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So instead you chose to make assumptions.I have been informed recently that I am more of a deist than a theist. Who knew? Of course, I would have thought someone who lectured on religion, such as yourself, would have known.Eightfold Path. Life for Buddha was full of pain and suffering (dukkha). This is evident in birth, sickness, decay, and death. For Buddha, suffering is also caused by an insatiable desire for pleasure, existence, and prosperity. If one wishes to overcome suffering, then he or she must eliminate these desires. But how can this be accomplished? Buddha taught that for one to escape suffering, one must follow in the Eightfold Path, also known as "The Middle Way." Kenneth Boa captures well this scheme of remedial treatment when he writes:
The Eightfold Path is a system of therapy designed to develop habits that will release people from the restrictions caused by ignorance and craving. Each follower must join an order (the sangha) and associate with other disciples of Buddha. The Eightfold Path consists of: (1) right knowledge (the Four Noble Truths), (2) right aspirations (intentions), (3) right speech (overcoming falsehood and promoting truth), (4) right conduct, (5) right livelihood (certain occupations must not be followed, such as slave trader, tax collector, or butcher), (6) right effort, (7) right mindfulness (self-analysis), and (8) right meditation (the techniques of Raja Yoga).[73]
Again, this "Eightfold Path" or the "Middle Way" is succinctly stated by Carlson and Decker as (1) Right View, (2) Right Resolve, (3) Right Speech, (4) Right Action,[74] (5) Right Livelihood, (6) Right Effort, (7) Right Concentration, and (8) Right Ecstasy.[75] Right View means that one comprehends the Four Noble Truths. Right Resolve is the determination to obey the Four Noble Truths. If one wishes to avoid suffering, then one must have Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. In addition to the practical aspects, one must also adopt the spiritual aspects, namely, the emptying of the mind (Right Effort), the higher states of the mind and body control (Right Concentration), and cessation of sense experience and receiving universal knowledge (Right Ecstasy).[76]
"The goal of each Buddhist" writes Boa, "is the attainment of the state of nirvana."[77] Again, Boa points out that "Gautama’s original teaching was that nirvana is not God or heaven, for his system has no place for deity."[78] For Gautama (Siddhartha, Buddha) the Absolute is totally impersonal, and salvation is achieved by one’s own labor. He also adopted the Hindu philosophy of transmigration (samsara, s…m-sär"…) and karma into his reasoned doctrine.
Buddha modified the teaching about the transmigration of souls by asserting that men do not have souls. "There is no enduring self or no actual substance (anicca) which goes through rebirth, but only a set of feelings, impressions, and present moments. All external reality is illusion (maya, mä"y…).[79] Buddha also taught that each man is an island unto himself. "Buddha said, ‘If someone is suffering, that is his karma.’ You are not to interfere with another person’s karma because he is purging himself through suffering and reincarnation! Buddha said, ‘You are to be an island unto yourself.’"[80]
[73] Boa, Cults, World Religions and the Occult, 32.
[74] Right Action, or Right Conduct demands five precepts: (1) forbidding killing, (2) stealing, (3) lying, (4) adultery, and (5) drinking intoxicants.
[75] Carlson, Fast Facts on False Teachings, 24.
[76] I am especially indebted to Carlson and Decker for this insight.
[77] Boa, Cults, World Religions and the Occult, 32.
[78] Ibid.
[79] Ibid., 33.
[80] Carlson, Fast Facts on False Teachings, 29.
Sermons and Essays*Buddhism and Hinduism
Throws a wet sock at the idea of a need for a god.
A theist cut and pasting on Buddhism?
10% of the present population, and vast population of the last 2000 plus years don't need to believe in a god.
Did you gain some insight in the last couple of days?
I studied all of the major religions when I woke up. When did you walk away from God?
Would have known your mind and heart? Only by what you post.
I did not major in mind reading via a message board
If you did not believe in God, why did you study religion?