See we got all these posters that are christian. And for all of us that where raised in Christian (in my case catholic) enviroments we kinda know what are those beliefs. Some of us though have moved to different faiths after having grown dissappointed with the Christian faith.
And I am curious about what are the beliefs that other people from other faiths have. I think there was a similar thread back some time ago but just in case, since I remember posting something about Buddhism some time ago. Be it as it may I think it would be interesting to read more about Paganism, Judaism (I dated a girl that is a jew, thank god for being from a jewish family, and I learned a bit about it and it sounds like a deadly interesting religion).
I guess we should also open the door for any questions people might have and maybe even debate, since after all that is why we are here for.
Anyways I am a Zen Buddhist. Buddhism is a huge religion and as such it has very many different subdivisions inside of it. The two main ones are Mahayana and Theravada, the difference between the two is that Mahayana focuses on the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) while Theravada focuses more on the Buddha himself as a godlike figure, and on the gods and bodhidarmas that follow him.
Zen is a east asian brand of Buddhism. It does not focus on the philosophy and the metaphysical aspects of buddhism as much, and puts a strong (really strong) emphasis on the art of Zazen, which is seated meditation. Immitating the way Sakyamuni (Siddharta Gautama, Buddha) meditated under the Bodhi Tree to achieve enlightment.
As all buddhism we follow the eightfold path:
and we believe the four noble truths:* Wisdom
1. Right view
2. Right intention
* Ethical conduct
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
* Mental discipline
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
I posted that from wiki because I am a tad tired to go into it in my own words.1. The Nature of Dukkha: All life is suffering. This is the noble truth of "dukkha": the word "Dukkha" is usually translated as "suffering" in English. Birth is dukkha, aging is dukkha, sickness is dukkha, death is dukkha; union with what is displeasing is dukkha; separation from what is pleasing is dukkha; not to get what one wants is dukkha; to get what one does not want is dukkha; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are dukkha. This first Noble Truth reflects on the nature of suffering. It comments on types of suffering, identifying each type in turn. A more accurate simplification of this truth is "Life is full of suffering."
2. The Origin of Dukkha (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by desire. This is the noble truth of the origin of dukkha: It is craving which leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust; that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination. The second Noble Truth reflects on the sources of suffering (Dukkha.) Put very simply, it states that suffering results from expectations linked to our desires, and our attachment to those desires themselves.
3. The Cessation of Dukkha (Nirodha): To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire. This is the noble truth of the cessation of dukkha: It is the remainderless fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, and non-reliance on it. The third Noble Truth reflects on the belief that suffering can be eliminated. It asserts that it can be done, and that it has been done.
4. The Way Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha (Magga): To eliminate desire follow the Eightfold Path. This is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of Dukkha: It is the Noble Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. [7][9]
Anyways, you get my views now. I am interested in seeing yours.
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