Answerer

On the surface, Buddhism may look like Hinduism. However, they have different foundations. For example, Hinduism built upon the concept of 'self' while Buddhism built upon the abandonment of 'self'(there are others as well). If Hinduism is really similar to or better than Buddhism in all aspects. Buddha would not have founded another sect of His own and would have adviced everyone to join Hinduism.

ageofreason2000

I think you misread me, I only ventured the idea buddism is an offshoot of the hindu belief system
I don't care which is "better" (as a materialist atheist why would I).

But from yours (and the previous) post perhaps buddism is completely seperate, at least it doesn't have a god (although Buddha seems pretty close IMHO, I'm suspicious of anyone who places another on a pedestal, cross, etc.)

Seems to me many humans have an urge to be lead by others, as if they are not able to reach "truths" by themselves, instead idolising others without question.

Still better a Buddist than a xian or muslim.

(Sorry if this is insulting but all religions are rather silly to me).

Age

[ November 25, 2002: Message edited by: ageofreason2000 ]</p>

Seraphim

"If Hinduism is really similar to or better than Buddhism in all aspects. Buddha would not have founded another sect of His own and would have adviced everyone to join Hinduism. "

My reply : That is where you are wrong. This is the point of difference which is the different between Arabic religions (such as Judaisn, Christianity and Islam).

Hindusm doesn't force everyone (followers) to be in the same boat and force them to pray to the same God like Christianity and Islam does. WHY? Because it won't work. WHY? Because people are different in term of emotions, will power etc, which is what Caste system was about - 4 group of people, each with their own desires etc.

In Buddhism, it become stricter than Gita in terms of approach. People who have stronger will power are brought together to teach and shown a way to enlightment.

Confuse? Lets look at this from Arabic religions' point of view. Islam and Christianity for example forces its followers with a single way, thus forcing them to mold into a single people with single objective. In Hindusm and Buddhism way, such approach is illogical because different people must be taught in different ways and not simply force them together in one roof and expect them to adjust.

You may wonder - if different ways are taught, then doesn't that means that different people will branch off differently? Yes, but their destination will be the same where eventually, they will end up at the same destination. Only difference will be that some will take longer and have tougher journey than the others.

hinduwoman

But that is the point. You did not carry out your part of the bargain, and so now there is serious imbalance in the world due to which the bombing occured. Of course this is the old magical thinking --- natural and supoernatural planes are linked.

Dr. Jagan Mohan

In which S. Indian Temple do you claim that sacrifices are made? In rural S.India, I have visited about 52 Temples out of the 108 Divya Desams, and have been to some 5000s of other temples, in all the four states. Vaishnavism and Shavism is against Animal Sacrifices. In Shaktism, there was a tendency to sacrifice... but its in the fringe.. Tribal definetely.

Perhaps you would shed light on WHICH temple in S.India that holds animal sacrifices? Your name reflects that you are from Tamil Nadu, but I am appalled at your stereotyping of all Hinduism... Hindus are fairy violent, you say..
I ask you Which Hinduism?

Still the question is WHICH Hinduism or WHICH temple? Is it a Temple dedicated to Lord.Vishnu or a village outpost stone dedicated to a guardian deity that is outside the preview of orthodox schools of Philosophy..?!