Looking Into Buddhism - Religion - Nairaland
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| Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 3:49pm On Jul 15, 2016 |
[size=13pt]Even Though Am Agnostic I Kinda Admire This People Even To Hurt A Fly Is Prohibited In Buddhism So Much Peace And Harmony I Think They Are More Connected To Nature Than Other Religion. And For Those Christians Or Muslims That Think Their Religion Is Right One And Other Unbelievers Are Gonna Burn In Hell While They Party With Jesus Or Muhammed(Enjoying Ther 72 Virgins) In Heaven While Other Billions Of People Burn In Hell Is Time For You To Think Again!! They Is No Right Religion And Thats The Fact You Wanna Worship God Fine But Don't Go Around Rubbing It In Peoples Face Or Involving In It Govt Or Go Around Killing People For Things U Cant Even Prove Meaning Those People Just Died For Noting NIGERIANS IS TIME WE START USING OUR BRAIN [/size] What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35. Is Buddhism a Religion? To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as: (1) to lead a moral life, (2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and (3) to develop wisdom and understanding. How Can Buddhism Help Me? Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness. Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular? Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective. Who Was the Buddha? Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80 Was the Buddha a God? He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience. Do Buddhists Worship Idols? Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching. Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor? One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness. Are There Different Types of Buddhism? There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth. Are Other Religions Wrong? Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought. Is Buddhism Scientific? Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith. What did the Buddha Teach? The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. What is the First Noble Truth? The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy. What is the Second Noble Truth? The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn. What is the Third Noble Truth? The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana. What is the Fourth Noble Truth? The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering. What is the Noble 8-Fold Path? In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others. What are the 5 Precepts? The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness. What is Karma? Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others. What is Wisdom? Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a good hearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do not constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence What is Compassion? Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom. 6 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:42pm On Jul 15, 2016 |
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| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:44pm On Jul 15, 2016 |
Lilbrown007 you are really good for the first time in my life I understood Buddhism the only issue i have is karma might be wrong yes every action we take as an opposite reaction but it doesn't have to be karma |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:54pm On Jul 15, 2016 |
stephenmorris:I thought People Prevent Karma By Doing Good Stuff Have U Watched My Name Is Earl?? 1 Like |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:58pm On Jul 15, 2016 |
stephenmorris:An Also Am Not Buddhist But One Thing I know Is This World Works With Nature And Nature Works With Physics To Every Action They Is An Equal Or Opposite Reaction 1 Like |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by ValentineMary(m): 7:56am On Jul 17, 2016 |
Nice work Lilbrown007 I love how u broke all the points down and summarized it. I have a question though. Are buddhist atheist? because I have read several articles that says that it is. Pls throw more light on this thanks. |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 8:30pm On Jul 20, 2016 |
ValentineMary:most buddists are atheist ,buddism is more like a culture and philosophy not a religion |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 8:31pm On Jul 20, 2016 |
Lilbrown007:my bro kindly contnue with your teachings |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by AccidentalGenius: 10:40pm On Jul 20, 2016 |
Most buddhist are atheists. I'm an atheist and i've been practicing the various buddhist meditations like the mundra which helps a person be one with himself and nature. Buddhist seek spiritual enlightenment through experience and accept that wisdom is silence and experience. I've been meditating for about a year now, its very peaceful. Still unlocking my chakras. There's alot i've learnt and still more i seek to learn about the noble teachings of buddha  4 Likes 4 Shares |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 3:55pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
ValentineMary:Sorry I Didn't Reply Earlier Just Coming Back From A 10days Ban Cause I Was Saying The Truth Yes Buddhist Are Atheist With Some Basic Philosophy In Which They Follow Its Just Like Atheist Coming Together To Say Hey In Other To Live Peacefully Lets Follow This Principles OK Just Like Humanism For Example 2 Likes |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by dialfa: 4:10pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
The only good religion is Satanism. All others corrupts. Satanism is quite simple: seek wisdom. |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:16pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
dialfa:Corrupted How?? |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by dialfa: 4:19pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
Lilbrown007: Go school, you no gree. |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:36pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
dialfa:How Does School Have Anything To Do With This?? |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by cloudgoddess(f): 7:22pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
