Buddhists, Why Do You Believe In Gautama Buddha?

I've practiced Buddhism with great vigor for over 20 years and I've never once believed in Gautama Buddha.

However, I've learned - through direct experience - that his teachings accurately describe human life.

For example, I've had direct experience the fact that craving produces dissatisfaction (the 2nd Noble Truth). I've discovered that the Eightfold Path (the 4th Noble Truth) leads directly to great joy.

In fact, I have yet to discover one of his teachings that is inconsistent with my direct experience.

So, while I don't believe in the Buddha, I have good reason to believe in his teaching - it's true, based on my experience.

I don't give much thought to Buddha, the man. I concentrate on the teachings. You do know that Buddhists do not worship the Buddha as a god, right?

The teachings of Buddha. Not the man.

Statues are statues.

Idols are stone effigies that people believed talked to them and gave them good things if they sacrificed babies to them.

Americans don't worship the statue of Lincoln, do they?

Growing up a buddhist I questioned my parents and they said, earth came upon itself but they believe because he was a great teacher. All about the peace, and moral teachings he provided, set us straight!