Islam and Budhism

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QuranStudy said:
How can you use the word "religious" if the definition of "religion" itself is unsettled?
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An excellent question, to which there isn't yet a satisfactory answer! Using what is obviously a totally unsatisfactory alternative definition is not such an answer. Would you say that any "religious" practice must involve belief in a God? I could put on robes, or swing incense burners, or chant, or sing hymns. All "religious" activities, but no belief in God is required. Same with "religion".


So after death, it's all over?
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Only for a Buddha. What you need to understand is that in Buddhist terms "all over" is exactly what is most desirable. It is only constant attachment, clinging, to things, ideas and concepts that causes suffering. The idea of an afterlife is perhaps the ultimate example of such an attachment - a total rejection of the idea that the individual ego-entity might cease to exist. It is a manifestation of fear of death, really. Buddhists strive TO eliminate that individual ego-entity, not preserve it.
 
Only for a Buddha. What you need to understand is that in Buddhist terms "all over" is exactly what is most desirable. It is only constant attachment, clinging, to things, ideas and concepts that causes suffering. The idea of an afterlife is perhaps the ultimate example of such an attachment - a total rejection of the idea that the individual ego-entity might cease to exist. It is a manifestation of fear of death, really. Buddhists strive TO eliminate that individual ego-entity, not preserve it.
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If it's all over for a Buddha after he/she dies, then how come Buddhists care so much about ending sufferring in this world. Shouldnt they be enjoying every moment of their life since they dont have to worry about the afterlife??

Would you say that any "religious" practice must involve belief in a God? I could put on robes, or swing incense burners, or chant, or sing hymns. All "religious" activities, but no belief in God is required. Same with "religion".
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I understand now. Thanks.
 
If it's all over for a Buddha after he/she dies, then how come Buddhists care so much about ending sufferring in this world. Shouldnt they be enjoying every moment of their life since they dont have to worry about the afterlife??
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Is this back to morals again? No god = no morals. No after like = no morals.
Is “Judgment Day” the only thing that stops you from committing every evil act?
 
Is this back to morals again? No god = no morals. No after like = no morals.
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Very accurate and to the point. However, Buddhists do have morals (unlike atheists).

Is “Judgment Day” the only thing that stops you from committing every evil act?
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Most.
 
QuranStudy said:
If it's all over for a Buddha after he/she dies, then how come Buddhists care so much about ending sufferring in this world. Shouldnt they be enjoying every moment of their life since they dont have to worry about the afterlife??
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If by "enjoying every moment of their life" you mean essentially hedonistic pleasure, no. That creates and builds on attachments, and with such attachments rebirth and failure to escape the Wheel of suffering is inevitable. Only by living as a Buddha can you become one... or even take steps in that direction. Quite apart from which, are you suggesting that a life of simple needs, peaceful thoughts and compassion towards other beings cannot be "enjoyable"?
 
Quite apart from which, are you suggesting that a life of simple needs, peaceful thoughts and compassion towards other beings cannot be "enjoyable"?
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I was referring to a typical atheistic lifestyle. (one with no moral restrictions).
 
syilla,
thanks for posting this article. it is one of the best posts i've seen in this section because it truly is about comparitive religion.
if we focus more on what we have in common than what divides us, it would produce a giant leap in tolerism.
and trumble, thanks also for your comments.
reps to both of you!
 
Hi trumble,

Can you clarify how the karma system works in your belief, add as much detail as possible :D
 
Trumble,...

I just watch the story of a boy claiming he's Buddha. He's fasting for six years ... his name is Ram Bomjan , native of Nepal. I've seen many Buddhist worshipping him .... can he be the future Buddha?:rollseyes
 
Salaam,

For me buddhism and buddha is a great story ..

But personally i find that a religion that started wiht a man who abandoned his own wife and kid is just a terrible starting point.

I ahve had many enocuter with buddhist and in our discussion they admit they never see it from that perspective but admit that given today context it is an abomination to leave one wifea nd son for one own path.

But they say it is what came form the loss,is nirvana and salvation and an end of the cycle for all of mankind.

But i say,the furit are what is taught but again,does it liberate the father and son ,wife and husband?
Sadly no.
IMO..
 
WnbSlveOfAllah said:
Hi trumble,

Can you clarify how the karma system works in your belief, add as much detail as possible :D
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Thinking about it (at some length), its probably better to keep it simple rather than add too much detail. Firstly there's a big risk of "not seeing the wood for the trees", and secondly I make no claims for being an expert on the fine points of the concept!

In Buddhism, karma is simply intentional activity.

The 'intentional' is essential. What is important is not so much the actions themselves as the thought processes leading to them, and indeed even un-acted upon thoughts have karmic consequences. For example, if I were accidently (not just carelessly) to step on a bug, no karmic consequence. If I decided to stomp on the bug, but it flew off before I could, there is karma even in the absence of any actual stomping.

Karma is always accompanied by its counterpart, vipaka , which simply means the consequence(s) of karmic action. Every karmic action has consequences. That's where "rebirth" comes in. What is reborn is not a "soul" - Buddhism acknowledges no such thing, only a transient and illusory individual ego-entity - but the inevitable appearance of the effects of the karmic action of the deceased manifested in a new being.

As I said, I believe the Hindu and Jain conceptions of karma are rather different. Rather than risk misrepresentation, maybe one of our Hindu posters could explain their take on karma ?
 
Salaam,

my favourite Buddhist sayin is..


When you see the leaves of a tree swaying,,,does the leaves move or your mind..

The answer is Your Mind

Hope you guys understand..
Perspective is everything and we must all learn new things.Inshallah
 

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