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by dumdum on December 11th, 2008

dumdum

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Is Buddhism strictly defined as a religion? Have heard some very highly educated people say that it is more of a philosophy and that a person could be for example a Roman Catholic and pratice Buddhism.

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  • by Dr Jones on December 11th, 2008

    Dr Jones

    I do not think that you can be a Roman Catholic if you are a serious Buddhist. I think that Buddhism is incompatible with Western Religions.

    Western Religions have certain basic concepts due to them having arisen in the same part of the World, the Middle East.

    All believe in a supreme God, linear time, one life on Earth and then an eternal life in Heaven or Hell.They believe that your personality is part of your immortal Soul.

    In Indian Religions such as Buddhism, things are different.There is not really any Supreme God, time is cyclical and there is reincarnation and many lifetimes.

    In Indian Religions, your personality is part of your body and dies when your body dies. The soul is like an impersonal energy that moves from body to body.

    In Buddhism, you ultimately have to save yourself through your own efforts, but in Western Religions you have a God to help you.

    Finally, in Western Religions, the ultimate Goal is Heaven. In Indian Religions such as Buddhism, the Goal is the elimination of desire for Heaven or anything else. You end up dissapearing like a raindrop into the ocean.

    Comments

    • Thanks +4. Figured I wouldn't get much feedback on such a question but was surprised by the quality. Celebrate life.

      dumdum

      by dumdum on December 11th, 2008

    • I am sure that you will get more feedback, but it may take some time.

      Dr Jones

      by Dr Jones on December 11th, 2008

    • You are partially right. However, Buddhism is not classified as an Indian Religion, even if it did originate from India, rather Buddhism itself is classified as it's own category with Theravada and Mahayana as it's sub-sections. Why am I stating this?
      Because, even though Buddhism and the rest of the Indian religions are related because of the similar beliefs in reincarnation etc. Hinduism has gods thus making it a theistic religion.
      Never the less, I agree on the rest you said.

      Sunteck

      by Sunteck on November 7th, 2009

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