What is Buddhism?

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Sign up for Buddhist Studies Online courses here!: www.buddhiststudiesonline.com/a/2147490400/veXuWE2W

[@ordinary_deepfake]

Why did it get popular in the west ?

[@NarutoUzumaki-hu2rp]

Hey can you do a video on upanishads and schools of vedanta.

[@richardrogers156]

Disciple band with lyrics God of Elijah

[@gibranhenriquedesouza2843]

I always suffered from anxiety and anguish, some people recommended me to try meditation, but I never tried. Maybe I should?

[@Rest-in-JesusChrist7788]

@@gibranhenriquedesouza2843 Try the Lord Jesus Christ. I promise you won't regret it. True Christianity isn't religion. It is a Person - Jesus Christ died and shed his blood on the cross for all your sins, past, present, and future. Was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. God offers Free Salvation as a gift through His Son Jesus Christ. All He requires for you to have eternal life is that you simply BELIEVE IT, my friend.

[@shanselena7373]

I am a Chinese. Even though I am atheist myself, my mom practice some aspect of Buddhism. She has a tea room in the attic with a Buddhist sculpture. She also volunteers for a charity devoted to give free surgery to children with cleft placate and lips. I have plenty of time to observe Buddhism. Some Buddhist monks are just greedy people. My parents used to donate money to a local temple. And they have a monument in the temple dedicated to them. After the divorce and my dad remarried. My mom visited the temple again and found her name on the monument replaced by the new wife. Needless to say that she never visited there again. But there are also Buddhist monk who did truly amazing things. In 2008, there was a devastating earthquake in Sichuan china . A local mother and baby hospital was destroyed. Mothers about to give birth have nowhere to go. The head of hospital ask the head monk of a local temple if they could take refuge there. She was nervous because a temple is supposed to be a clean and serene place. Blood are seen as ominous and animal killings are strictly forbidden. There are monks who voiced their objections. But the head monk said, “ there are many taboos in Buddhism, the biggest one, the biggest one is doing nothing to save people in danger”. The mothers all moved in to the temple. The temple breaks many taboo for them. They put the sculpture away and used the table underneath as make-shift surgery bed. They allow blood in the temple. They even allowed meat to be eaten in the temple by these mothers. Because they needed the protein. All monks in china practice vegetarianism. Some monks in the temple puked at the smell of cooked meat. The head monk went into the kitchen himself to prepare the meat. In the end, 108 kids were born in this temple. And the temple is dedicated to 108 arhats. I don’t believe in Devine powers or miracles. But if any story shows you there are good in religion. It should be this one

[@pansepot1490]

I don’t believe in religions but I believe in good people and certainly that head monk was one.

[@Constantin9va]

A helpful person put aside arbitrary religious rules so a bunch of kids were not born in the street. Best religion everrr

[@malharaoholkar9620]

i hate abrahamic religion's I love dharmik religions Hindu buddist Jain folk ext.

[@fannyalbi9040]

important to read a kalama sutta. So u don’t get stuck by formalities. Read it then practice it

[@Chamdar17]

The biggest taboo is doing nothing to save people in danger? So the monks are militarized against invaders? No, they aren't. So they established hospitals to care for the sick and the destitute since early in their history? Nope, the Christians brought them those concepts relatively recently. So what did this monk mean? That Christian principles trump Buddhist ones, I guess... *shrug*

[@lshulman58]

"Life sucks, here's why, you can fix it, here's how" - I LOVE it! Is that original to you or you get it from someone else? Either way, I will be sure to remember and pass that on to my students. Thanks for that succinct and contemporary way of expressing the Four Noble Truths.

[@catherinehartmannteachingm9156]

Video co-writer here! I heard that phrase from a teacher of mine, and have seen it around several places, but don't know it's original origin. And glad you like it! I love using it to teach as well.

[@jakeaurod]

It sounds like something one might hear on an Infomercial.

[@Rabbithole8]

It isn't "life sucks," rather it is life is off kilter. The metaphor used is riding on a cart that has a loose wheel, you are jolted here and there. Life is "suffering" is a limited translation of the Pali word dukkha, which still limited, is better captured with multiple English words such as "stress," "dissatisfaction" etc. as stated in the video. The concept of hedonic adaption or treadmill is helpful here. One cannot understand dukka without understanding impermanence (viparinama-dukkha), conditioned states (samkhara-dukkha), and ordinary suffering (physical, emotional, and mental pain- dukkha-dukkha). The life sucks part focuses on dukkha-dukkha without the understanding that all states, negative and positive are impermanent. One can easily say, "Life is full of joy," or "Life is great," and that will still miss the mark. Joy and happiness are impermanent; therefore, without this understanding one peruses them only to be dissatisfied. The "fixing" part is realizing all of this including the realization that there is no self: it too is impermanent, a process. This is not achieved primarily through the intellect but experientially. One has to know this is the case. Oddly, the video proposes all of this. Hence, the use in the video of "Life suck..." contradicts the accurate statements about dukkha etc. in the video.

