Buddhism And Atheism
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Submitted by MzCherry72 on 06/30/2008 05:21 PM
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Buddhism And Atheism
Buddhism and Atheism
Buddhism is based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as The Buddha, who lived approximately 557 B.C. to 477 B.C. The word "Buddha" means a supremely enlightened one or fully awakened one who has won the realization of the true permanent absolute reality, the ultimate truth. In fundamental Buddhism, the emphasis is on seeing truth, on knowing it, and on understanding it. The emphasis is not on blind faith. The teachings of Buddhism are on “come and see” but never on come and believe. Buddhism is rational and requires personal effort, stating that by only one’s own efforts can perfect wisdom be realized (Buddhism Depot).
Each individual is responsible for his or her own release from torment and suffering. Buddhism allows each individual to study and observe “Truth” internally and requires no blind faith before acceptance. Buddhism advocates no dogmas, no creeds, no rites, no ceremonies, no sacrifices, and no penances, all of which must usually be accepted on blind faith. Buddhism is not a system of faith and worship but rather it is merely a path to supreme enlightenment.
In more simple terms, Buddhism means that in order to live a life that is free from pain and suffering people must eliminate any attachments to possessions. Only then will they gain a kind of peace and happiness. They must rid themselves of greed, hatred, and ignorance. They strive to cultivate four attitudes, loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The basic moral code prohibits killing, stealing, harmful language, sexual misbehavior, and the use of intoxicants. Morality, wisdom, and samadhi, or concentration shapes the basis of the Buddhist faith. By observing the Buddhist faith, lust, hatred, and delusion may be overcome.
The word atheism is derived from 'a', meaning 'not', and 'theos', meaning 'god'. In other words, atheism is for people who believe there is no god of any kind. Atheism is...
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