Differences between Buddhism and Christianity
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err...for ur info the monkey is frictional characterOriginally posted by Ito_^:monks accepting demons and guding them on the pain to enlightenment doesn't seem dat impossible.
who knows?
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We treat Buddha as our TEACHER rather than our "FAther".
so we don't worship teacher, but we respect Him and wish to learn from Him.
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Sure.. pardon my tone if its sounds rudeOriginally posted by casino_king:I hope you don't be too sensitive. No harm intended, just trying to understand something that is difficult to understand. -
I not sure about the other traditions but the Theravadan way is less mystical with lesser emphasis on rites and rituals.Originally posted by casino_king:Maybe I should ask in a different way.
What is the purpose of Buddhist ceremonies? Is there no reason other than showing respect? What is the significance?
Showing respect to our Teacher is a very good enough reasons for the ceremonies. Puja or Offering Session is also a good medium for Buddhists to cultivate the perfected qualities of the Buddha and also to keep in mind His teachings and renew our faith in the Dhamma.
A simple explanation on the Buddha-Puja.
Offering of lights - to symbolise wisdom overcoming ignorance (darkness)
Offering of Incense - to symbolise the spread of the Dhamma
Offering of Flowers - to symbolise the impermanent nature of all things. A beautiful flower will wither and die.
Offering of Water - to symbolise purity.
Offering of Food - to symbolise and practise generosity.
Loong loong time ago in a land faraway where the Buddha dwelled, whicever household he enters, the devotees would firsly bring the Buddha a pail of water for him tow ash his feet. Hence, it eventually symbolises purity. The water washing away of the dirty.
Somehow or rather, after reading that description, I begin to view every Buddha-Puja as inviting the Buddha to come into my life and to renew the inspiration his Teachings has in my life. Is like the Buddha sitting right in front of you at your home and you present to him all those beautiful things as mentioned above. -
I note 2 things.Originally posted by Iker-X-of-Bodh:I not sure about the other traditions but the Theravadan way is less mystical with lesser emphasis on rites and rituals.
Showing respect to our Teacher is a very good enough reasons for the ceremonies. Puja or Offering Session is also a good medium for Buddhists to cultivate the perfected qualities of the Buddha and also to keep in mind His teachings and renew our faith in the Dhamma.
A simple explanation on the Buddha-Puja.
Offering of lights - to symbolise wisdom overcoming ignorance (darkness)
Offering of Incense - to symbolise the spread of the Dhamma
Offering of Flowers - to symbolise the impermanent nature of all things. A beautiful flower will wither and die.
Offering of Water - to symbolise purity.
Offering of Food - to symbolise and practise generosity.
Loong loong time ago in a land faraway where the Buddha dwelled, whicever household he enters, the devotees would firsly bring the Buddha a pail of water for him tow ash his feet. Hence, it eventually symbolises purity. The water washing away of the dirty.
Somehow or rather, after reading that description, I begin to view every Buddha-Puja as inviting the Buddha to come into my life and to renew the inspiration his Teachings has in my life. Is like the Buddha sitting right in front of you at your home and you present to him all those beautiful things as mentioned above.
Why do you say Faith in the Dhamma? Why Faith?
Don't you think that when people start to become spiritual, like yourself, you tend to end up "wanting" or "wishing" or "expecting" a supernatural being:
inviting the Buddha to come into my life and to renew the inspiration his Teachings has in my life. Is like the Buddha sitting right in front of you at your home and you present to him all those beautiful things as mentioned above. -
There is a documentary (not about the movie) DVD cum CD cum Book about the Da Vinci Code -- The Davinci Project, Seeking the Truth. You may want to grab it. Collectors item.Originally posted by paperflower:
aiyo.....
i also have a strong feeling that somehow that what da vinci code is true but also it is not in certain ways (minimum). well truth is always not beautiful.... cover here cover there isn't that illusion - pretty packaging but inside so many distortions. lies cannot be hidden forever, they will surface one day. nature of the law is nothing is eternal that applies to everything.
i'm definitely going to watch that movie - da vinci code. who cares they spinning for money or not that ain't my problem. what matters is the info or the entertainment. once the movie finishes, i don't stay behind with the movie.
take it easy...... drop it easy......