[@Vasharan]

@@Rabbithole8 Thank you for the detailed explanation, it was very informative. However, IMO a simple statement that "life sucks" can also encompass external (dukkha), internal( samkhara) and systemic (viparinama) causes for said suckage. It is the explanation of causes, and our interpretation of them, (the 'Here's Why') that is more important to the philosophy and practice of Buddhism, and the lay and academic understanding of Buddhism.

[@DipayanPyne94]

Well, it's NOT Original. It's just the 4 Noble Truths ...

[@gimakolla3708]

I am a Sri Lankan Therawada buddhist. This video is accurate at many points but there is one single mistake he has done. He said the enlightenment for lay buddhists is almost unachievable. Thats not true. Even in Buddhas life time Kings, queens and lot of normal people achived nibbana . Being a monk will help one to get in to the path with a speed. But everything depends on the intelligense level and the practice of person. So bright lay peolple have achieved nibbana quickly at some points.

[@eseetoh]

You are correct. Being a lay follower is full of commitmentso and distractions, therefore not many in recorded history attained Enlightenment... but it IS possible. That's why it's easier to do so as a monk or nun.

[@austinhill5825]

I am Buddhist and I disagree. It's almost impossible for a lay person to become enlightened because we live in a world of distractions.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

@@austinhill5825, in your own words, define “ENLIGHTENMENT”. ☝️🤔☝️

[@austinhill5825]

@@TheWorldTeacher the 9th jhana

[@rumrunner8019]

@@austinhill5825 One can remove themselves from those distractions without becoming a monk. A homesteader living in the countryside, for example, isn't a monastic but they are away from distractions.

[@marwellus1]

This channel is of unprecedented value, it makes the history we went trough as humans so much clearer. Thousand years of cultural development, thousand ideas of "why we are here and what should we do", comprehensively explained and showed. Thank you. :-) It gives me hope.

[@cathyhamlin3611]

Suffering exists because Adam and Eve fell into sin, and since that time we suffer from rhe effects of living in a fallen world, not all suffering is caused by ourselves

[@the11382]

Andrew should certainly do an episode on religion and the web. Things have certainly changed, especially the last few years. I don't think the internet is as secular as people think.

[@theostapel]

A measured and inspiring note - from yourself. Stay positive - it alone gives strength - in the Light - as one moves through the darkness. Always move - with the Spirit and even laugh - when others throw their 'words' around - in an undisciplined way. You seem to be a being - who thinks for themself. Good luck and fare thee well.

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@jlw35cudvm]

I think it’s not too far of a stretch to consider any religion a philosophy And I’m glad you explained dukha in this way. Rarely do I hear it explained so well outside the Buddhist community

[@erynn9968]

It's a very far stretch if you know what philosophy actually is.

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@hugomallory875]

I follow Burmese Buddhism and I am happy to be one.

[@jeff_forsythe]

Buddhism's highest school is Falun Dafa, its originator is an enlightened being..................truthfulness-compassion-tolerance

[@piratenpotter]

I've been waiting for an episode on Buddhism as I've always been fascinated by its teachings. Thanks for finally uploading one!

[@ShirleeKnott]

same

[@NarutoUzumaki-hu2rp]

Yeah Buddhism is good but it failed in india.

[@codyofathens3397]

@@NarutoUzumaki-hu2rp Did it? Genuine question. From what I've read (cursory readings), it seems like it thrived in India for a long time, and that most people did not consider it to be a separate religion from Hinduism, but just one of it's forms. And today, depending on who you ask, the Buddha is an avatar of lord Vishnu. I'm just curious as to if it really failed in India, per se, or if it's just yet another of what RFB called "highly localized forms."

[@manakin5]

@@codyofathens3397 It could be argued that Buddhism didn't so much as "fail" in India as much as it inspired Hinduism to alter its approach and adopt (and thus co-opt) Buddhist ideas. Buddhism was a challenge of sorts to the priests and their Brahmanic traditions, and indeed Hinduism became more successful in India once a more Vedantic tradition arose, one which focused more on liberation ("moksha") which is akin to the concept of "nirvana".

[@codyofathens3397]

@@manakin5 I'd love to learn more about Hinduism in the era before Buddhism to see what it was like before it's influence.

[@frankm.2850]

As a white, western, religious Buddhist, I’m so excited to see you finally doing a series on the Dharma!

[@Maitreya-7777]

I am glad to find a European Buddhist. Greetings from India.

[@kingofnuggets7304]

As a Vietnamese Buddhist , you guys did better than most of us here , I know some European monks whose level is higher than most of Vietnamese Buddhists

[@jeff_forsythe]

Buddhism's highest school is Falun Dafa, its originator is an enlightened being..................truthfulness-compassion-tolerance

[@jeff_forsythe]

Buddhas old dharma has lost its power. There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@dunnowy123]

There's a tendency for Westerners to fetishize Buddhism as some sort of magic Eastern wisdom, but I can kind of see why it happens. Buddhism's basic precepts fit pretty comfortably in our secular, scientific understanding of the world and has enough of a spiritual/community aspect to fill that emotional-social void as well. It's not perfect - no religion or community is - but, even as a non-Buddhist, I totally see why it has so much appeal.

