this post was submitted on 29 May 2025
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I like that story a lot, it's a good reminder that we may not be able to change our circumstances but we can always change our attitude. So would you say Buddhism is more of a system of thought and less of a religion? Kinda like stoicism?
There is a mysticism angle to it with reincarnation and all that, I think something like a belief that you keep coming back until you can achieve true enlightenment or something like that. Imo that stuff is a nice idea but I'm agnostic overall, so my belief in that regard is "who knows?"
But I do really like the Buddhist philosophy and think it has a lot of value because it doesn't have to lean on the mystical side to work. It makes sense with or without any idea of heaven or nirvana. Enlightenment is worthwhile for its own sake.
I don't think Buddhism is unique in that regard. All religions have at least nuggets of valuable philosophy. My personal belief is that Buddhism is denser and broader than most when it comes to that, but I'm no religious scholar so it could just be a lack of knowledge of others.
IMO the best belief systems pick and choose values and lessons based on their own merit rather than having to take or leave the whole package. I also believe that anyone can evaluate those values, as long aa they are thoughtful, honest, and willing to challenge any and all aspects of them. Someone can be more wise than another, but anyone can get there eventually.
You seem like a very emotionally intelligent person, and I respect you a lot. Thank you for sharing your beliefs with and worldview me. I think we would agree on more than we would differ.
Thanks for the kind words, it feels good to be seen sometimes. You seem thoughtful yourself and I'm happy you asked that original question in good faith. The world would be a nicer place with more like you.