With so many people believe in some form of god,it must be true.

[RedLantern]

The number of people who believe is no measure of the truth or falsehood of that idea.There was a time when everyone believes the world is flat,but they were all wrong.The only way we can tell whether an idea is true or not is by looking at the facts and examining the evidence.
     
'No one saves us but ourselves,
 No one can and no one may.
We ourselves must walk the path,
But Buddhas clearly show the way.' Dhp.165

What do you believe in?

[cookie]

I believe in the existence of the Buddha and his teachings.
 Siddhartha Gautama who was born in the 5th century B.C.E. (some scholars have argued for the 4th century B.C.E.) in the Indian state of Kapilavastu, now part of Nepal. Born a prince, the young man who would become the Buddha renounced a life of wealth and power, to become a spiritual seeker.

The ancient Indians were generally unconcerned with chronologies, being more focused on philosophy. Buddhist texts reflect this tendency, providing a clearer picture of what Gautama may have taught than of the dates of the events in his life. These texts contain descriptions of the culture and daily life of ancient India which can be corroborated from the Jain scriptures, and make the Buddha's time the earliest period in Indian history for which significant accounts exist. British author Karen Armstrong writes that although there is very little information that can be considered historically sound, we can be reasonably confident that Siddh?rtha Gautama did exist as a historical figure.

On the subject of Buddha's path and teachings, there is sufficient documented evidences to support this. Having existed for more then 2500 years, the teachings have been tried and tested and reaffirmed by great scholars and practitioners, who also have documented their journey and experiences. One such precious literature is the Lamrin "Liberation in the Palms of your hands", taught by the great Pabongka Rinpoche, who received the teachings from his Gurus. These teachings will now form the foundation of our practice. The most crucial point is to put these teachings into practice. Only then, one will be convinced of the TRUTH !

[Kim Hyun Jae]

There is much evidence in the existence of Buddha Shakyamuni who was a prince in human form, lived in a ancient palace in the Shakya clan. Since then there are numerous ancient relics, stupas built to commemorate his deeds and followed and his teachings and lineage can be traced back too.

[vajrastorm]

'Belief' is based on faith. This faith can be blind faith. Blind faith or faith without some form of proof that is dependable,is baseless. A so-called 'god' may have answered the 'prayers' of someone, who becomes completely beholden to him. Samsaric gods have a little clairvoyance and supernatural power. They are able to 'tweak' and 'get your prayer answered' by your good karma ripening. Nonetheless, that does not prove they are all powerful and can always get your prayers answered.

In contrast,Lord Buddha did live and did attain enlightenment (there is undeniable proof of this); and afterwards he taught the very same path to enlightenment. Others, including great masters and Buddhist saints with recorded life -stories, have followed his path and also attained enlightenment. As Bodhisattvas, they have returned as teachers to teach and show the very same path to enlightenment. Enlightenment is total elimination of suffering , not answers to prayers for help to solve problems or relieve suffering, which are unreliable.



     

[Tenzin K]

This is a complex issue and must be explored wisely, bravely, and compassionately; however, the only way to get an insight into another person's preferences is to study our own as well as how they are formed.

The challenge about gaining an insight into the topic is that it is difficult to observe scientifically because no two cases are the same. Everyone who has a belief system has one for their own reasons. However, once that has been identified, then the answers are what they always have been - self-evident. This article, therefore, is not about the theological argument one denomination or religion may have against another or the rights and wrongs about religions or God. This article is all about exploring what makes people attracted to God as well as religion. It's about the mental dynamics that make people who they are.
To do so without wisdom will not lead to satisfaction and harmony.

I believe in logic and explanation. Buddhism is my choice.
Buddha taught was a method for understanding oneself and the world in a different way. The many lists of doctrines are not meant to be accepted on blind faith.  The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen master, says "Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means.

To say that doctrines and teachings shouldn't be accepted on blind faith doesn't mean they aren't important. The myriad teachings of Buddhism are like maps to follow on a spiritual journey, or a boat to carry you across a river. Daily meditation or chanting may seem pointless, but when practiced with sincerity they have a real impact on your life and outlook.

[Manjushri]

I believe the teachings of the Buddha, otherwise his teachings would not have been able to withstand 2500 years of questioning and debate. I believe the Buddha because there has been proven results. The living gurus to date are its prove, the sangha and the monasteries propagating and upholding the teachings of the Buddha is more than enough to show that his has achieved enlightenment and that his method shows us the way if we choose to follow.

It is extremely logical that the teachings are there for us to follow and that our destiny is in our own hands. There is nothing stronger or more concrete than if we strive for our own path and work towards it. Buddha taught that what we experience is a result of what we created. Extremely logical. I believe that no one should blindly believe that god can take away our problems without practise or transformation. I also believe in kindness and compassion, fostering harmony between the beings we are in existence with. The same as what Buddha taught.

[Big Uncle]

There are many Buddhists who think and practice their faith as if the Buddha was a God or a grantor of boons and wishes. We may not use the word God in our prayers but we look at the Buddha as a solution to our temporal happiness. In order for us to truly take refuge in the Buddha, we need to expand our minds, understanding and practice so we change our world view and thereby transcend viewing the Buddha as an external God - grantor of boons. In Buddhism, we don't look at the external Buddha but look upon the internal Buddha, whom we unravel through our practice.

[Aurore]

There's also many who does not believe in any form of higher being. So which is true?

Regardless, we cannot deny the laws of cause and effect which is very apparent in our daily lives. The saying "what goes around comes around" is one common thing most people believe in whether they are conscious about it or not. Karma is just another term for this saying which people do not understand fully well hence disregard its truth.

I choose to believe in karma as it is definite. With or without a god, buddha or allah, just by having faith alone is not going to guarantee the course of our lives - bad or good.