Only some one who does not clearly understand the definition of god can think that. I agree with you, Buddha wasn’t a god.
k4ngaroo87
10 years ago
It’s obviously ridiculous, yet there are millions that believe it’s true.
Nevets
10 years ago
Your statement “almost everyone” is grossly incorrect.
Caboose
10 years ago
People who don’t research the religion think Buddha is a god.
Steph S
10 years ago
I dont know where you got that idea. I’ve never heard of anyone saying Buddha was a god or the creator of the universe.
IndianHulk
10 years ago
Those who say are just trying to brainwash people
gertystorrud
10 years ago
No kidding! (Jesus is God!) The Father said if you do not accept My Son, you do not accept ME.
Gorgeoustx Vote the Fundies OUT
10 years ago
Only the most ignorant person does not know that Buddha is no God and he is not worshiped.
Give us a little credit for not being morons, please.
Old guy
10 years ago
I don’t…Buddha is not even a name but more like an adjective, given to him by children, that expounded his mental condition (Awakened One). Which he himself believed was the nature of all men.
Lily
10 years ago
What? I thought only Buddhists thought that. Why do you say “almost everyone”?
PaulCyp
10 years ago
No-one thinks Buddha is a god, least of all Buddhists!
kakjab
10 years ago
Well, probably because people from most theistic religious backgrounds find it difficult to imagine a religion which doesn’t have one or several gods in the centre of their doctrines. It probably doesn’t occur to them that this could be possible…
Never mind.
John P (I'm only a bug)
10 years ago
This seems to be a popular misconception among non-Buddhists. I believe it stems from them viewing Buddhist prostrations, offerings and misinterpreting that as a form of idolatry and worship.
There are even Buddhists I have encountered (even on S&R) who have elevated the Buddha to a quasi-deity–a being “living” in some ephemeral world who grants prayers to his supplicants. So, why do some Buddhists have this belief? Ignorance, the need to cling to self, and superstition all come to mind. But, if this is their belief and it helps them (so-called Buddhists, that is) cope, it really causes no great harm.
May all be at peace.
John
Rez Rostov
10 years ago
Old Guy has it right, Buddha is a description or rather a state of being.
Kisshomaru
10 years ago
Remembering that many of those who were originally exposed to the teaching of Buddhism were not able to read and so could not utilize the Pali Canon, nor did they have time to sit and listen to the recitation of the sutras.
In some countries and cultures, originally Buddhism was only taught to the elite of the same society. Peasant and common laborers had to work and had no time for learning a philosophy offering “enlightenment” as they had to deal with serving their lord and master and trying to provide for their family and themselves.
What they did hear, they embellished and twisted, distorted. Others may have manipulated the teachings of the Buddha for their own purposes such as controlling others.
As and when Western culture began to influence the cultures, ideas from one belief system may have been incorporated into the existing ideas and understandings.
In this manner, various sects of Buddhism arose.
When the Westerners returned to their homelands, they may have misunderstood what they saw and heard so as to accidentally further this misinterpretation especially after seeing the large images of the Buddha and people making offerings and praying to the same.
It is easy to see where this misunderstanding came from.
May you be well.
JD
10 years ago
people who think he was a deity obviously didn’t do any research.
Buddha = enlightened one
I agree, Buddha is! a Great Teacher.
What? I thought I was God.
Only some one who does not clearly understand the definition of god can think that. I agree with you, Buddha wasn’t a god.
It’s obviously ridiculous, yet there are millions that believe it’s true.
Your statement “almost everyone” is grossly incorrect.
People who don’t research the religion think Buddha is a god.
I dont know where you got that idea. I’ve never heard of anyone saying Buddha was a god or the creator of the universe.
Those who say are just trying to brainwash people
No kidding! (Jesus is God!) The Father said if you do not accept My Son, you do not accept ME.
Only the most ignorant person does not know that Buddha is no God and he is not worshiped.
Give us a little credit for not being morons, please.
I don’t…Buddha is not even a name but more like an adjective, given to him by children, that expounded his mental condition (Awakened One). Which he himself believed was the nature of all men.
What? I thought only Buddhists thought that. Why do you say “almost everyone”?
No-one thinks Buddha is a god, least of all Buddhists!
Well, probably because people from most theistic religious backgrounds find it difficult to imagine a religion which doesn’t have one or several gods in the centre of their doctrines. It probably doesn’t occur to them that this could be possible…
Never mind.
This seems to be a popular misconception among non-Buddhists. I believe it stems from them viewing Buddhist prostrations, offerings and misinterpreting that as a form of idolatry and worship.
There are even Buddhists I have encountered (even on S&R) who have elevated the Buddha to a quasi-deity–a being “living” in some ephemeral world who grants prayers to his supplicants. So, why do some Buddhists have this belief? Ignorance, the need to cling to self, and superstition all come to mind. But, if this is their belief and it helps them (so-called Buddhists, that is) cope, it really causes no great harm.
May all be at peace.
John
Old Guy has it right, Buddha is a description or rather a state of being.
Remembering that many of those who were originally exposed to the teaching of Buddhism were not able to read and so could not utilize the Pali Canon, nor did they have time to sit and listen to the recitation of the sutras.
In some countries and cultures, originally Buddhism was only taught to the elite of the same society. Peasant and common laborers had to work and had no time for learning a philosophy offering “enlightenment” as they had to deal with serving their lord and master and trying to provide for their family and themselves.
What they did hear, they embellished and twisted, distorted. Others may have manipulated the teachings of the Buddha for their own purposes such as controlling others.
As and when Western culture began to influence the cultures, ideas from one belief system may have been incorporated into the existing ideas and understandings.
In this manner, various sects of Buddhism arose.
When the Westerners returned to their homelands, they may have misunderstood what they saw and heard so as to accidentally further this misinterpretation especially after seeing the large images of the Buddha and people making offerings and praying to the same.
It is easy to see where this misunderstanding came from.
May you be well.
people who think he was a deity obviously didn’t do any research.
Buddha = enlightened one
I agree, Buddha is! a Great Teacher.