Why Buddhism is bullshit.

ouishi · 2012-09-16T17:06:31+00:00

I consider myself a Buddhist atheist, and I think Buddhism can be a religion, but I also think it can be a philosophy based on how you practise. I pretty much agree with this comic strip, but you made one very, very large mistake. You insist Buddhism is supposed to be taken literally. This is not true at all. In fact, the original Buddha himself is quoted as saying: "Don't blindly believe what I say. Don't believe me because others convince you of my words. Don't believe anything you see, read, or hear from others, whether of authority, religious teachers or texts. Don't rely on logic alone, nor speculation. Don't infer or be deceived by appearances."

"Do not give up your authority and follow blindly the will of others. This way will lead to only delusion."

"Find out for yourself what is truth, what is real. Discover that there are virtuous things and there are non-virtuous things. Once you have discovered for yourself give up the bad and embrace the good."

How many "gods" do you know that say explicitly "don't blindly follow me?" This is pretty much as explicitly as one can say "don't take it literally," though I'm sure many do take Buddhist philosophy literally. I just have no idea how the claim "Buddhism is meant to be taken literally" can be defending within Buddhism...

Also, the whole idea of a "soul" in Buddhism is very shaky. There are even passages that explicitly denounce the existence of a "self" in the universe. "When the body and mind dissolve, they do not exist anywhere, anymore than musical notes lay heaped up anywhere." (from Visuddhimagga)

I have a million more examples I could share, but here's on I like:

"All formations are transient; all formations are subject to suffering; all things are without self.

"Therefore, whatever there be of form, of feeling, perception, mental formations, or consciousness, whether past, present, or future, one's own or external, gross or subtle, lofty or low, far or near, one should understand according to reality and true wisdom: 'This does not belong to me; this am I not; this is not my Self.'" (from the Anguttara and Samyutta Nikaya) To me this quote is pretty existentialist, saying there is no "soul" or "self" that lives on in the universe. Sure, you can say "true wisdom" is some dumb superstitions about samsaras, or you can (like I do) think of true wisdom as science. As I said, Buddhism is completely open to interpretation! There are really not a lot of religions that say "hey, this is what we think, but take from us what works for you and we won't give you shit for the rest."

I am not saying practicing Buddhism literally and as a superstitious religion isn't dumb, I am just saying that it can be practiced in such a way that no faith or belief is necessary. There is no way to be a Christian that doesn't preclude faith in God. This is why, to me, Buddhism can be a philosophy (I consider it similar to existentialism), where it is used as a different way to look at problems, but not a set of random rules one is supposed to blindly follow (though some sects due have dumb rules, but literature still says "follow them if they work for you").

Buddha literally means "enlightened one" which is why there have been many Buddhas since the first one coined the term. I think as atheist we, in some ways depending how we define it, can be called Buddhas because I would insist most atheists consider themselves to be enlightened to a world without religion.

Congrats if you have read this far! You get one of my favorite Buddhist quotes, which I like to relate to when annoying fundies are faced with questions there religion has no answer to. Here ya go!

"An accomplished person does not by a philosophical view or by thinking become arrogant, for he is not of that sort; not by holy works, nor by tradition is he led, he is not led into any of the resting places of the mind.

For one who is free from views there are no ties, for one who is delivered by understanding there are no follies; but those who grasp after views and philosophical opinions, they will wander about in the world annoying people." (from Sutta-Nipata)

famatruni · 2012-09-16T21:24:22+00:00

I think the real thing that was pissy about this post is that Buddhists don't usually attack my non-belief like Christians and Muslims do.

squigs · 2012-09-16T19:37:53+00:00

Personally though I don't have a problem with religions being bullshit. I have a problem with them inflicting their bullshit on other people.

Believe what you want Just make sure it's freedom to believe. Christian? Cool. Believe that there's a god and Jesus is his messenger and embodiment? If you say so. Want me to change my behaviour because of this? Get stuffed!

