Misconceptions about Buddhism

[B. de Corbin]

As is common with, I think, pretty much all religions, people who don't know much about a religion's beliefs often think they know more than they actually do.

Here are some misconceptions about Buddhism that are pretty common:

What Stereotypes Surround Buddhism?

[DragonsFriend]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

There ise a very wide spread misconception that Buddhism is a religion Yet to most sects it is a philosophy.

[monsno_leedra]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

There ise a very wide spread misconception that Buddhism is a religion Yet to most sects it is a philosophy.

Bolded mine.

I think the bolded aspect of Buddhism being various sects and practices vice one religion called Buddhism is one of the major misconceptions. People go on and on at times about Buddha this and Buddha that, but fail to realize that there are multiple practices that call itself "Buddhism". Though I agree most I've spoken to, even Buddhist in Japan when I was stationed there, said its a life philosophy and way to live more than a religion.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

Meh...

Whether it is a religion or not, for this sect or that sect, will depend on how you define the term.

Use a content-based definition ("a religion requires a god, gods, goddess, goddesses, spirits, etc.") then it frequently isn't.

Use a functional definition ("does it fullfull a spiritual need in the one who practices it?") and it more often is.

Myself, I don't think about it because it is irrelevent to me. So maybe it's neither at some times.

Which might mean that at other times it is both.

[anunitu]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

It really surprised me when I saw a program(Maybe history channel) that had Buddhist's fighting between sects. I had always "Pictured" them as the peaceful ones.

See here.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

It really surprised me when I saw a program(Maybe history channel) that had Buddhist's fighting between sects. I had always "Pictured" them as the peaceful ones.

See here.

In theory, Buddhists are supposed to respect other Buddhists, even when they disagree.

But humans are humans, and a belief system does not necessarily make them perfect. Cie la vi!

[Sean R. R.]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

In theory, Buddhists are supposed to respect other Buddhists, even when they disagree.

But humans are humans, and a belief system does not necessarily make them perfect. Cie la vi!

C'est la vie*

Sorry. I feel like an asshole when correcting other people's writing. Nothing against you, it is just for your own knowledge.

[anunitu]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

Even though I am myself French(well half) that was really very French of you(a reason why some find the French irritating) but hay,the french can not help it,being French means you must be truthful,unless you have had to much wine...Then just find a bed to sleep it off.

- - - Updated - - -

and also,what is up with this laugh.

Remember I am part French..

[Sean R. R.]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

I knew it was in my veins! It's in my DNA even! OH NO.

We don't laugh like this. I promise.

[thalassa]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

This is one that I'm familiar with, after going to a Bon dance.

first and most famous sermon.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Misconceptions about Buddhism

Earlier I said that I am not concerned with whether Buddhism is a philosophy or a religion (I suffer from far to much pragmatism to worry about what a thing is or is not - if it works), and then used four point Buddhist logic (as opposed to polar Western logic) to suggest that it may be both, or neither.

That kind of thinking may be confusing, but here is an outstanding essay on the subject:

A Philosophical Assessment of Secular Buddhism

I don't exactly agree with everything in the article, but most of it makes ginormous sense to me.

From the article:

...Everything about my own life would appear to align with a secular form of Buddhism–I could be the poster child of the movement. Although I’ve been existentially engaged with Buddhism for half a century, I’ve never at any point been able to:

Join a particular sect or lineage
Take vows
Wear medieval robes
Adopt an Asian name
Accept someone as my personal guru
Take an interest in future lives or parinirvāna
Or, due to a knee injury, even manage to sit in an appropriate Asian meditation posture

Talk about a “Buddhist failure!” The problem has been that whenever I’m tempted to do anything that looks traditionally Buddhist, I begin to feel like an imposter, someone posing as what he can’t possibly be. Yet even though all the surface signs of being a Buddhist are missing, I can’t help but conceive of myself as a Buddhist, a real Buddhist, albeit a contemporary American one...