MarkS

There seems to be much discussion here about whether Buddhism is atheistic in nature. My personal belief is that atheism is nihilistic and therefore it is not possible for a Buddhist to be an atheist in the strict sense of the term. I think most all practitioners would agree on the non-belief in a western-based "independent, creator G-d", and recognizing the inherent "godness" or Buddha-nature of all phenomena.

It seems to me that an atheistic Buddhist could not reconcile the concepts of rebirth or even the deeper understandings of interdependence.

Recognizing there are a wide range of Buddhist beliefs and traditions, I would like to gain insight from other practitioners: what is your understanding?

May all beings be happy and well.

Within the answer to another question about meditation, someone wrote,

"Meditation does not connect you with anyone, what it does is blank out your mind so you are very vulnerable to suggestion. It helps you be "open" to whatever spirit wants to say something to you or suggest something, so it makes you subject to the demonic."

I am curious to hear opinions and rationale of those who hold similar beliefs.

As a matter of reference, I am a Buddhist, I believe in G-d and I maintain a regular meditation practice, which often includes non-Buddhist points of reference, including the Bible.

Outside of the Christian 'argument' that all other religious ideas are false, why is it so acceptable to Christians that there is an everlasting concept of life after death (either eternity in hell or the giving of a new body upon entrance to heaven), yet it is claimed by the very same people that rebirth or reincarnation (which are not the same concept) is false, impossible, ludicrous, etc?

Within all there is a disposal of a physical body, leaving over a soul, spirit, mind, etc. which then continues on in some form or another...

Also, if you consider Buddhist rebirth to be simply the soul being reborn into a new body and starting over, please read/leard about it before answering.

During a conversation between myself and a friend, my friend claimed that he did not need faith because he had the Bible, the "infallible word of G-d". My contention was at some point faith MUST be necessary in order for belief to occur. (Whether Christian or otherwise.)

He is a very serious and scholarly evangelical Christian and I am a Buddhist.

I would like to hear your opinions on the necessity of faith or if not, why not.

Peace and blessings of love and compassion toward all.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiDho...

Sorry - It is long, be I am looking for some fair and balanced responses. Thank you.

OK, I see a lot of "my G-d is true and yours is false" on here, but am also given to the understanding that both Christianity and Islam revered the G-d of Abraham... Abraham, being a believer in only one G-d, must have been praying to the same G-d of both religions. Clearly, I can understand the divergent beliefs in the "path" to G-d being through Jesus or Allah, but once you "get off on the top floor" isn't there just One and the same G-d?

Of course the opinions of anyone are welcome, but I am particularly interested to hear from our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters on this on.

NOTE: I say "(mostly) Abraham" because I Moses, Job, Elijah and others all figure prominently as well, and understand that even in Islam that Jesus is considered a teacher or prophet of some regard, yeah or nay?

A colony of sugar ants has recently made a new home in my kitchen and the are constantly enjoying themselves on my counter, and contributing to my suffering because I would like them to take their little Sangha and go live happily elsewhere and I do not want to kill them. How might I convince them to leave?

Humor is understood, expected and appreciated, but I would like some serious opinions as well.

Peace.