Monday, March 16, 2009
There are four well-known religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Religion is defined as the belief in the existence of a God or Gods, and the activities connected to the worship of them. According to this definition, Buddhism is not religion because Buddhism denies the existence of eternal Gods. Buddha is not a creator god; he was born as a man from human parents in 623 BC.
What exactly to call Buddhism causes a hubbub among religious scholars. Some say Buddhism is philosophy, but Buddhist scholars strongly disagree. They point out that philosophy means love of wisdom in Greek, and that Buddhists do not believe one can attain liberation only through love.
Buddhism is only the teaching of the Buddha. While other religions center on a god or gods, Buddhists believe in the Law of Karma, or the rule that actions have a meritorious or harmful basis. We are the ones most responsible for our good and bad [actions?]. Buddhism downplays belief, worship and prayer. The Buddha never promised anyone eternal life if they believed in him, nor did he promise to punish non-believers. The Buddha told his followers that “one is one’s own refuge.” Merely praying will yield nothing; instead one must struggle to calm one’s mind and understand the transitory nature of existence.
All your comments and suggestions are warmly welcomed.
All your comments and suggestions are warmly welcomed.
Labels: Essays
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