Same for Buddhism, same for Islam, Judaism, Paganism, and Pastafarianism.

omgpieftw · 2012-09-16T20:31:55+00:00

Just gotta add that the dalai llama said that if science proves any of these things wrong then science is unquestionably right.

that's all i gotta add.

thyhorrorcosmic · 2012-09-16T19:25:59+00:00

Personally I think the first buddha was more of a philosophical teacher but it somehow got twisted into supernatural crap. But I've recently read an article on how the Dalai lama is thinking about basically ending the continuation of the dalai lama. And I admire his willingness for his religion to change due to modern discoveries.

mathgod · 2012-09-16T20:05:27+00:00

Anyone seeking more info might also check here:

title	comnts	points	age	/r/
obligatory Buddhism repost.	132^coms	145^pts	5^dys	atheism
On Buddhism, samsara, and science [more original content]	1239^coms	1014^pts	7^mos	atheism
On Buddhism, samsara, and science (repost time! thanks soldiercrabs)	422^coms	488^pts	3^mos	atheism

source: karmadecay

mintchan · 2012-09-16T20:31:31+00:00

you are confused the teaching of the buddha with the book of three phumes. the book was predated buddha era and was used and a practice/exam book for tapitaka, the pali cannon translation.

please study tapitaka, you may find the precise points to criticize buddhism. as for the cartoon, it shows that the author has not studied buddhism, takes only second hand knowledge from people did not study the subject either. those who call themselves buddhists, but never read tapitaka.

vaginitischlamydia · 2012-09-16T20:02:17+00:00

Where the fuck are you getting this information? This post is fundamentally bullshit, at least as it pertains to Mahayana.

Indosay · 2012-09-16T21:18:43+00:00

Aaaand OP mysteriously disappears instead of sticking around to defend his slightly incorrect views. Not his creation, but his post. If he's gonna post it, he should show up for the conversation which will surely follow.

hereticingoodcompany · 2012-09-16T22:02:15+00:00

Your research is bad and you should feel bad!

LeafBlowingAllDay · 2012-09-16T21:18:28+00:00

Buddhism doesn't have nearly as large negative impact as Islam and Christianity are having right now, that is why it is mostly ignored. We don't see Buddhist fundamentalists killing each other or civilians because of their belief structure. There is a profound difference between their religious thinking.

Sure, there's scientifically unsound dribble involved, the religion was invented thousands of years ago. But yet, it's not nearly as destructive as a modern religion, such as Mormonism or Scientology.

My atheism and disdain for Christianity and religion are not because they are scientifically unsound; it's because of the damage they did to me psychologically as a child, because of the damage they do to people every single day, because of their permeation into politics and government policies, etc.

Buddhism just doesn't match this, not even close.

Camizow · 2012-09-16T22:01:43+00:00

There are different forms of Buddhism, therefor you can't put a label on the entire religion/philosophy.

Zeliek · 2012-09-16T22:59:08+00:00

OH MY GOD A TALKING CRAB.

SingularitySpy · 2012-09-16T18:09:07+00:00

Yeah i forget that telling people to question everything is bullshit.

Echleon · 2012-09-16T19:26:29+00:00

/r/atheism is not anti-theism... -.-

kinnaq · 2012-09-16T18:27:20+00:00

Needs more comic sans.

mobyhead1 · 2012-09-16T18:29:57+00:00

I haven't read that far yet, but Christopher Hitchens has a chapter titled "There is No 'Eastern' solution" in his book God is Not Great.

BigRedCotter · 2012-09-16T15:52:41-07:00

This post is bullshit, and its 274 upvotes worry me. This is definitely not an accurate representation of Buddhism.

lavandris · 2012-09-16T20:54:00+00:00

My response from another thread:

As long as you're not a dick, I don't care what reasons you have for not being a dick.

Is belief in a "sky fairy" quite silly? Yes, especially in this century. The people I know who are like this, however, have the brains and personal awareness to actually grow their faith, and have beliefs that are closer to deism. Still silly? Sure. But if we're going to make progress, first we have to get rid of the douche-baggery. Then we can get rid of the merely silly.