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If I am not wrong, from chinese literature point of view, it achieved quite a status -- xi2 xue2.Originally posted by neutral_onliner:err...for ur info the monkey is frictional character 
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An additional point:
It is not by the deeds or any individual effort that leads to salvation. All deeds no matter how much we sacrify are insignificant in the sight of God. It is by the grace of God that is most important. Christ is crucified for this sake and only through him, we can enter heaven. There is no other way in Christianity. -
All mainstream traditions of Buddhism outside Theravada wld also emphasize on Dharma rather than Rituals. Rituals have its purpose - for example chanting sutras are a way of remembering the Buddha's words. But the most important is we practise what the Buddha taught, and the Buddha never taught, but instead, denounced the importance of rituals. Nevertheless things like offerings also has its significance and importance.Originally posted by Iker-X-of-Bodh:I not sure about the other traditions but the Theravadan way is less mystical with lesser emphasis on rites and rituals.
Showing respect to our Teacher is a very good enough reasons for the ceremonies. Puja or Offering Session is also a good medium for Buddhists to cultivate the perfected qualities of the Buddha and also to keep in mind His teachings and renew our faith in the Dhamma.
A simple explanation on the Buddha-Puja.
Offering of lights - to symbolise wisdom overcoming ignorance (darkness)
Offering of Incense - to symbolise the spread of the Dhamma
Offering of Flowers - to symbolise the impermanent nature of all things. A beautiful flower will wither and die.
Offering of Water - to symbolise purity.
Offering of Food - to symbolise and practise generosity.
Loong loong time ago in a land faraway where the Buddha dwelled, whicever household he enters, the devotees would firsly bring the Buddha a pail of water for him tow ash his feet. Hence, it eventually symbolises purity. The water washing away of the dirty.
Somehow or rather, after reading that description, I begin to view every Buddha-Puja as inviting the Buddha to come into my life and to renew the inspiration his Teachings has in my life. Is like the Buddha sitting right in front of you at your home and you present to him all those beautiful things as mentioned above.
However, there is a saying from the sutras, 'gong yang san shi zhu fo bu ru gong yang wu xin dao ren'. How come 'wu xin dao ren' is placed so highly? Wu xin is someone who is liberated, and it is much better to offer a liberated and enlightened person in person rather than to the buddhas of the past in image and form. -
Faith in Buddhism is more about Confidence when our practise reaps results. For example if we practise the 8 fold path, and thus able to gain insight, wisdom, calm, bliss, and liberate from dukkha. We will gain confidence that is BEYOND and TRANSCEND the need for faith.
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What ceremonies in particular?Originally posted by casino_king:Maybe I should ask in a different way.
What is the purpose of Buddhist ceremonies? Is there no reason other than showing respect? What is the significance? -
Because out of loving kindness and compassion, we would like other people who are receptive to dharma to be able to learn them.Originally posted by casino_king:Then what are the Dharma talks for? What are the books about Buddhism for? Not to spread the Buddhist faith?
But we by no means force other people or by active evangelism to gain converts.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
[b]No fanaticism
Of Buddhism alone can it be affirmed it is free from all fanaticism. Its aim being to produce in every man a thorough internal transforming by self-conquest, how can it have recourse to might or money or even persuasion for effecting conversion? The Buddha has only shown the way to salvation, and it is left to each individual to decide for himself if he would follow it.
- Prof. Lakshmi Narasu, "The Essence of Buddhism"[/b] -
Originally posted by casino_king:
The 'faith' in Buddhism means more of confidence and that confidence we derive not just simply believing... but by investigation and discernment and having being convince it is beneficial, we accept it with goodwill and confidence. Ehi-passiko. Or read Kalama Sutta. Faith is also an essential part in Buddhism, read Alavaka Sutta. Faith is impt in religion, in freinds and even in the medicine we take!
I note 2 things.
Why do you say Faith in the Dhamma? Why Faith?
Don't you think that when people start to become spiritual, like yourself, you tend to end up "wanting" or "wishing" or "expecting" a supernatural being:
[b]inviting the Buddha to come into my life and to renew the inspiration his Teachings has in my life. Is like the Buddha sitting right in front of you at your home and you present to him all those beautiful things as mentioned above.
[/b]
Sure sometimes the respect people have for the Buddha may became twisted into seeing him as a omnipotent supernatural being that can grant you things. But for me, it has never been this way. Being brought up in the Therevadan way, I have always view thre Buddha as ateacher who guides and teaches us the way. Whatever result we want to achieve, only we ourselves can do so...
