AquaVita

I think this would be better off in the non Abrahamic forum

Steve K

I studied Theravada for a while on my own (Access to Insight is our friend ) Recently I've been attending a small Zen temple a few times a month. Some of the Mahayana stuff seems almost theistic (twitch twitch) but I think it's been helpful for me. I combine things I've learned from both schools into my meditation.

- Steve

paul30

I'm a Buddhist, though a pretty bad one.

The main difference I see between Minhayana and Theravada Buddhism is that the former has a whole pantheon of gods and goddesses and spirits and such, and deals with what happens after death, while Theravada does not.

One thing the Buddha did when he reformed Hinduism was eliminate or exterminate the idea of Self, and hence the idea of reincarnation.

Some Buddhists believe in reincarnation.

But I would imagine that even if you believe in reincarnation, the Buddhist idea of non-attachment-to-results would keep you from seeking a better incarnation by good action; you do things to do them, not in hopes of gaining some result by them.

Bree

this is my opinion, as well - glad to know i'm not the only one.

monkey mind

I like Pure Land and Zen Buddhism. At first glance, many people think Pure Land is theistic or really superstitious, but if you investigate it a little further I think you'll find that it actually isn't. It does attempt to appeal to all types of people, including people prone to superstition, but the philosophy of it really isn't superstitious at all.

To me "Mahayana" Buddhism is very flexible, and if traditions have evolved that seem "theistic" or whatever, it's because that's what people wanted. Of course it's all about personal preference

monkey mind

just thought I'd add, that in my experience even the Buddhist schools that teach about rebirth usually teach that the goal is to STOP the rebirth, not achieve a higher one. In my mind, there's a big difference between the goals.

Sarpedon

I do a bit of the zazen. I guess I am a cherry-picker buddhist. I do not believe in reincarnation or cosmic karma, and the like.

I suppose it is only a matter of time before seraphim comes in and tells us that we are all stupid white people who can never understand buddhism, and that we are all just a bunch of pathetic wannabes.

Mageth

Well, I've been studying Buddhism a bit. Don't consider myself a Buddhist, but I'm probably closer in thinking to Zen Buddhism than to any other "religion." I think there's a lot of value to be found in the Zen view of existence and approach to life.

Jet Grind

Well then he's no Buddhist, a true Buddhist would never stand in judgement of someone elses beliefs.

dublczek

I'm a Taoist. A Buddhist pushed me into this thread, I swear. Hey, give back our Zen. It was only on loan.