[@Yash-wm1nj]

Yes, I am culturally a Hindu, but I think that Buddhist similar to Daoist philosophy are superior and more logical. I might follow a mixed religion between these 3 in future.

[@richardhall5489]

@@Yash-wm1nj Buddhist similar to Daoist philosophy = Zen

[@xzodiayinzero5929]

Adherents of the religious would call it perfect.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

How does chanting a buddhas name (such as amita) to get into a magical world after death "fit pretty comfortably in our secular, scientific understanding of the world"?

[@kimbirch1202]

Buddhism says that this world has no existence, except as a dream in our own minds.

[@ricardofranciszayas]

The best version of the Four Noble Truths I have ever heard: 1) Life Sucks. 2) Here’s Why. 3) You can fix it. 4) Here’s How That is brilliant.

[@MrNataphong]

haha simple right?

[@thecatwhisperer2820]

Your version has made the same mistake many in the West has made. The first noble truth is commonly translated as life is suffering, life sucks, life is pain, etc A better translation is that Life can be stressful, life can suck, etc. Not that life always sucks, just that there is stress alongside peace. Dukkha and Sukkha. Dukkha means stress(the best translation) and Sukkha means happiness.

[@Boris_Chang]

Memorable tongue in cheek description.

[@kimbirch1202]

Absolutely. Unless one understands the cause of suffering, there is nothing one can do about it.

[@animanoir]

Beautiful. Thanks!

[@bentoth9555]

"If you do good things good things will happen to you" makes it sound like karma is a value judgement. Karma is simply cause and effect, no judgement included (it just so happens that bad causes often lead to bad results.) It also leaves out how by making causes you increase your tendency to create similar causes, which is also part of karma.

[@ramsesclviii2584]

nirvana and good karma. nirvana and karma are they antithetical

[@Duiker36]

@@ramsesclviii2584 Sort of? Imagine the surface of a pond on a windy day. The wind blows across it, causing ripples. The wind is dukkha. The ripples are karma. If there was no wind, and therefore no ripples, then that is nirvana.

[@melg6834]

Karma is cause & effect ----> could only be said by aWaKeNeD (?) confused typical Abra.hamic westerners 😂

[@dulansudasinghe868]

Nicely put

[@Chase_Istre]

Yes it seems as many teachers trying to explain buddhism tend to make it sound very mystical, atleast much more than it should be. As karma in sanskrit literally means action, and whenever there is action, whether physical or an act of the mind that conditions the ego and it’s desires, there is an effect and that effect creates a cause and it is on going as “dependent origination”. It isn’t much of “Do good and you get good” it is more so “Do good, that cause effects one to lose the forceful sense of self interest because when there is compassion there is loss of self interest and hence loss of self rooted suffering. Thus the cause of good action makes good mental clarity which also leads to good action which is good karma which leads to the end of egotism which is suffering :D”.

[@ihateorangecat]

Buddihsm is the only religion that allowed any people to make questions or even critize about it and will not go to hell for that and not neccessarily need to be seriously religious to go to heaven as well. 😄

[@mcgenius1962]

The man literally said “it’s not a religion. It’s a philosophy” right in the beginning.

[@agoogolofgeese]

@mcgenius1962 re-watch the video. He was quoting someone else and basically negated the statement, saying the man was looking at Buddhism from a purely “Protestant Christian perspective”

[@jeff_forsythe]

Earth was created as a place for mankind to suffer and to redeem themselves to avoid going to Hell. Most people think that we are here to seek fun but that is not the case........................Falun Dafa.

[@chej9]

Life sucks Here’s why You can fix it Here’s how (guitar shredding sounds)

[@DanteTorn]

I practice Buddhist meditation while listening to metal, so this is pretty accurate.

[@peterbayne7227]

@@DanteTorn Might be a reference to the American rock band Nirvana.

[@letsomethingshine]

1. Life is good but not good enough, life sucks if it is not as good as it could be (enough) Life sucks Life is bad but not too bad Life rules if it is not as bad as it could be (worst) Life rules. 2. How do we make life rule more than suck? 3. Understand the nature of both adjectives helps us understand the causes 4. and thus helps us control the causes

[@koziewitha-k6516]

I know what causes me to suffer, wondering what is in that case under the pyramids. Every time I watch one of your vids (which are very good and highly informative) I stare at that case thinking "is he gonna show us"

[@Delphink]

It might not be, but to me it REALLY looks like a backgammon case. That's my huess anyways.

[@codyofathens3397]

@@Delphink seconding this. My grandparents used to travel and do the flea market circuit, and my folks and I did, too, when I was a kid. We've sold about a billion backgammon cases, and I'm like 85% certain that's what that is. Of course, a backgammon set is basically just a fancy briefcase with some stuff in it... So who knows what's actually in there?

[@koziewitha-k6516]

@@Delphink I thought it might be as well, but it bugs me that I can't be sure

[@Salsmachev]

It actually contains the Holy Grail. Andrew is its keeper. If you perform the right rituals to cleanse yourself of sin, a new option appears on his Patreon subscription tiers called the Joseph of Arimathea tier, and one of its rewards is getting to see the Holy Grail.

