What do Buddhists believe in? Trick question:

Always retain your critical intelligence. Trust the principal one. Do not place others on pedestals. Do not look for satisfaction outside of one’s own heart.

Trungpa Rinpoche always described Buddhism as “non-theistic.” We aren’t a-theistic, he’d say—we don’t not believe in God, or gods. We only believe in things that we can find to be true. That said, if God or gods show up, we’ll be happy to believe.

Same goes for reincarnation. Same goes for kami. Same goes for cat. Same goes for Buddhism itself, as the Dalai Lama reminds us (he says if Science and Buddhism conflict, Buddhist ought to go with Science).

“When we tell ourselves and others that our heroes are inhuman and on a pedestal that is not just high but unattainable, we are actually pushing ourselves down rather than climbing.” ~ Katrina Honigs 

P.S.:

Cult. Theism.

I grew up in a wonderful community, a Buddhist community, currently roiled by long-suppressed accusations of sexual misconduct, assault, misuse of funds, patriarchy, suppression of critical intelligence.

Much of the dialogue surrounding this painful, yet illuminating time, flows through the filter of online hate. But it is this dialogue that is charged with creating a new, better, more open and equal society for those who wish to meditate and study together without subjecting themselves to trauma.

Whatever our situation—nationally, worldwide, or in local community—we depend on journalism, and honest, respectful dialogue, to establish truth and progress. Never undervalue independent media—please.