The Buddha said so already in the Dhammapda:
By ourselves is evil done
by ourselves we pain endure
by ourselves become we pure
no one can and no one may
Buddha merely show the way.... -
Whereas faith in Buddhism is thru investigation and questioning even the Buddha's teachings and then convinced of its beneficial nature...
But in Christianity faith is highly encouraged without questioning the texts. I hope I do not offend Christians here and it isn't my intention to but from my conversations with my Christian friends, whatever questions I have for them on their faith and they can't answer me, they just say 'it's the mystery of God. Just believe and don't question God.' -
Buddhism to me is attractive because, I can examine, explore, query and I can even reject it if not convinced.
I also quite like the idea and will follow this rule of "Bending my faith to fit the facts and not bending the facts to fit my faith".
Although, I am not deep into the Christianity bible. But according to MCK and few other honourable Venerables that we should also opened up to the teachings in the Bible and learn something from there. According to the Venerables who were once Christian and those who are trying to understand the essence of this faith. They realised that the Bible has also spectacular and great teachings.
I've friends who are Christians, Catholics, Nichiren believers, Tian Tao believers, Muslims and also Buddhists. They are all good people whom I like to be with. They are all beautiful in their own unique way.
AmiTuoFo!Originally posted by Iker-X-of-Bodh:Whereas faith in Buddhism is thru investigation and questioning even the Buddha's teachings and then convinced of its beneficial nature... -
I understand faith to be "religious faith" and "everyday faith." So I was talking about "religious faith;" the kind that opens your eyes to a new world that you almost never really knew existed.Originally posted by Iker-X-of-Bodh:The 'faith' in Buddhism means more of confidence and that confidence we derive not just simply believing... but by investigation and discernment and having being convince it is beneficial, we accept it with goodwill and confidence. Ehi-passiko. Or read Kalama Sutta. Faith is also an essential part in Buddhism, read Alavaka Sutta. Faith is impt in religion, in freinds and even in the medicine we take!
Sure sometimes the respect people have for the Buddha may became twisted into seeing him as a omnipotent supernatural being that can grant you things. But for me, it has never been this way. Being brought up in the Therevadan way, I have always view thre Buddha as ateacher who guides and teaches us the way. Whatever result we want to achieve, only we ourselves can do so...
The Buddha said so already in the Dhammapda:
By ourselves is evil done
by ourselves we pain endure
by ourselves become we pure
no one can and no one may
Buddha merely show the way.... -
To me it is like, how can Buddhism, Christianity; Hinduism and Islam last thousands of years if there is nothing in their teaching? The thing we should do is try to understand what in their teaching is so attractive.Originally posted by concerned_man:Buddhism to me is attractive because, I can examine, explore, query and I can even reject it if not convinced.
I also quite like the idea and will follow this rule of "Bending my faith to fit the facts and not bending the facts to fit my faith".
Although, I am not deep into the Christianity bible. But according to MCK and few other honourable Venerables that we should also opened up to the teachings in the Bible and learn something from there. According to the Venerables who were once Christian and those who are trying to understand the essence of this faith. They realised that the Bible has also spectacular and great teachings.
I've friends who are Christians, Catholics, Nichiren believers, Tian Tao believers, Muslims and also Buddhists. They are all good people whom I like to be with. They are all beautiful in their own unique way.
AmiTuoFo! -
Originally posted by casino_king:
as ppl fear the after life, death, natural disasters, or question where they really come from. then they thought of a creator or mighty God.
To me it is like, how can Buddhism, Christianity; Hinduism and Islam last thousands of years if there is nothing in their teaching? The thing we should do is try to understand what in their teaching is so attractive.
but Buddhism does have different explaination.
Buddhism like Confucius don't use to be a 'religion'. It used to be a form of education in china, normally for the Emperor can learn.
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Why Buddhism ?
Becos...
We are encouraged to think for ourselves. Buddhism is not dogmatic, depends on reason, does not expect blind faith, does not contradict science.
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_1-4_19.ram
We are encouraged to integrate the teachings into our life. Buddhism provides a step-by-step method for working with our mind to achieve internal peace.
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_2-4_21.ram
We have the power and ability to change our lives - we create the causes for what we experience. Everybody is equal; nobody is inherently evil. Emphasizes respect for all religions and their followers. Shows how to go beyond the happiness and suffering of this life.