[@SPDRmagick818]

I would enjoy a video where he shows and explains a lot of the books and stuff on the shelf behind him.

[@scottygordon3280]

Super excited about this series…I’ve studied Buddhist philosophy in an academic context for some time now, so this is particularly exciting for me

[@theduke8763]

For me Buddhism is a method to the learn how you can liberation from painfulness and suffering.

[@flipletape9706]

This is the best short summary of buddhism I've found so far. I love your work.

[@DipayanPyne94]

There is an even better summary. Wanna know ?

[@godiswatching7201]

As an Tibetan Buddhist this is very much accurate and well researched.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

I doubt the (supposedly) historical Gautama would even recognize tibetan buddhism as having a connection to him. It's the buddhist mormonism.

[@erynn9968]

@@TheGuiltsOfUs The brilliance of Buddhism is that nothing needs to be recognised by an authority - Buddha encouraged your own findings.

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@MarcusMoore777]

Recently become a Buddhist ❤️

[@ARAcademyOfficial]

👍👍👍👍💐💕 💕 #ARAcademyOfficial

[@sheeliekittie9298]

Me too :)

[@sheeliekittie9298]

Does buddhism say we must be vegan? Is it enough if we are vegetarian?

[@astro_monist2559]

​@sheeliekittie9298 the Buddha never condemned meat consumption. He taught to eat whatever is provided by the lay community. The Buddha reportedly died from spoiled pork.

[@අනෝ9918]

❤️

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Whew! Excited for the 5 part series!

[@Wojti2000Zapasowe]

When I was a very young kid, I remember being incredibly fascinated by Buddha ever since I saw a movie about two brothers going around the world and staying in a Buddhist monastery, I also had many picture books featuring Asian buildings and Buddha statues. ....because I couldn't read that good, I thought that Buddhists worship both Hindu gods and Buddha by dressing up as asian dragons, and that Buddha statues will make people that do bad things in front of them instantly die.

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@jaked5144]

As a practicing Buddhist - wow! I think you did a very good job giving a 30,000ft view of the practice, easily the best I’ve seen on KZbin (although I do love the “Buddhism is Pretty Out There, Man” video haha) The term religion is indeed pretty funny, and you’re spot on with a lot of westerners being put off by it. I think it is, but my general response to the question is it is mysticism - a unity with all. It really just depends on the practitioner. Only thing I think should’ve been mentioned more was non-self, but I’m sure you will touch on that later. Been very excited for this series, glad you took it up!

[@ΝικόλαςΜ-δ9μ]

I think the concept of anātman or anattā is a bit difficult for an introductory video, and also different schools view this teaching in many ways

[@roshanantony64]

What's "non-self"? Something along the lines of sacrificing our needs to fulfill others?

[@manakin5]

@@roshanantony64 No, it's an idea quite different from that. Like Nicholas said, the concept of "no-self" or "anatta" is not easy to grasp, but I'm sure the next few videos in this series will discuss it.

[@rumrunner8019]

I heard a monk once say "yes, Buddhism is a religion, 100%. And it's a religion for one ancient and profound reason: tax purposes"

[@ΝικόλαςΜ-δ9μ]

@@manakin5 Hey! Do you speak/read greek, or you just figured out my name? 🙂

[@LiquorWithJazz]

Before I left Korea it was important for me to visit the Three Jewel Temples. Haein Temple represents the Dharma; Tongdo Temple represents the Buddha; Songgwang Temple represents the Sangha. I'm really excited for this series.

[@abdullahhassan9544]

U should visit Bodh gaya in bihar in India..the place where buddha attained enlightenment....

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@eomguel9017]

9:05-9:25 This bit made my day. The whole video is good, but that summary and analogy were gold!

[@karlkutac1800]

Fascinating content. I hope you do as many videos as necessary. I'll watch them all. I have so little knowledge on Buddhism. Thanks for the vid!

[@maddiewadsworth4027]

As a Buddhist I think that was an excellent description of Buddhism! 🙂

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@RobertFuszenecker]

Being a buddhist, I can clearly say that this is the best video about Buddhism I have ever seen. Very accurate and enjoyable. Thank you very much for it.

[@DipayanPyne94]

Well, there is one channel which is EVEN better than the video above ! Do you want to know which one ??

[@mariondapsance7803]

@@DipayanPyne94 yes, we'd like to know!

[@DipayanPyne94]

@@mariondapsance7803 This : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaq4ZHZjl5ubf6s

[@MossyMozart]

@@DipayanPyne94 - Troll?

[@DipayanPyne94]

@@MossyMozart Who ? Me ?? Lol. No ...

[@samuraispartan7000]

Is it just me, or do scholars have a tendency to reserve the title “religion” to Abrahamic spiritual practices? Buddhism has sacred texts, clerics of varying rank and status, numerous denominations, temples, political support groups, and etc. Why is this not enough?