Demosthenes_12 · 2012-09-16T20:57:51+00:00

I don't really understand how any of this information makes "Buddhism... bullshit." Where are the teachings that have scientific evidence to disprove them? Yes, it is a belief system based on spirituality, but it also has deep ties to humanity and the human condition. I never present stories and teachings from the Lotus Sutra as fact or dogma. I present them as just that, stories. I choose to believe that my consciousness goes a bit beyond electrical signals in my brain, and that when my brain stops sending those signals, my "soul" if you will, will continue into the next domain it finds. I don't care if you believe that or not, so why do you care if I believe it? Where are the Buddhist that have pushed their teachings on you? Where are the wars, riots, elections and nations being molded by Buddhism? Why take the time to propagate something that calls Buddhism, as a whole, "bullshit"? The irony is the "karma" you'll get for this post :) I'm genuinely happy you've found a belief system that makes you happy. I just wish that we could all have belief systems that don't make us feel like we need to disprove all of the others ( which it seems from the outside is what a lot of atheists enjoy). My questions are rhetorical. This is all just my opinion and is in no way intended to incite argument or to discredit OP as a person or as a redditor.

newguy911 · 2012-09-16T22:48:41+00:00

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTT

Kyoraki · 2012-09-17T00:53:35+00:00

This image is wholly misleading, and only represents a small portion of Buddhism, citing texts that predate the Buddha era. The Buddha himself admitted that his own Hindu based mythology should not be taken literally, and only used as a tool to understand the core philosophy. And because Buddhism has no central mythology, cultures across the East incorporated their own cultural beliefs to make it more palatable. The original Hinduism based Buddhism of India is entirely different from the Shinto based Buddhism of Japan.

dragos240 · 2012-09-17T02:17:14+00:00

Yay more incorrect information! That's only one sect. Wikipedia can give you more accurate info than this.

creporiton · 2012-09-17T02:22:50+00:00

But you are missing Siddhartha's most important teaching, If any of his teachings don't stand up to common sense or reasoning, you are obligated to reject them and seek out the truth.

ThatDarnMushroom · 2012-09-17T02:35:00+00:00

REFORMED NEO-BUDDHISM!

If you don't get this reference, you need to watch Community.

necromundus · 2012-09-17T04:11:45+00:00

Buddhism was created between 6000 and 4000 BCE when things were vastly different. Yes it is a religion, but it has managed to adapt its ideologies to something understandable and compatible with modern society, unlike every other major religion. That is why Buddhism is acceptable, in my opinion.

Armandeus · 2012-09-17T04:15:54+00:00

All the Buddhist apologists here are amazing. Have any of you lived in a country where there are lots of Buddhists? Some of you say Buddhism is never forced on others or causes trouble; ever heard of Soka Gakkai? Does it matter if Buddhism has no Western-style god if it is based on mythological interpretations of nature complete with angels, ghosts, hell, and demons? How can you call that a philosophy and not a straight-up religion? Don't logic, rejection of mysticism in favor of rational inquiry, and burden of proof mean anything to you apologists?

auntacid · 2012-09-17T04:18:11+00:00

This thread is filled with entirely too many butthurt, assumedly "Middle-Class" Buddhists who only know the white people version of Buddhism that they are sold in America, where Buddhism is a product.

Smeagol3000 · 2012-09-17T04:25:27+00:00

Two ideas that OP didn't include here are 1) women can't find Nirvana supposedly because they are too "chained" to the cycle of life, which I think is sexist and 2) karma follows you, but memory doesn't. If you are being punished or rewarded for past karma, but you have no memory how does that make sense? Just thought I'd throw those out there as two extra reasons why Buddhism is bullshit.

phoncey · 2012-09-17T05:24:18+00:00

Buddhism: A religion of no religion. /r/atheism: a religion of anti-religion and scientific dogma.

Grindstone50k · 2012-09-16T11:09:02-07:00

Thank you, Capt. Cigarcrab, for that excellent presentation.

