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Question
Is it possible to believe in God but follow Buddhism? I don't seem to enjoy my religion anymore and I have found out that Buddhism is a religion that lets you be on a more spiritual side. So, is my question generally possible?
Hi Kirsten,
"Is it possible to believe in God but follow Buddhism?"
Do you really know why you asked this question? To you the concept of God and believe in God have been ingrained in your mind since childhood. Asking any person to discard an idea which had been indoctrinated into the subconscious mind since childhood is quite impossible, unless this person is willing to free his mind of all ingrained, preconceived ideas. To you this belief in God is so important that even you don't subscribe to your present religion, your mind is still encumbered to this ingrained belief in God.
To be quite honest, you still can follow Buddhism and still believe in God. You see, Buddhism is about contentment, peace of mind, compassion, and harmlessness. So there is nothing about God in Buddhism. You may believe what you want, so long as you live a noble, harmless and peaceful life. This is Buddhism.
To go one step further, in time to come when you really embrace Buddhism, you will eventually find the answer yourself. Then your mind will be as free as a soaring bird, without any fear, prejudice and encumbrance.
Take care, and be happy.
Justin Choo
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much for that excellent answer! It's just what I really needed. You are true that God is instilled in my mind through childhood but I believe that anybody can choose any religion or god they'd like to choose. I chose God not because he was part of the Philippine culture, but because he's the best god I have ever heard of. Anyway, thanks a lot. :D! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Justin Choo
Expertise
When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.
Experience
I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple.
My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.
Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/
Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)
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