[@majestichotwings6974]

Because idiots will be idiots. Buddhism is a religion plain and simple, and tbh anyone arguing the contrary either has an incomplete understanding of Buddhism or is intentionally muddying the water and arguing semantics.

[@graysonbaker1744]

Simple. No god. And I don't mean god in the monotheistic, abrahamic sense, i mean god in the supernatural being sense. For example, Hinduism is pretty easy to call a religion because they have deities (or one deity, depending on who you talk to) that are worshiped, prayed to, etc. Same with shinto, same with the Mediterranean mythologies. It's the lack of any gods in the core tradition that make it difficult to call Buddhism a religion. The cultural practices and the organization aside, the real separation of religion from self-help or vacuum commercials is the supernatural element, which the definition he uses misses. Sure you can call reincarnation that supernatural element, but it's still a far cry from all the other examples. It's most certainly not the Abrahamic thing. Even scholars from 400 years ago knew that. Buddhism is just... tricky.

[@jakeaurod]

Theism is theistic.

[@zach6107]

@@graysonbaker1744 Are devas, yakshas, nagas, narakas, pretas, and such not supernatural?

[@americanliberal09]

The problem is that some of these scholars still wanna believe that god is an essential thing for a religion, because if a religion doesn't contain a god in its belief system. Then, therefore, it cannot be classified as a religion to them. But what they tend to forget to realize is that religion is a lot more complicated than just believing in some deities. Religion is a social organization that involves a unified system of beliefs, and practices. That's what makes a religion. It's an institutionalized system, not a personal practice that you do on your own. It's not just the scholars who wanna believe this. It's also some atheists who still wanna believe this. If you dare to say that you believe in "god without religion". They'll still wanna believe that you're still religious, because according to their logic. Theism is synonymous with religion to them.

[@scottaftem497]

"Dwelling in a dewdrop fallen from a waterfowl’s beak, the image of the moon." -A monk named Dogen

[@augustgreig9420]

Zen?

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@tsukuyomirai5264]

Thank you for doing about Buddhism. Love from Nepal🇳🇵❤️

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@mankosathi2]

I am Nepalese Buddhist 🇳🇵Glad to see this video thank you so much 😊

[@gagank478]

I love Buddhism! I've always been interested in it but got heavily involved when my close friend took his life. It has helped me understand a lot.

[@d512634]

I'm from a Taoist+Buddhist+Confucianism Folk Belief background and I look forward to hear some wacky aspects about this.

[@samirahosseini3381]

Thank you for this video! The doctor Buddha was priceless 😁

[@positivelybeautiful1]

Thank you for the educational & helpful video. I was born into Buddhism, but my family was not active practitioners. My first formal introduction was in college was 37 years ago. Although, I earned my “A,” it was extremely difficult to understand, because the books then were written too formal. I saw a KZbin video in which the Dalai Lama states,” Buddhism has 3 aspects: (1) Religion: is for practicing Buddhists only. Do not try to convert or confuse others. As a philosophy, it complements other religion. (2)Psychology (3)Science: each individual should do their own investigation to seek facts, knowledge, understandings… Ironically the current & modern societies now are still suffering, even more, especially in our children & adults despite we have more advance technology & easier access to resources . There are so much stress, anxiety, and depression. Suicides are rising from students to Billionaires. Perhaps if business corporations & schools introduce Buddhist philosophy & meditation practices, perhaps each persons will have the understanding & skills to be flexible so that he/she can cope with life’s impermanence. The concept of suffering seems so depressing, but No, the Buddha identified the causes of suffering and the way out of suffering. So, it’s a very positive religion / philosophy. Lastly, whether it’s Tibetan, Mahayana, or Theravada, Buddhism teaches compassion. True compassion is the caring of others, especially strangers. But also, an individual has to be happy & understands himself/ herself first, then he will be able to help others.

[@charlotteinnocent8752]

This is fascinating, thank you

[@philly5735]

Vietnamese Buddhist here 🙏 👋🫰

[@debramaertens893]

Great start to a complex subject! Looking forward to your subsequent episodes.

[@welcometonebalia]

I'm very glad that you introduced this series. I've been curious about buddhism for a long time, already when I was a kid, and, having been an atheist forever at the same time, I guess I was first inclined to see it as a philosophy and not a religion, as if it would be "better" this way. But when I was confronted, even only theoretically, with the ideas, rituals and other practices of buddhism, and its diversity, it pretty soon seemed clear to me that it was indeed a religion (and one I couldn't follow, as any other, but that's not the point). And, well, that was OK, just not for me. Interesting to study, though. And the noble truths still speak more to me than most things christian or whatever. Which absolutely does not make me a Buddhist, that's for sure. But this misconception, opposing philosophy and religion, certainly seems quite prevalent. As for me, to still proclaim that buddhism is "a philosophy and not a religion" leaves so many things out of the concept that it actually makes no sense. Sure, as long as personal beliefs and ways of life are concerned, this is probably not that of an issue. But broadened misconceptions about buddhism have their own issues, as all religious illiteracy. And I must say I feel a bit sorry when I hear a person really into meditation say it's "zen". Zen is so much more... and definitely religious. However, once again, if those people can find help this way, good for them, not an issue for me. But downgrading such a complex and diverse social phenomenon to a digest of quite naive and simplistic personal development method (and many times as far of the Buddha and buddhism as you can get) is something that I find a bit disturbing. And sad, probably.

