Modern Buddhism-guatama Would Be Sad

[DrewPollock]

Most modern day buddhism is so completely far off from what we know the buddha taught. No one is for sure exactly everything he taught.

Why do modern day buddhist have sacred dances and prayers and spirits. As far as i know the Buddha taught things like that were foolish. Someone please enlighten me.

[a random hack]

how do you know it's far off, if you don't know what he taught?

[DrewPollock]

we dont know every word that came out of his mouth. But as far as we know, he did teach that man created thier own "god" out of fear. He didnt believe in a god. so why do modern buddhists pray? what do they pray to? what is the purpose of dancing and rituals? the buddha meditated. he didnt dance.

[a random hack]

so some buddhists are foolish...
seems even a foolish person can learn from Buddha <_<

maybe that's why study study and practice the buddha's words?:)

[DrewPollock]

Can you comprehend? understand?

Please dont respond to my post unless you are going to answer it.

[beesting42]

there are many paths... one for each of us actually... the buddah can be likened to a light on the path... but we have to do it ourselves. Right and wrong are not the issue. if they dance, they dance, if they pray, they pray... we can't really say whats right and wrong for others or ourselves... and technically speaking... the buddah is here today and he is not so upset!

peace out yo,
yall should check out www.lioncity.net/buddhism its a little more active

[beesting42]

and no... i can not comprehend, i can not understand...

and in a sense, i agree with your first statement. as far as i know the buddah rebelled against the theists, the practitioners of ascetecism, and he focused not on whats outside "self" but self itself. he he
but people get trapped in all kinds of nonsense, they call themselves "buddhists" and they can't comprehend living without that label, let alone living without any labels... look don't listen to me, the buddah taught some amazing stuff, practices if you will. those practices don't lead anywhere amazing... it the practices themselves that are amazing. Its just that simple... the practices have been laid out, all you have to do is try! maybe at first its not easy or amazing... but its like anything else... you can't expect to be a top quality dancer or chef on your first try!!!

if you want to know what practices I am referring I would be glad to respond... but they are out there available for everyone... mindfulness, meditation, etc... there are many variations

[beesting42]

and p.s. enlighten yourself! :lol:

[DrewPollock]

thanks beesting.... i was hoping you would be the one to respond. i was just wondering where they get praying and dancing from. If there was something that i didnt know. i guess it makes sense that dancing and such is just how they go about it. o well, i was just wondering. THanks

[beesting42]

Maybe the dancing and praying IS a misunderstanding... but to even discuss it is pointless speculation as far as I am concerned. Leave that for the scholars and intellects... In my experience there is always an underlying meaning in any religion, and I have a feeling that all religions point the same direction... the point is not to make sense of it all, but to truly understand from the point of personal experience... to see the true meaning of the dancing and praying etc... and the true meaning of any practice, but again that could be considered pointless speculation and mental masturbation... the key here is practice... LIVING IT