Homestar Runner Wiki Forum

How do you all feel about Buddha and Buddhism?
How do you all feel about Reincarnation?
How do you all feel about Buddhism today?
How do you all feel about Meditation?

I have respect for Buddhism and the Buddhist teachings, just as I have respect for other religious and philosophical ideas and teachings. I am personally not Buddhist, but some of my personal spiritual beliefs may coincide with Buddhism. For example, I DO believe in reincarnation, though not necessarily as some Buddhists might believe in it. I also believe in the power of meditation, though I am still trying to learn how to do it. As far as Buddhism today goes, I have a lot of respect for what the Dalai Lama teaches and his efforts of speaking around the world to promote peace. However, I am not so keen on reports I have heard about how Tibet was ruled while he was still in charge--reports that include physical torture of citizens. This does not coincide with the messages of peace and tolerance I hear from the Dalai Lama today.

_________________
The meaning of life is 'bucket.'

FOR PONY!!!

I should point out that many of these rumours come from Chinese agents or people who are against Tibet.I have heard some of these and they are untrue and many ways bizarre.

How do u believe in reincarnation?

I feel that Buddhism is greatly misunderstood in the West (maybe even in the East!). If I had to describe myself in terms of religion (and something like "atheist" or "agnostic" wouldn't do), I'd say I'm a Buddhist -- in probably the loosest possible sense, though.

It really grates on my nerves, for example, when somebody apparently thinks that the Buddha is a deity. He's no such thing, he's just a model of an ideal person. Whether or not Siddhartha Gautama, the person known to us as the Buddha, even existed isn't even important. (I believe he did, but the point is it doesn't matter.)

People in the West (and, again, even some in the East... for convenience, I'll just say "the West") think that Buddhism is strange and mystical, and it's not, at least, not at its core. Meditation looks strange because it's not familiar, but there's nothing mystical about it. It's just a particular form of introspection. "Enlightenment" sounds like a stranger concept than it actually is, and so on.

As for reincarnation, I don't find it important to my views on Buddhism. I look at the down-to-earth aspects of Buddhism, focusing on how to live... if you do that, the rest should fall in to place anyway, at least that's what I think. I've heard my approach described as "Modern Zen", like it's some watered-down version, but I really don't get why things like deities and reincarnation should really be all that important. I respect the beliefs of those who feel otherwise; it's just not how I feel.

- Kef

Bravo!Please post away you offer valuable insight!
I think Buddhism is one of the least mystical religions-besides reincarnation and enlightenment which are important but i like how Buddhism allows you to feel open. The religion is peaceful and it shows in the Nations that majorly follow buddhism.
Buddha actually existed he was a prince-the stuff about exact life details are very likely but based on religious text.
He was Prince of a warrior caste in Hinduism which pillaged all across modern Nepal-the tribe was calld The Shakya.Which is why he is called sometimes Shakyumuni which means "Son Of The Shakya"
I like to be apart of Buddhism, I feel free happy and I don't fear any gods or "He"