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_3-4_24.ram
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Buddhism doesn't promise one will go to heaven or paradise even if he/she has accepted Buddha. To some, they would rather believe in a faith that will promise a good life in heaven after death, no matter what they have done in this lifetime. Ajahn Brahm once said, if he doesn't believes in reincarnation, he will the in next life.Originally posted by sinweiy:as ppl fear the after life, death, natural disasters, or question where they really come from. then they thought of a creator or mighty God.
but Buddhism does have different explaination.
Buddhism like Confucius don't use to be a 'religion'. It used to be a form of education in china, normally for the Emperor can learn.
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Originally posted by neutral_onliner:
The way you put it sounds very attractive. Can somebody learn everything you say about Buddhism but keep his belief in God? Is there a conflict? Also, if you look at old people and young people who are not Buddhists, Old people naturally become "wise" but there is a place for youthful enthusiasm. Will Buddhism change young people into "wise old men?"
[b]Why Buddhism ?
Becos...
We are encouraged to think for ourselves. Buddhism is not dogmatic, depends on reason, does not expect blind faith, does not contradict science.
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_1-4_19.ram
We are encouraged to integrate the teachings into our life. Buddhism provides a step-by-step method for working with our mind to achieve internal peace.
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_2-4_21.ram
We have the power and ability to change our lives - we create the causes for what we experience. Everybody is equal; nobody is inherently evil. Emphasizes respect for all religions and their followers. Shows how to go beyond the happiness and suffering of this life.
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_3-4_24.ram
[/b] -
Yes everyone can learn about Buddhism and keep their belief in God. No worries.
No there is no conflict. Buddhism is a Teacher and Students relationship. A student can learn, regardless of race and religion.
The Dharma will help to see things clearly, about ourselves and the our complete relationship with our living space. Whether a person is old or young, is secondary.Originally posted by casino_king:The way you put it sounds very attractive. Can somebody learn everything you say about Buddhism but keep his belief in God? Is there a conflict? Also, if you look at old people and young people who are not Buddhists, Old people naturally become "wise" but there is a place for youthful enthusiasm. Will Buddhism change young people into "wise old men?" -
I think your understanding of Buddhism is very profound. I will try to ask you even more difficult questions.Originally posted by concerned_man:Yes everyone can learn about Buddhism and keep their belief in God. No worries.
No there is no conflict. Buddhism is a Teacher and Students relationship. A student can learn, regardless of race and religion.
The Dharma will help to see things clearly, about ourselves and the our complete relationship with our living space. Whether a person is old or young, is secondary. -
Questions asked:
Buddhism is more demanding and requires more effort from its followers compared to some other religions where if one accepts the dogma, one will be guaranteed a place in heaven. Please comment.
- Is there a God?
- Do Buddhists believe in miracles?
- How does Buddhism help a person who suffers from anxiety disorder?
- Is there discrimination against women in Buddhism?
- You mentioned in last night's talk that karma is not cast in stone. What do you mean? How does one change or purify one's karma?
- What is the Buddhist view on financial planning, retirement planning, and financial freedom?
- When we go to the temple and pay respect to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, instead of asking for something like wealth, what state of mind should we have?
- What's the difference between reasoning and realizations? Do the two come together?
- Buddhism seems quite dogmatic, because as Buddhists, we believe in the Three Jewels, law of cause and effect, emptiness and dependent origination.
Could you explain why you said it's not dogmatic?
- What should be the right motivation for taking refuge?
- If we do not have a teacher, are books on Buddhism enough to guide us?
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_OtherArticles/WhyBuddhism_4-4_25.ram[/b]
thubten chodron in Singapore -
Not true because of the following:Originally posted by neutral_onliner:Buddhism is more demanding and requires more effort from its followers compared to some other religions where if one accepts the dogma, one will be guaranteed a place in heaven. Please comment.
The dogma is for seekers. The statues are for seekers. People can be seekers till death. Just like in Buddhism. There are many seekers who never come into enlightenment.
To become enlightened is by not seeking enlightenment.
Many Buddhists can say it. But how many know it in their brains and how many know it in their hearts?
Jesus said: You must be born again. Many Christians can say it. How many know it rather than understand it?
It is the same as in Buddhism, to be Born again is by not seeking to be born again.
Only those who are enlightened know (not understand) and only those born again know (not understand.)