[@tengzhunmun4407]

This is the first video for Buddhism series. There will be five episode totally. I think it is just a general introduction and they will go into details for the rest episodes.

[@Chamelionroses]

I wish more people would learn about religion from your channel. I really appreciate your input.

[@learningwithharry4996]

Thank you. I've been practicing for a while and this has cleared up a number of things.

[@k.t.2913]

Been waiting for this one 😎

[@scottaftem497]

If Buddhism isn't a religion, then why do we have so much respect for the Sutras, the Precepts, & Ordination?

[@aliciamontero7061]

And why we bow down, have funeral ceremonies, believe in past and future lives? Why we pay respect to monastics? 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@user-Void-Star]

Buddhism is not a religion but Buddhism has religion but not like Abraham's religion.

[@chilldragon4752]

Well those things such as rituals and some of the sutras came later. I believe the ritualistic side of buddhism was added to satisfy the people who "needed" some spirituality to be apart of buddhism. The sutras well I mean they needed to write down the Buddhist idea and way.

[@thisulwickramarachchi2380]

@@aliciamontero7061 hey coz religion is based on belief.... Rebirth is not something u believe it's a fact..... The reason ppl worship & bow down to the buddha & monk is in respect of teaching the dhamma...

[@bbernie]

@@thisulwickramarachchi2380 How is rebirth a fact?

[@robbabcock_]

Great primer on Buddhism! Buddhism strikes as an especially pragmatic and useful religion, and a really fascinating one, too.

[@bluelotus.society]

Karma should better be understood as: "If you do things, things will happen" (the fruits of our actions are without prejudice for "bad" or "good" - those are mere human constructs). The practice of karma yoga centers around giving up the desire for these fruits of our actions, or for a specific outcome.

[@catherinehartmannteachingm9156]

Video co-writer here! Thanks for the comment-- I love when KZbin becomes a place for thoughtful exchange! You raise an interesting point about karma, but I do think it's helpful here to point out that while South Asian religions broadly share the idea of karma theory, there are different understandings particular to different religious traditions, or even thinkers within these religious traditions. You're pointing to karma theory as explicated in texts like the Bhagavad Gita, which outlines the practice of karma yoga just as you said, and which emphasizes that we should not be attached to the fruit of our actions. But Buddhism actually has a different theory of karma, one which supports the claims I made in the video script. I'm drawing here on the work of the philosopher Vasubandhu in particular. According to Vasubandhu, karma is determined by intention (centanA), and is morally definable. Actions, and therefore karma, can be good/skillful (kusala), bad/unskillful (akusala), or neutral (avyakrta). They will they produce fruits in accordance with their moral quality. On this basis, Buddhist theory suggests that you should try to do more good actions and less bad actions. For more on this, check out Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakosa, chapter 4.

[@reefread1234]

same as you reap what you sew, all universal truths have places in all "religions" find whats similar find what united us in the divisions of good and bad sift through knowledge and wisdom shows there is no monopoly on love no buddhist no christian no satanist can be in existence without it and all have the same end due to it.

[@IanZainea1990]

7:26 interestingly, the english word "Happiness" and it's etymological roots, actually agree with this definition of happiness. "hap" is chance or fortune. It's why, perhaps, mayhap, happiness, happen, happenstance are all related.

[@davidwhatsthatabout7404]

Buddhism is about finding peace in chaos and accepting that pain and pleasure are temporary.

[@jeff_forsythe]

There is a new Buddhist scripture entitled Zhuan Falun that uncovers many of life's mysteries.

[@mr_dotoomuch]

The path from the starting point to nirvana may take many many lifetimes

[@ryefogle3191]

I like that you are diving into this finally. Only thing I had issue with was the idea that karma can be judged as good or bad. Though I imagine you were using this analogy for simplicity sake it does present a myriad of problems when understanding the teaching of Buddhism. Love your channel.

[@nondescriptcat5620]

i think that a colloquial sense of "good and bad" is fine, as long as we recognize that we make moral judgements from a contingent, subjective position. good and bad as Buddhism sees them, for the most part, you could more accurately call "harm and benefit," as those imply that there is a perspective. to cause suffering is broadly "bad" and to alleviate suffering is broadly "good," at least so far as humans think in those categories. ultimately the goal is to transcend that dualism, but in practical terms it's hard to talk about Ethics without "good/bad."

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

@@nondescriptcat5620 Sounds incoherent, but then all karma "theories" are.

[@nondescriptcat5620]

@@TheGuiltsOfUs if you find the idea that humans judge things as good or bad based on whether they are beneficial or harmful to them difficult to understand, that sounds like a "you" problem.

