Buddhism is not a belief system. When you become a Buddhist, there is nothing your have to believe. You will be told about the Four Noble Truths and Eight Pieces of Brocade. You don’t have to believe this or take a vow that signifies a life long attachment to these precepts (guiding principles).
As a Buddhist, you will be encouraged to see how these precepts work in your life. Do they make sense to you? No one will ask if you believe them.
In a belief system, like Christianity, you may be asked by a true believer whether you believe in Jesus or perhaps if you have been born again.
Some Christian churches are not this fundamental. The motto (precepts?) for the large progressive United Church of Christ Christian church to which belong, and would attend more often but for the temptation of the NY Times & now Sunday morning Tai Chi in the park, has the motto: We agree to differ, We resolve to love. We unite to serve.
The Buddhist perspective is that the true seat of the mind is the heart, not the brain. (Note to consultant: I’m not sure what this means or what its implications are. My question is, do you think it is true?)
According to Pew Research Center in 2012, there were nearly 500 Million Buddhists (7%) in the world.
Compare that with 2.2 Billion Christians (32%) and 1.6 billion Muslims (23%). If you Google these figures you will find they vary according to source. These figures are from 2012.
Photo is from Burtynsky’s Water exhibit that we explored last year. It captures a few of the 1 Billion Hindus (15%)
I’m floating out the idea that the more we believe, the more attached we become. What do you think readers? What do you think consultant?
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
NOTE – If you know any Buddhists that would like to join our discussion or anyone you think would enjoy these posts, please forward to them.