Wad3_W1ls0n · 2012-09-16T16:46:43+00:00

meh. theists...well I geuss all I can say is, to me in alot of ways it is like comparing apples and oranges, they're both fruit but not the same at all. I'll take buddhism over other religions anyday, the same as I would take Harry Potter fans over Twilight fans anyday. one's just a little bit less lame than the other.

MeEvilBob · 2012-09-16T21:10:32+00:00

Not all Buddhists believe in the religious aspects, they pick and choose what parts of their religion they want to believe and what to ignore, this is why they're better than Christians, oh wait...

Unwright · 2012-09-16T20:37:34+00:00

Here's a fun thought, don't be a twat.

You don't see buddhists impinging on other people's rights, you don't see them preaching, you don't see them bothering anyone. Just leave them alone. They don't deserve your scorn, you twat.

Mgladiethor · 2012-09-16T20:01:47+00:00

Well i just like sanskrit

ahhicantswim · 2012-09-16T20:04:04+00:00

"The Quantum and the Lotus" by Matthieu Richard & Trinh Xuan Thuan is an interesting book. I spent a few years reading about Buddhist philosophy before I actually sat down and meditated. You can try and fill your head with different teachings but it all fades away when you are just sitting.

spacecadet84 · 2012-09-16T20:49:00+00:00

Sure, but there may be some evidence that meditation is useful for depression and anxiety. Others may derive benefit also.

Though it doesn't have to be Buddhist meditation.

Radialshifter · 2012-09-16T21:08:44+00:00

So your saying with enough karma I can become godlike?

ResplendentGlory · 2012-09-16T21:11:17+00:00

I just want to point out that what you said is Sanskrit is actually Hindi.

pbr_is_life · 2012-09-16T21:29:10+00:00

You're reading too much into this. Does it really matter what other people are doing with there life in the religious world? As long as it doesn't enter the scientific world and impede scientific advancement. It shouldn't matter if there are Buddhists out there.

Ikinhaszkarmakplx2 · 2012-09-16T21:37:05+00:00

I don't need to consider shit. Religion is nothing. It has no bearing nor any meaning what-so-ever to me. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatheism , probably fits to me. Especially

In other words, an apatheist is someone who considers the question of the existence of gods as neither meaningful nor relevant to his or her life.

AllMankind · 2012-09-16T22:06:05+00:00

Personally, I care what religion/philosophy an individual follows as much as I care what their favorite movie is. The important thing is that they don't crusade to get others to like their movie too. Atheism can be oddly enough taken in a more aggressive direction than I care for too, it's called "anti-theism."

spamandramen · 2012-09-16T22:22:32+00:00

Buddhists never bothered me, never told me I was going to hell, never told any woman they cannot have abortion, never said gays can't marry. so . . yea I have no strong feeling towards them, they let me live the way I want to live, I let them believe what they want to believe, ONE GIANT HAPPY EARTH!

Piogre · 2012-09-16T22:23:28+00:00

not all followers of a religion are the same

some buddhists take that stuff literally, but others don't, and merely follow a Buddhist philosophy.

eire10 · 2012-09-16T22:27:25+00:00

First thing I learned about Buddhism in school was the Buddhist quotation "if it works for you"

Poachi · 2012-09-16T22:29:20+00:00

This was posted to point out that there are supernatural aspects of Buddhism that contradict the popular belief of it as a philosophy. The original creator of this image said that he did not want people to hate Buddhism but that there are some wonky concepts in it. He just meant to say that it does involve ideas of the supernatural, not that it was bullshit or that those ideas are stupid. You're a faggot, TEmpTom, for perverting the meaning of CigarCrab's words.

s0brien · 2012-09-16T22:35:34+00:00

What does it mean if I just realized I fully believed in Buddhism when I did acid?

justadude23 · 2012-09-16T22:37:39+00:00

The Dali Lama has, apparently, stated that if science can falsify any aspect of his religion, he'll stop believing in it.

Because, after all, it's rational to believe in Santa Claus until science proves that reindeer can't fly, and the burden of proof is always with the person not making the claim that we have an immortal soul that keeps being reincarnated.