I LOVE Buddhism  I have so many good things to say about it. The teachings really get to the root of the human experience in a way that most religions don't. Instead of focusing on demonizing our flaws, fighting against our unpleasant experiences and judging ourselves and others against unrealistic ideals, it urges us to come to terms with the ups and downs of life with an accepting & understanding presence. In the western world Buddhist meditation has been rebranded as mindfulness meditation, or mindfulness practice. Studies have shown that the brains of people who practice it have significantly larger gray matter in areas related to self control, emotion regulation, and even empathy, as well as reduced amounts of brain matter in the amygdala (responsible for the "fight or flight" stress response & emotional reactivity). http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/01/eight-weeks-to-a-better-brain/ I've personally been practicing mindfulness meditation and reading/watching dharma teachings for a year and a half now and it's been really transformative. It woke me up to how much time we spend "living inside our head", detached from the moment to moment experience of life, constantly struggling against some made up conflicts that exist only inside our brains (I'm not attractive enough, so & so has more friends/money/etc than me, I'm not okay the way I am). Like most people, I was always walking around with all of these subconscious automatic thoughts of either desire or repulsion, and I was unknowingly letting those thoughts control & drive me, leading to suffering. Buddhist meditations & practices provide a way to stop this cycle of reactivity, and enter into a place of present-moment, nonjudgmental awareness that lets us respond to life (including our own thoughts & emotions) more skillfully and find contentment exactly where we are. Because of my practice I've become more aware of my inner experience. Less impulsive, less easy to anger. More in touch with my emotions and what events lead to them, allowing me to respond more wisely even if that just means choosing to be present with what I'm feeling and allowing the emotion to simply pass on its own. I'm less inclined to resist or run away from discomfort and this has reduced a lot of suffering for me (because what we resist, persists). I've also noticed that I'm becoming less materialistic (minimalism has sparked my interest, I'm more conscious of excessive possessions and less likely to buy things I don't need). Buddhism & mindfulness have taught me that happiness and contentment truly does start within us, we don't have to constantly live life trying to manipulate external conditions to fit our (often arbitrary) standards for happiness. We can be truly content right now, in the present moment, as we are. It takes practice of course but it's so worth it. Thanks for making this thread! I'd love for Buddhism to become more popular in Nigeria, it would be much needed change in mentality. I can see it being great for atheists or anyone who has left Abrahamic religions behind and wants a reliable means of personal transformation. 7 Likes |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by cloudgoddess(f): 7:51pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
Some short mindfulness/Buddhism videos I like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pd5Ndg0oJA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6T02g5hnT4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To1wAkYjnHU |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 8:05pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
Nice One @Cloudgoddess But Do U Think We Have Buddhist Here In Nigeria?? Not Thoe That Stay In India O And Again Is The Religion Even Legalize In Nigeria?? |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Sirmuel1(m): 8:37pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
Thanks Op!! This religion is better. No be like islam ( Religion of War and destruction) Killing innocent people because one rapi*t promised them 72virgins! |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 8:45pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
Sirmuel1:It Pains Me When I See Females Defending Islam |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Sirmuel1(m): 9:11pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 9:36pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
Have you read the Tripitaka? @ Lilbrown007 |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 9:53pm On Jul 23, 2016 |
lordnicklaus:Nope What Is It?? |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 1:16am On Jul 24, 2016 |
Lilbrown007:It's the Buddhists holy text. Quite interesting. |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 2:18am On Jul 24, 2016 |
lordnicklaus: Like A Bible?? Was It Writen By The Buddha?? |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 2:32am On Jul 24, 2016 |
Lilbrown007: It was actually compiled by his followers though there are different versions of the text. |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by cloudgoddess(f): 8:47pm On Jul 24, 2016 |
Lilbrown007:I don't think there are many Buddhists in Nigeria if any lol. But no one has to officially convert to Buddhism, or create a temple or anything to practice it. You don't even have to call yourself a Buddhist if you don't want to. I don't. Some things in the original Buddhist teachings are unproven/supernatural and I don't subscribe to those lol. I think Buddhism functions very well as simply a practical philosophy, that's the way I use it. Anyone can apply it to their lives, just by learning the skills (meditation is quite simple and doesn't require any special relics, clothing, etc contrary to popular belief) and taking in dharma that resonates with you. Dharma by the way isn't limited to just the original Buddhist scripts. Lots of modern practitioners, meditation teachers, psychiatrists who use buddhist principles in their practice, neuroscientists, etc have written books and made videos, podcasts, audio recordings that communicate the teachings in detail, with a modern flair, tailored to a present day context, and with scientific evidence to back it up. These are some of such books: Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor And there are endless youtube videos. People/terms to search for: john kabat zinn thich nhat hanh mindfulness meditation Tara Brach 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 4:19am On Jul 25, 2016 |
cloudgoddess:Tanks I Will Look Up Those Videos On YouTube!! 1 Like |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by winner01(m): 8:23am On Jul 25, 2016 |
Religion is evil and it must be banished for humanity to progress. Yeah!!!, except buddhism, cos its has no superceeding authority. And man does not really like authority even though he's forced to succumb to it most times. 3 Likes 4 Shares
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| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 8:36am On Jul 25, 2016 |
winner01:Haha No Need To Educate U On Ur Ignorance 2 Likes |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 9:58am On Jul 25, 2016 |
stephenmorris:Buddhism is more agnostic than atheistic. Siddharta Gautama said: "I do not know if there is a god but if there is, I do not know if he has interest in what I do" 1 Like |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 1:33pm On Jul 25, 2016 |
"Verily the only acceptable religion to Allah is Islam." [Quran
3:19] 3 Likes |
| Re: Looking Into Buddhism by Nobody: 2:37pm On Jul 25, 2016 |
crusadistic:Abi?? Allah The Idol That Muhammad Was Worshiping Ill Leave Truthman2012 To Deal With U 2 Likes |
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