Buddhist Beliefs

I like to look at a variety of religions and ways of life and find Buddhism interesting.

Here is a link that I found: http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs

Buddhist beliefs


Religious beliefs are important in Buddhism, but its central doctrines aren't necessarily the same as those of other world religions. Depending on the sect, Buddhist beliefs may include gods, ancestors, and the afterlife, but the most important Buddhist beliefs about suffering and how to escape it.

The Buddha himself was called the "Enlightened One." After he became enlightened, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world.

However, the Buddha considered knowledge important only insofar as it remains practical. He rejected speculation about such matters as God, the nature of the universe, and the afterlife, urging his followers to focus instead on the Four Noble Truths by which they can free themselves from suffering.



Now I am not Buddhist and not trying to convert anyone to this religion. Just thought it was interesting to see how many others in the world practice a different religion.

Lämmchen said:

As in every other religion except Christianity, MAN has to be the one to do ____ fill in the blank, in order to achieve _____ fill in the blank. In Christianity we have God who does for us so that we can have eternal life with Him.

Buddhism does not have forgiveness for bad actions carried out. Isn't that sad?

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Here is a link: http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/buddhists-beliefs-forgiveness-3445.html

The core scriptures of Buddhism, taken from the teachings of the Buddha nearly 2,500 years ago, state the importance of forgiveness. Buddhism teaches the importance of a peaceful state of mind as well as a peaceful way of life. Buddhists believe that forgiveness is a critical step to achieving this peaceful state.

Unforgiveness
Buddhists believe that to not forgive gives rise to suffering. It is taught that those who cannot let go of a real or imagined wrong against them are unable to free themselves from hate and that they will suffer because of this. Hatred can, in turn, lead to more widespread suffering, and in turn, more hatred. According to the Dhammapada, “Those who attempt to conquer hatred by hatred are like warriors who take weapons to overcome others who bear arms. This does not end hatred, but gives it room to grow."

Forgiveness
Buddhists believe that atonement, as well as forgiving others as well as ourselves, is an important step on the path towards a better life and towards enlightenment. Giving up hatred and forgiving the harm done to us by others allows us to move on and to achieve peace of mind.

Forgiveness and Meditation
Buddhists see forgiveness as an important method, along with meditation, of achieving inner peace and right thinking. Many Buddhists have integrated forgiveness into their meditation, thinking thoughts of forgiveness towards others as well as towards themselves.

Lämmchen said:

Faith is a gift so it's not something man does. Buddists have to work to achieve anything.

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But you have to practice your faith and that is work, isn't it?

I was trying to show how there are parts of other religions that are kind of similar to Christianity in their own way.