If it was a Christian claiming we have to proof that Jesus didn't walk on water, everyone would know they were doing it wrong. But because it's a different religion, somehow his claims that it's up to science to disprove his religion is reasonable.

manuel_robot_cleaner · 2012-09-16T22:48:05+00:00

This really doesn't matter. I don't pick a fight that hasn't picked a fight with me or my worldview that I have seen. Sure it's wrong, but I don't need to care if they aren't being dicks about it.

6chan · 2012-09-16T22:48:54+00:00

The script is Devanagari, the language is Sanskrit. There is a difference.

pabman · 2012-09-16T22:49:48+00:00

The problem is it's not their beliefs what we find an example for other religions to follow, as they are like any other. It's actually because I've never heard of someone being killed by a Buddhist fanatic for religious reasons.

DeconstructionCat · 2012-09-16T23:02:55+00:00

To be fair I think that we should let people self define their religious views to a large extent. Christians do not all believe in stoning others for minor offenses etc, the idea that buddhism is a philosophy and not religion for many is supported by the individuals who self identify as atheists who do not believe in supernatural aspects of the system. When we start pigeonholing people it does nothing except disparage others and make those who are more open to other viewpoints (i.e. non faith based ones) shy away and be embarrassed to interact. Short version, don't polarize, it is a great thing that people self identify as buddhists and throw away the religious aspect of it instead of being silly.

AsianGobbler · 2012-09-16T23:13:25+00:00

" ''Of course you are uncertain, Kalamas. Of course you are in doubt. When there are reasons for doubt, uncertainty is born. So in this case, Kalamas, don't go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture, by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreement through pondering views, by probability, or by the thought, 'This contemplative is our teacher.' When you know for yourselves that, 'These qualities are unskillful; these qualities are blameworthy; these qualities are criticized by the wise; these qualities, when adopted and carried out, lead to harm & to suffering' -- then you should abandon them.'' "- Kalama sutta.

Here, the Buddha is clearly stating that which none of the main religions do; that people not only ''can'' question beliefs but that they ''should''. Buddhism allows the intellectual freedom to falsify false hypotheses and thus come closer to the truth.

If you believe in the Four Noble Truths then you are a Buddhist. The Four Noble Truths are the complete core of Buddhism, Buddhism should be called "Four Noble Truthism" but it isnt as catchy.

Buddhists believe:

(Dukkha) Nothing is completely satisfactory
(samudaya) This is because of a constant stream of desire. (We get bored/constantly desire new experiences)
(Nirodha) This state can be stopped
This state can be stopped by following the eight-fold path.

Buddhism is a practical religion which relies on meditation and practice and not reliance on dogma, this is why the teachings are seen as pragmatic and not sacred; if you need belief in the supernatural we can cater for that, if you are scientific rationalist just interpret it materialistically, for example the realms of samsara can relate not to actual realms but to states of existence. When we are in love the world seems amazing and great, we are like gods, but if we are obsessive or addicted we are like hungry ghosts.

karma is usually seen as intra-life not inter-life, and rebirth is linked to the concept of "anatta" or "no-self", so it is wrong to say anyONE is continuing after death as there was no-one in the first place (which coheres well with the thought that there is no true intrinsic self but we are the function of an ever changing brain.)

As a biology student and Buddhist I don't see anything in core Buddhist teaching which is irrevocably incoherent with systematic empiricism.

It is a psycho-existential philosophy which over two and a half millennia has picked up the colour, suspicion, fears, concepts, of half the world, frankly I'm amazed at how coherent and non-dogmatic it really is. (sorry for poor formatting.)

Supercalifragilis · 2012-09-16T23:27:47+00:00

The line which divides a so-called religion from a philosophy in the East is suble, very suble. In fact, (I'll speak about japanese and japan culture as it's my field of study) in japanese language the words for "philosophy" and "religion" were adopted to describe western philosopher's ideas or western/middle eastern theistic religions. It's very difficult (nonsensical? Impossible?) to declare Buddhism as a religion or a philosophy. It is strictly connected to everyday life and the cultural substrate of the population which embraced Buddhism's teachings (i.e. japanese zen school differs from chinese ones because, among other things, in China there was a stronger influence of taoism and confucianism while in Japan there was a strong shinto/animistic influence).