[@annaaquitaine4225]

I went into a Buddhist temple in Seattle and one of the first things they told me was it’s not a religion in the way that I might expect

[@livingright2439]

That sounds about right. Buddhism is very applied. One achieves the benefits by ones own actions rather than praying for them. Not to say other religions don't talk about actions but most of Buddhism is about actions and taking responsibility for you own happiness and future.

[@gawayne1374]

I was just hoping last week you would do a video on Buddhismm thank you so much!

[@ARAcademyOfficial]

👍👍👍👍👍💐💕 #ARAcademyOfficial

[@simantamodak1147]

Amazing video! Looking forward to the entire series!

[@aserilalit]

It can be equated to action and reaction and he was teaching this 25 centuries ago. ❤

[@sparkplugz75]

Thank you so much for doing this!!!

[@ARAcademyOfficial]

👍👍👍👍👍💐💕 #ARAcademyOfficial

[@ianp8022]

Thank you for all your work.

[@davidcheater4239]

Interesting as always. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@ShogunOrta]

I always find it funny that these great teachers enter our reality at a time when technology is hardly existent and therefore their teachibgs are easily forgotten in their detail.

[@exoplanet11]

There are great teachers even now. For example, look online for teachings of Buddhist masters like Thích Nhất Hạnh . He is teaching about the same fundamental ideas (eg. suffering) that the Buddha taught about back when there weren't many records kept.

[@ShogunOrta]

@@exoplanet11 Thats a good point.

[@chairatsuwanwong4448]

at this time . if 1000 monks around the country says exactly same word. so it true. Asian way.

[@bananahpolkadot]

I grew up Protestant Christian but always felt that it was wrong in my soul. I’ve believed in past lives my entire life as I can remember moments from them. I’ve never found a religion that feels right to me until now. Thank you for this enlightening video. ❤️

[@cometogetherlikevoltron1230]

The only to heaven is threw Jesus Christ

[@miketacos9034]

These videos are invaluable resources for my classes. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@GabrielYuriTheNinja]

As a buddhist myself, well done video. Buddhism is a very simple yet complex tradition. Those seeking intellectual and philosophical material will find that buddhism has a robust metaphysics and very sofisticated means of investigation of reality. Sadly, very often buddhism is simplified to the point it loses a lot of it's complexity. I'm looking foward to the rest of the series.

[@minatoarisato4742]

I wanted to learn a introduction of Buddhism and I'm glad I watched this video to get a better understanding.

[@ARAcademyOfficial]

👍👍👍👍💕💐 #ARAcademyOfficial

[@dbg0206091]

No mention of the 16 breathing exercises/discourse on the full awareness of breathing? That sutra enables one to use conscious breathing to heal mind, body, and leads to enlightenment. I practiced this sutra and healed my panic attacks, my chronic pain became so much easier to bear, that I was able to come off of pain meds I had been on for over 10years. When practiced properly- it's almost magical in it's ability to transform suffering.

[@PariahSojourner]

Good call, Grimstad. Grimstad is referring to the Satipatthana and Anapanasati Suttas (MN 10 & MN 118, respectively). Both are worth studying and putting into action, and you will find them referred to often throughout the Pali Canon. One of my favorite, but rather text-booky, books on the two suttas is Right Mindfulness, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (It can be ordered free of charge through snail-mail directly from Metta Forest Monastery).

[@babyruthless9670]

It's a 5 video series. It's probably in one of the upcoming videos.

[@cwboytop]

Best overview of Buddhism I have heard or read. Good job, thanks

[@hungsu9204]

This is one of the best examinations of Buddhism I've seen on KZbin.

[@Marbo12f]

A lot of "I'm spiritual, not religious." vibes from describing Buddhism as a philosophy. Particularly in the west where there is want to appreciate it on an "intellectual level". Which is just another form of fetishization. The same can be done for any religion though, you see it all the time with Jesus.

[@Constantin9va]

The fetishization of this religion among disgruntled ex-Christians is gross and frightening. Some just people can’t exist without a sky daddy figure telling them what to do. Or a justification for sh*tty actions. Cringetopia.

[@americanliberal09]

Dude. Not all of them. The spiritual, but not religious crowd are not really a monolithic group that you wanna believe.

[@kimbirch1202]

Some falsely think that Buddhism is just some kind of philosophy for living a better life. It goes much deeper than that. The Buddha awakened from the dream of ego, and discovered what is ultimate true for everyone.

[@silverkeystoalchemicalgold3358]

We have a bunch of books in common based on your shelf there. I also have the Lancelot Brenton copy of the Septuagint about the level of the eye.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

Thank you for this. I can't wait for the other entries in the series.

[@TeamMunky]

Life is stressful and is not satisfying in many aspects. This desire for satisfaction can be quenched. One can free themselves from suffering.

[@dandiaz19934]

Yes, we saw the video too

[@guidosalescalvano9862]

According to the Prothero model you could view science as a religion... The problem is understanding the world, the solution is the empiric method, research designs are techniques to solve the problem and several scientists have applied the techniques to understand aspects of the world.

[@zellfaze]

Only a minute in, but I am so excited to see my own faith tackled by you.

