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Buddhists/other buddhist gods
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Question
hi, i'm doing a research project on Avalokiteshvara,
Padmasambhava, and Tara which are gods in the buddhist religion
but i am having trouble finding info on them. what is their
influence on everyday tibetan life. where did they come from and
why are they worshipped. why do they have so many
manifestations. are there any other questions i should be asking?
Hi Briana,
Thank you for asking me.
Instead of regurgitating info on your queries, please refer to the following sites:
Avalokiteshvara:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokiteshvara
Padmasambhava:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmasambhava
Tara:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_%28Buddhist%29
I do not wish to dwell into your queries because they are actually not "Buddhism". Buddhism, as the name denotes very specifically, is all about the teachings of the historical Buddha. He taught about universal truths and inner peace. His teachings transcend cultures, nationalities, and even time and space. The teachings are about how to live a peaceful life through realization of the true nature of existence and the universe. In very simple instructions, his teachings can be summed up in three simple lines:
Avoid evil
Do good
Purify the mind
The above-mentioned "gods" actually have nothing to do with the teachings of the Buddha. You will understand what I mean when you read through the sites and then to compare them with this site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
Smile from justinchoo :-)
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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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