Also, one of the main difference between Buddhism and a "religion" as we intend is: there is not a "Bible". Every Buddhism sect chooses its "Bibles" and even writes new ones. It is perfectly accepted, even if during the middle ages there were actually wars between schools and each one claimed to be the "true" bearies of buddhism teachings.

Yea, I wrote too much, nobody will ever read this, better go sleeping

IndifferentMorality · 2012-09-16T23:36:03+00:00

Why your post was bullshit the first time it was posted

ubersexgod69 · 2012-09-16T23:46:34+00:00

This is exactly why sides have greater aversions to each-other. Seriously? "WHY BUDDHISM IS BULLSHIT" Ask yourself how annoyed you'd feel if someone said that about your ideologies, beliefs, w/e. Have some courtesy and I guarantee people will get along much better than upfront spitting vulgarities everywhere.

Vandapanda · 2012-09-17T00:51:07+00:00

Mahayana mainly south asia? was this from the same site where it ends in Jesus is lord and the Truth?

meantamrajean · 2012-09-17T00:58:30+00:00

But...but I love the Dali lama. :( Can I be an atheist and love the Dali lama?

BloodMoney1 · 2012-09-17T00:59:46+00:00

How can a Atheist follow a religon like buddhism? Simple in the same way Jefferson looked at the bible. Cut out the bullshit(Asuras,Devas) and look at the positive messages.

Thisizcat · 2012-09-17T01:19:13+00:00

TL;DR.... TL;DR EVERYWHERE!

godisimaginary · 2012-09-17T01:25:53+00:00

I used to be a zen buddhist, chogye, korean flavor. Learned a lot about the mind, some of which I still use, now that I am full-blown atheist. I cannot call myself buddhist because I don't subscribe to the concept of rebirth, karma, hungry ghosts, devas, mara, even samsara or nirvana. Yes, these forms may exist in the mind, but so does god for many people. The buddha did have it right when he said, "don't take what I say as truth, investigate for yourself. If you find it un-beneficial throw it away."(paraphrasing, of course!) I also had concerns reading about "enlightened zen masters" in Japan urging their soldiers to kill as many Americans as possible...something was very wrong with that picture. It is just another delusion, like so many others. I do like Stephen Bachelor's writings, though...

IlikePez · 2012-09-17T01:46:51+00:00

It is at its core a quantum universe. You probably don't need to look up what that is, but you should really take a moment to think about what that means.

Anything that furthers the human understanding of what that REALLY means is probably okay in my book.

Observe bitches. Be. Do. See. Watch. Learn. Make reality. Make it.

This is the real power that all artificial religions were created to combat.

dx5231 · 2012-09-17T01:49:47+00:00

As long as they aren't hostile and aren't interfering with people's private lives, I really don't give a flying fuck about how much bullshit it is

lewok · 2012-09-17T02:25:28+00:00

the original post had a much less aggressive title

JollyO · 2012-09-17T02:26:14+00:00

Is there any history of Buddhism being the rallying cry behind war? Enforcing their views on others? Is it just a western misconception that Buddhism is largely peaceful? We never hear of radical Buddhists killing people who mock them. Or engaging in theocracy where other religions are suppressed.

StoopidHonkie · 2012-09-17T02:37:16+00:00

but why get mad at Buddhism and be so mean about it?, do Buddhists ever force beliefs on others or discriminate against gays or other religions or stuff? I havnt done research so idk if they do do the stuff that i hate about some religions but i dont think they do. and the Dalai lama once said: "if science proves some beliefs of buddhism wrong, then buddhism will hav to change." and i personally am an atheist and i think that a lot the stuff sounds really silly/wrong but u cant exactly prove wat happens after death or watev else is weird bout buddhism.

joshc643 · 2012-09-17T02:45:49+00:00

did people not know this? not groundbreaking stuff here

ArchangelleTightAss · 2012-09-17T02:52:32+00:00

This was almost good, and then you ended it with "DAE REASON AND SCIENCE???"

