Buddhism & Nihilism a question

[Shadow]

I am a nihilist and before this blows up into semantics. Let me explain clearly, I don't care. I have no desire to inform your opinion only to stimulate it.

I have started reading into Buddhism because of its spiritual power (psychology for the atheists). I understand there are hundreds of books, several different sects, a variety of interpretations and various schools. I've been told more than once that Buddhism and nihilism are related... I don't know how or why but I would like to.

Religion is a personal opinion and I would like to develop a beneficial one.

[plumjam]

If, as you say, you're wanting to develop a beneficial personal opinion then you aren't, strictly speaking, a nihilist.

[calebprime]

I am a nihilist and before this blows up into semantics. Let me explain clearly, I don't care. I have no desire to inform your opinion only to stimulate it.

I have started reading into Buddhism because of its spiritual power (psychology for the atheists). I understand there are hundreds of books, several different sects, a variety of interpretations and various schools. I've been told more than once that Buddhism and nihilism are related... I don't know how or why but I would like to.

Religion is a personal opinion and I would like to develop a beneficial one.

define "up".

but seriously, Dancing David? Lisa?

[Dancing David]

I am a nihilist and before this blows up into semantics. Let me explain clearly, I don't care. I have no desire to inform your opinion only to stimulate it.

I have started reading into Buddhism because of its spiritual power (psychology for the atheists). I understand there are hundreds of books, several different sects, a variety of interpretations and various schools. I've been told more than once that Buddhism and nihilism are related... I don't know how or why but I would like to.

Religion is a personal opinion and I would like to develop a beneficial one.

Hi, I like to call myself a nihilist as well, i believe that all thoughts are equally true anbd equally false, some have more validity than others.

I recommend reading around:

Look at any thread started by Yrreg on this forum.
I was not as careful about speelin back then :(

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=48138
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=65885
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=86785
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=89294
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=89294
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=90919

I like Thich Naht Hahn as well, but you will find your own teachers. My wife likes the dali lama as well, i am sort of so so on him.

Bhuddism for Dummies is not a bad starting place.

[Moochie]

I've always had a "soft spot" for Buddhism (color me daft :) ) because in essence it doesn't teach belief in gods or anything unreal. If I understand it correctly, it teaches how to live in the moment and a recognition of how one's mind can and does play tricks on one. Could be mistaken, though.


M.

[Hokulele]

To the OP, you may want to read D.T. Suzuki on Zen Buddhism. It appeals to those who prefer to do than to read and prefer an experience that isn't based on any scriptural texts, authorities, or "revealed" knowledge, but would rather hammer things out on their own.

[plumjam]

To the OP, you may want to read D.T. Suzuki on Zen Buddhism. It appeals to those who prefer to do than to read and prefer an experience that isn't based on any scriptural texts, authorities, or "revealed" knowledge, but would rather hammer things out on their own.

:D
A few amusing internal contradictions there.

[Hokulele]

:D
A few amusing internal contradictions there.


Heh. Suzuki's books were written as scholarly texts and meant to explain the various religions he discussed to people unfamiliar with them. They weren't meant to be scripture. ;)

[Dancing David]

I would also say that the pali canon is very similar in many areas (the ones not about the monastic life), they are the discourses of the alleged historical buddha and followers.

Yet they are for those who wish to follow the teachings there are not requirements. One follows one's own path.

[Scazon]

Buddhism has got itself some pretty good PR over the years, what with the Dial-A-Llama and the Zen ascetics of infinite but unutterable wisdom. sadly, like all religions, it only shows its nice side when there's no possibility of exerting political power. Remember that the Burmese military are Buddhists, not just the protesting monks.

[Dancing David]

Well, you will find that there is a lot of buddhism to be sceptical of, to say the least. I find that the buddhist detractors rarely see that part of the posts.

It is sort of like air, every one breates in their culture. The CIA probably had a stronger influence on the military politics than the AHB.

[quarky]

Shambala is a nice read. Choygam Trungpa

[Moochie]

And let's not forget Lobsang Rampa. OTOH, let's.


M.