

[paralizedeyes]

may I ask what abrahmic religion is? never heard the before.

[Summerlander]

Isn't that almost the same as saying you're missing half a head?

I've read conflicting reports on the web as to whether or not Buddhists believe in God. All I can conclude, is that is is not a defining belief, ie it is not "what makes a Buddhist a Buddhist", as some Buddhists believe in God, others do not. As for Brahma, Wikipedia characterizes him as a sentient being. However, those "on the ground" often are closer to the beliefs than the media, so Summerlander, I'll grant you the benefit of the doubt on that particular one. As for Buddha being Agnostic ... his history is too obscured for us to anything for certain about his specific beliefs, but anyway, in terms of Buddhism I don't think it is even relevant to discuss the issue, since Buddhism itself doesn't appear to concern itself with the existence of God.
I, too, do not concern myself with the existence of God. I merely wish people to be good to each other. I see little of that on this planet. I think the best Buddhists are better than most, but the average little better than the majority

First of all...

Wikipedia said this...wikipedia said that...so what? check out what they say about "astral projection"...they are misinformed!

Secondly...

I wish for people to be good to each other too but that good doesn't have to come from worshipping or fearing a God...it can come from us...from within.

Thirdly...

If Buddha existed, which I think he did...

"Archaeological excavations have revealed a number of symbols important to the people of the Indus Valley civilization.These symbols have religious significance and are also sacred to Buddhism. They include the pipal tree (later known as the bodhi tree, or ficus religiosa), and animals such as the elephant and deer. Perhaps most significant, the image of a human figure has been found that is seated in a cross-legged posture, hands resting on the knees and eyes narrowed – clearly suggestive of the attitude of meditation.With the help of these archaeological discoveries and other evidence, eminent scholars have concluded that the origins of the practices of yoga and meditation can be traced to the Indus Valley civilization. Moreover, when we study the descriptions of the religious practices of the people of the Indus Valley civilization found in the written records of the early Aryans, the Vedas, we find the figure of the wandering ascetic frequently mentioned. These ascetics are said to have practiced methods of mind training, to have been celibate, naked or clothed in the most meager of garments, to have had no fixed"

www.buddhanet.net

...he was nothing but a man, who, from an early age, asked lots of questions. Then, in deep meditation, he came to a profound realisation about the nature of reality...just like an acid trip can alter your perspective and change you as a person. Which brings me to the next thing. The "tree of enlightenment"...the Ficus Religiosa (the Bodhi Tree), apart from having aromatic properties, is very rich in serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of well-being and concentration. It is also a tryptamine whose molecular structure isn't far from that of DMT and psilocybin. Take a look at this:

http://www.williamjames.com/Theory/BIOLOGY.htm

Hmmm...

For more on DMT and DMT studies:
http://parvati.tripod.com/strassman.html
http://dmtdrug.com/

[personalreality]

may I ask what abrahmic religion is? never heard the before.

any religion that signifies abraham as one of it's forebearers. 

examples would be christianity, judaism, islam, perhaps even zoroastrianism.  basically what people call the "westernized religion".

[paralizedeyes]

I see.

and to clear up this entire situation, can we stop discussing what Siddhartha believed. It doesn't matter. What matters is the practice. Can we discuss the practice? Zazen? Sutras? Koans? Siddhartha could be pastafarian for all that it matters.

And thanks Personalreality

[Summerlander]

Well, Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of Buddhism, and, if you ask me what makes a Buddhist, I'd say it's the following of his precepts and teachings. What the Buddha believed is central to the topic.

As for the practice, well, today there are many varieties of Buddhism. The Theravada is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism and one of the main ones. The other one is the Mahayana. This one branches off into other forms like the Nichiren, which is predominant in Japan, and Zen which was first documented in China. Chinese Buddhism can also include Taoism.

We also have Tibetan Buddhism which comprises Mahayana, The Foundational Vehicle and Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) - the latter said to be the fastest way to achieve Buddhahood. Tibetan Buddhism is the one with the "lamas" or teachers. They also have the great master Karma Lingpa, who engaged in tantric and esoteric practices, and revealed the content of the The Tibetan Book of the Dead.

But the Buddhist perspective in general, for me, entails what I'm about to quote:

"-There are no absolute laws, only principles to be borne in mind
- There is no absolute authority or set of commandments handed down by a divine being
- There is no idea of punishment, only the karmic injunction that you reap what you sow in terms of both the effects you create in the world and the concomitant effects you create for yourself"

-Teach Yourself: Buddhism by Clive Erricker

[paralizedeyes]

I like that summerlander. Which form of Buddhism do you think is the most effective and focused on the practice?

And I thought the Foundational vehicle was Dogen's way of refering to the Dharma/Sangha?

[Lexy]

it's just another religion.

so what makes a christian a christian?

the same thing that makes a buddhist a buddhist.

i could say what those things are, but like CFT i will refrain.

just saying you are makes it so.

[GodsProxy]

I wish for people to be good to each other too but that good doesn't have to come from worshipping or fearing a God...it can come from us...from within.

That was my point as well, crystal clear.

followers of the abrahamic religions perceive eastern meditation as satanic, not westerners.  there is a very rich magical tradition in the west that is founded on meditation.

Well since the majority of US citizens identify themselves as being Christians, the point is still valid. The percentage is reported between 76% and 87%, see http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_prac2.htm.
In Prepare for War by Rebecca Brown MD, a Christian Spiritual Warfare book, they state on the back cover:

Do you know how Satan can use "doorways" including yoga, role playing games and meditation to bring demonic destruction into your home?

Satan hates you and wants to destroy you. To be victorious, you must Prepare For War

[GodsProxy]

just saying you are makes it so.

Excellent point. *** Applause ***. Who are we to judge another's practice?

[Summerlander]

I like that summerlander. Which form of Buddhism do you think is the most effective and focused on the practice?

And I thought the Foundational vehicle was Dogen's way of refering to the Dharma/Sangha?

I'd say how effective depends on the individual and how much they believe it will get them to where they want to be or what they are trying to achieve. They say Vajrayana practices are the fastest way to Buddhahood but this is only someone's opinion. They also say it can be dangerous for the beginner. I think the best advice is the Buddha's advice in that you don't have to necessarily follow his footsteps and like him, you can find your own way in your own way.

In the Foundational Vehicle, there is no reverence to bodhisattvas and the Mahayana sutras. Mahayana contrasts this but Tibetan Buddhists practice both vehicles plus the tantric one. They also place great emphasis on an intrinsic emptiness as the ultimate nature of reality.