LCaulfield · 2012-09-17T02:55:47+00:00

That's not quite incompatible with science. Many worlds theory, so on. Buddhism has been absolutely right in areas as diverse as neurology and physics. It might be right about this.

Xiosphere · 2012-09-17T03:02:08+00:00

There have already been arguments about not taking this literally and such, and I don't know what of that is true or false, so I'm not going to comment on that. What IS being ignored though is the fact that you are using "atheist" where you should be using "materialist." The difference is an atheist can believe whatever the fuck he wants (e.g. reincarnation, ghosts, etc.) as long as it isn't caused by or rely on the existence of a god or gods, whereas a materialist believes only in what can be proven by science or his own logic / experiments. Buddhism has no god or gods, it has spirits, therefore if you are a non-materialist atheist, you can still believe in the Buddhist doctrine either literally or just philosophically.

Beatlemaniacjng98 · 2012-09-17T03:10:08+00:00

/r/secualrbuddhism

Jacob070907 · 2012-09-17T03:19:32+00:00

Lucky Buddhists. Hoging all the karma.

thatwasinpoortaste · 2012-09-17T03:33:09+00:00

awesome, more shit to spout when i pretend i'm spiritual to nail chicks at community college!

fadethepolice · 2012-09-17T03:44:42+00:00

Accept the fact deep down inside that religious beliefs are a mishmash of stories that our ancestors used to communicate their theories of reality to us before reddit existed. With a skeptical eye, try to eliminate the parts of the religious beliefs that were introduced by selfish snake oil salesmen to take advantage of people. Then take the time to analyze them in a manner similar to the methods used to find the root of words and to derive the time when two languages were the same and you just might learn something from someone who lived long ago, was genetically the same as you, and highly intelligent. Or, you can just make fun of it like some fucking middle school student.

jujushushu · 2012-09-17T03:53:56+00:00

Take what philosophy you like and works for you, leave the rest out. Not everything in religion is bad, just like not everything in science is good.

embrigh · 2012-09-17T03:55:05+00:00

There is a vast difference between the Western view of Buddhism and how it is practiced in countries that are Buddhist. I have practically zero qualms with the Western creation of philosophical Buddhism other than it isn't a reality in the East.

blackLe · 2012-09-17T04:11:03+00:00

wow

fuck you

Bobthemathcow · 2012-09-17T04:29:30+00:00

I, too, am driven by scientific understanding. I am often bored with many things because I learn so much about them so fast. I believe that religion lacks scientific soundness AND does not appeal to me, mostly because so many religions are violent, insane, or creepy.

Apostasy_and_Heresy · 2012-09-17T05:26:51+00:00

does reddit karma count in buddhism? if so people with cats will have awesome next lives and people without cats are probably going to be cats!

WrongWayKid · 2012-09-17T05:43:43+00:00

Reason why it's not bullshit: "Don't blindly believe what I say. Don't believe me because others convince you of my words. Don't believe anything you see, read, or hear from others, whether of authority, religious teachers or texts. Don't rely on logic alone, nor speculation. Don't infer or be deceived by appearances." -Shakyamuni Buddha

juan_004 · 2012-09-17T05:47:41+00:00

I really don't care, I mean, while other religions are self-contradictory, power-hungry and ridiculous, buddhism is basically neutral, it has it's load of bullshit, but it's not close to be as ridiculous as the abrahamic religions. I mean, reincarnation, it may or may not be. a loving god that cursed us and sacrificed himself to himself to cure a few, that's bullshit from the start. besides they are ways of buddhism that are pretty much mix and match for what is to be taken literally and what not. as long as I don't get someone knocking at my door asking "do you have a minute for siddhartha gautama?" I'm fine with em.

Randomtask3000 · 2012-09-16T23:14:21-07:00

I'm not trying to be a Buddhist. I'm trying to be a buddha.

http://secularbuddhism.org/2012/01/24/be-a-buddha-not-a-buddhist-introduction-to-weekly-practice/

http://www.samharris.org/site/full_text/killing-the-buddha

Randomtask3000 · 2012-09-17T06:19:39+00:00

I guess I'm not so concerned about these things.

