http://netgrrl.disqus.com/enWed, 24 Sep 2008 23:12:15 -0000http://www.netgrrl.com/2008/09/23/thoughts-on-buddhism/#comment-2589284<p>Ideas or religious tenants lack intrinsic existence and are thereby empty because of their interrelationship with the cause and effect nature of all things in existence. Based on an understanding of this statement, it is unnecessary to challenge the beliefs of other religions. The fact that some people believe in a creator and others do not does not change the nature of existence. Please read "Essence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama's Heart of Wisdom Teachings" and "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking is also helpful. You may find interesting parallels between modern physics and Buddhism. Also, I suggest that you begin to contemplate the idea that the universe is involved in a cyclical existence and try to give up the notion of a beginning and end. You may find that if something doesn't begin there is no need for its creation or a creator. On a personal note, I don't believe Buddhism negates a creator as a reaction to other religions that are based fundamentally upon such a belief.</p>JoelWed, 24 Sep 2008 23:12:15 -0000http://www.netgrrl.com/2008/09/23/thoughts-on-buddhism/#comment-2581731<p>Buddhism is a man-centric religion unlike most religions which are God-centric. If we have to live well and responsibly in this world, we have to tread the path shown by the Buddha.</p>anjaneya reddyWed, 24 Sep 2008 20:17:40 -0000http://www.netgrrl.com/2008/09/23/thoughts-on-buddhism/#comment-2572437<p>Anyone who doesn't think Buddhism is a religion has never spent time around Buddhist part of historic communities (such as in Asia).</p>Al BillingsWed, 24 Sep 2008 13:43:05 -0000http://www.netgrrl.com/2008/09/23/thoughts-on-buddhism/#comment-2570665<p>Thank you for your thoughts, it's very instructive. I am a complete newbie in the area of Buddhism, and the statement which was posted was an excerpt from a podcast called Bad Buddhist Radio, not my own words. If you have any favorite reading material you have found helpful for a beginner, I would appreciate it if you let me know.</p>netgrrlWed, 24 Sep 2008 11:38:16 -0000http://www.netgrrl.com/2008/09/23/thoughts-on-buddhism/#comment-2570536<p>I can understand how the tone of the message could be interpreted that way. For my part, I don't feel I have any views that are superior to anyone else's. It was the aspect of living in the moment, right now, that spoke to me - for me, living in the past (or the future) is something I struggle with. Thank you for your comment!</p>netgrrlWed, 24 Sep 2008 11:28:13 -0000http://www.netgrrl.com/2008/09/23/thoughts-on-buddhism/#comment-2568862<p>My Buddhist teachers stress the importance of respecting other religions. This as well as your comment makes me feel that my religion is somehow superior. Ahh, truth IS paradoxical :)</p>MarshallWed, 24 Sep 2008 10:14:17 -0000