About Buddhism
Who is God?
Original Buddhism is not really a religion as there is no concept of God. Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama the Prince is not God but is an incomparable guide.
How is it similar to other religions?
Buddhism believes that one should not be attached to the world and needs to do good works. This is similar to Christianity, Islam and Hinduism that one should do good works.
How is it different from other religions?
No discussion of God at all. Only believes in constant reincarnation until you reach nirvana.
What is the ultimate goal?
Good Works and Constant Reincarnation = Reincarnate to nirvana
What is the main belief and goal of the religion?
No mention or discussion about God. To reach nirvana or the liberating cycle of continuous reincarnations, it is achieved through human good works. Man can save himself. Theravada - Become an arhat, escape the cycle of rebirth, and attain nirvana. Mahayana - Become a boddhisatva then help others attain enlightenment. Rebirth or nirvana. Nirvana is seen simply as the cessation of suffering by some and as a heavenly paradise by others.
What are the wrong interpretations of the present day people?
Buddhism does not believe in Gods but present day folks worship Buddha and pray to Buddha and the different idols. Instead of leading an austere life and not being attached to the world, certain present day Buddhist emphasize on donations and superstitious acts that are not part of the Tripitaka, the origin of the Buddhist faith. Buddhist pray to the different statues with no actual proof of being Gods for worldly things which is against the Buddhist teachings.
What are the consequences if the religion you believe in is wrong?
If Christianity is correct and Buddhism is wrong, not accepting and believing in Jesus as dying on the cross as payment for our sins will make the person go to hell upon death. If Islam is correct, if you do not worship Allah, the one true God will warrant the person to go to hell too. If Hinduism is correct, Buddhist will still get a good reincarnation since Buddhist are expected to do good works.
Who is the founder?
Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama the Prince is an incomparable guide in terms of morals.
What is the character of the founder?
Siddhartha Gautama gave up his comfortable life of prosperity as prince in the palace and ventured into the cold world in search for enlightenment.
What is the origin of the founder?
Born as a prince in Northen India. Practised Hinduism at first but had doubts and questions unanswered prompting him to establish a new enlightenment process.
What are the recorded miracles of the founder?
In Tripitaka, there were no miracles proven or recorded about Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. All others claims were proven to be just myths.
What are the criticisms about the founder?
Siddhartha Gautama did not start with answers. He left his wife and son abruptly all alone in the palace in search for answers.
What are the food restrictions?
Vegetarian.
When did the religion start?
560 B.C.
Where did the religion start?
Northeastern India
How many martyrs died for their religion as of 2016?
Over 10 million
What is the definition of sin?
Transgressions against the universal moral code as set in the Tripitaka or the five precepts. Each individual is responsible for doing good and bad things
What happens when you die?
Reincarnation
How many divine books are in circulation as of 2016?
No source of data
What is estimated no. of words in the divine books?
Over 5,000,000 words
Where was divine books written?
India and China
What is the original language of the divine books?
Ancient indian language called Pali
When was the divine books written?
After death of Buddha, 300 B.C. onwards
Who are the authors of the divine books and their background?
3 Main Authors: Monk named Upali, Annanda (Buddha's cousin), Mahakashypa (Buddha's successor)
What is the general background on how the divine books was written?
Three Authors in one time period
What is the strongest point about the divine books?
Humans controls their own destiny.
What is the main criticism of the divine books?
Tripitaka is just written by three persons in one time period. There is no miracle recorded and no actual proof of reincarnation happening. If reincarnation is true, then with an increasing population, only the good can be reincarnated as humans but as we see the world is becoming more and more evil day after day.
Who are the famous men and women who believes as of 2016?
Steven Seagal, Aung San Suu Kyi, Kate Bosworth, Richard Gere, Herbie Hancock, The Dalai Lama, Tina Turner, Orlando Bloom, Tiger Woods
Who are the infamous men and women who believes in 2016?
Wirathu, Luang Pu Nenkham, Shoko Asahara, Dogo Barry Graham, Dorje Chang Buddha III, Lama Choedak Rinpoche, Andrew Cohen, Lama Ganchen Rinpoche, Lama Jigme, Lama Jinpa
What should you do?
All religions are very different from each other. Christianity believes Jesus is God while Islam does not. Hinduism believes in different faces of one God or possible multiple God while Buddhism does not talk about God at all. If you are serious about eternity or infinite never ending time after death, go search the truth as this is the biggest bet of your life. Then make a choice on what religion to believe in as all religions are different from each other. If you do not choose right, the end result is that you are giving up the hope or salvation after death and the truth is you only get one chance and choice in life.