What I take away from Buddhism is simply that all beings want happiness, and that it is this which motivates all of our actions. We should work for the happiness of others and of ourselves, because it will result in a happier world, and a happier us.

Randomtask3000 · 2012-09-17T06:21:23+00:00

Saying "Buddhism is bullshit" because of these mythological appendices to the core philosophy is throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

LovelyGanesh · 2012-09-17T06:25:14+00:00

This post makes me incredibly upset. Allow me to explain why:

This post starts of with: "I hope you are having a wonderful day", but this thread is entitled "Buddhism is bullshit.". Whatever happened to the inner moral quandaries amongst fellow atheists who through reason, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, debated when being too intolerant towards any religion made you an "ass hole"?
When has the Buddhist dogma EVER impacted anyone's life negatively? Their are no political platforms that don't disagree with the liberal agenda, in consideration of Buddhism. You'll never encounter a "Buddhist nut job".
One of the best points of Buddhism is that no-one NEEDS to be a buddhist; the world is all ready content with its Amount of buddhists.
Their is nothing in buddhism that dissowns theories of evolution, the big bang, natural selection, and so forth. Their is nothing buddhism that clames when we die, if we don't believe in buddhism we all go to Naraka (hell). Their is no proof the cycle of rebirth happens, and their is nothing saying rebirth is the ABSOLUTE truth. We could all live a life with good intentions, AS atheists, and not believe in buddhism, die, and enter a cycle of rebirth without consequences; if the cycle truly exists. And if not then who cares. We can still live a life of reason.
Through buddhism you are perfectly allowed to pick and choose what you believe in, wether your beliefs become faith, or simply philosophy, is not going to negatively impact others.

Perhaps if this was a post on how Buddhism affects everyone negatively I could understand, but this is no better than Christians attacking atheism. Especially seeing as how atheists and Buddhists CAN be so much a like. All this post has managed to do, is give a brief explanation of Buddhism and slap "bullshit" on to it.

My point- The fact that this post has more upvotes than down votes, so as to goad such a negative, un-compassionate, un-thoughtful, stance on Buddhism, is extremely disappointing. I would have expected more from fellow free thinkers.

cr0ntooz · 2012-09-16T19:41:12+00:00

Why are we hating on buddism, They are not violent? They dont mock people for not believing in buddism? sry for low knowledge.

Adnoz · 2012-09-16T19:41:35+00:00

I completely agree with OP. Very well put, interesting reading. Thanks.

TEmpTom · 2012-09-16T16:03:41+00:00

I didn't make this, but I thought I need to share it.

BobtheDino96 · 2012-09-16T19:34:46+00:00

Can't tell if i should upvote because its good or downvote for repost...

careyberry · 2012-09-16T22:09:20+00:00

http://imgur.com/k2pdZ

420lotionrub · 2012-09-16T23:38:24+00:00

I know this is r/atheism, but it's this kind of shit that makes people think that atheist are stuck up bigoted assholes.

Seriously buddhism isn't harming people in a modern superpowers. Have you seen news articles about buddhists stopping progression of space programs or stopping us from teaching evolution in classrooms? No, they keep to themselves and so should we.

There are still people who follow ancient navajo religions, but you dont see me or anyone else for that matter saying "hey look at what these stupid fucks believe, and how wrong it is!" If they cause no harm just let them have their fun.

KRZ-111 · 2012-09-17T02:37:36+00:00

"If science proved some aspect of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism would have to change." -- The Dalai Lama

Bryaxis · 2012-09-16T19:41:32+00:00

Has /r/atheism ever had a "bash Buddhism day"? If not, should it?

Corrinth · 2012-09-16T20:26:00+00:00

I hereby move that religious Buddhism should keep its title as Buddhism, while henceforth we should refer to philosophical Buddhism as Dudeism.

ouishi · 2012-09-16T16:14:32+00:00

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