[@currenteventsandhistory1364]

Great historical story 💯💯💯

[@LukeVilent]

I just need to add that Tibetan Buddhism is also very present at a particular part of Europe, namely the Kalmykia region in South-West Russia. Kalmyks were a Mongolian tribe that that has been pushed out from the Eastern Steppes and migrated all the way to the Volga: most of Kalmykia is a steppe crossed by the lakes and swamps that formed in the old Volga beds. By the time they came in the XVIIth century, they have already been largely Buddhist, and the practice has outlived Stalin's purges.

[@259webdesign]

I am happy all the time because I am good, and kind and chose to be happy. Sad or miserable look for what they feel as do I and its that state of mind that makes it bad or good and that a happy person can also have painful lessons in life and be thankful for the lessons looking beyond the pain finding more joy and happiness.

[@renren_]

Nice! I hope there's a video about other Indian religions such as Sikhism or Jainism.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

I have published a general explainer on Sikhi. Still haven't published one on Jainism, though it is in the works.

[@renren_]

@@ReligionForBreakfast Thanks I just searched the Sikhi video and found it. Looking forward to the Jainism video!

[@RonJohn63]

The word "religion" comes from the Latin word meaning "to bind" (I probably learned that here on RFB), as in "the religion binds a group of people together". 12:08 That's *really* works oriented.

[@the11382]

The term religion has been giving to us by the enlightenment.

[@smlanka4u]

I think this video is helpful for non-Buddhists who like to learn more about Buddhism. Thank you so much, and may you receive a lot of merits for making this video.

[@koziewitha-k6516]

Might a video of the Tibetan Bon faith be in the works? I know almost nothing about it, and it seems quite interesting

[@PhoenixProdLLC]

Bon is a folk religion unto itself. Tibetans mixed it in after converting to Buddhism much like Santaria incorporates Roman Catholicism.

[@user-Void-Star]

Bon religion is folk religion later copied all four schools of Buddhism of tibet and called themselves bon Buddhist.

[@Yash-wm1nj]

Yese I want this too, I heard somewhere that Bhutan also had this as primary religion

[@huahindan]

Thank you for this gift.

[@kevineb5688]

I think Buddhism is a great philosophy/religion, even though i believe in a true self/soul

[@all_time_Jelly_Fish]

"one major cause of suffering is" *ad break* "how many subscriptions are you paying for?" You tube just makes my day sometimes

[@beezyqueen]

thanks! excited for more videos on buddhism

[@brandonwells1175]

We are desire engines, always concerned with getting what we want. Old Shakyamuni wanted us to see that, so he set some of us on the path of trying to stop being a desire engine. Once we realize we cannot actually do that (desiring to stop desiring is still desiring), we drop the enterprise altogether and learn to sit here and be exactly what we are... more or less. Like most religious topics, the meaning is mostly in our own projections and prejudices rather than any actual observation.

[@curtisschulz5618]

Over 95,000 views, not one dislike. That is pretty impressive for the creator. Congratulations.

[@antoniobarbalau1107]

Amazing overview. Thank you very much for you do for us ♥️

[@parinitashaileshramteke7454]

Thanks for sharing ☺️👍, nice video on practicing Buddhism ☺️👍

[@xiaomaozen]

Splendid overview! 😊🙏🏻

[@SariwangKamao]

All the hippies crying about how Buddhism isn't a religion make me laugh. Go to Thailand, Tibet, or Nepal, see how they practice Buddhism. Then tell me it isn't a religion

[@americanliberal09]

Because they still wanna believe that religions need to be theistic in order to be one. So according to their logic. If a religion doesn't have god concept in its belief system. Therefore, it cannot be classified as religion to them.

[@Shoop...]

The biggest cause of suffering is KZbin ads

[@Jokomanopo]

I adore this video and cannot wait for the next parts in the series!

[@altinmares8363]

Please post more videos about -Judaism origins and Torah -Tengrism -Anthropomorphic gods in ancient cultures -Anthropomorphic gods in Ancient Greece -Islam and quran -Paganism

[@catcomputer]

I second this

[@ElyasBinYahya]

What kind of Buddhism was practiced at Borobudur in Indonesia?

[@Billa792]

I think vajrayana buddism

[@eseetoh]

Sorry but did I miss the part about Anatta (Non-Self)? I thought you were going to briefly mention on the Three Characteristics of Existence; namely Impermanence, Dukkha n Non-Self. Will the Three Characteristics get explained in the following episodes too? Btw nice intro, reminds me of the latest Buddhism video made by Cogito.

[@exoplanet11]

I too would like to see a lengthy discussion of Anatta, which I consider to be the heart of Buddhism, as well as the other two Characteristics.

[@MindPodcastEnglish]

great video

[@endervatta9907]

Amazing video. I love your approach to presenting different religions.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

My dad was a devote Buddhist. But he didn't like it to be called a "religion".

[@wompa70]

Great video as always. Looking forward to the series.

[@panoptikon42]

Thank you very much for another informative episode!

[@ARAcademyOfficial]

👍👍👍👍💐💕 #ARAcademyOfficial

[@St_Luke_333]

I love Buddhism