Quote:
Originally Posted by daveyboy
Buddhism by definition is a non-theistic religion/philopshy/way of life.
From the Buddhist prespective, talking about whether or not there is a god/s does nothing to eliminate Dukka and atain Nibana.
If theism is the belief that there are god/s who exist and play an active role in the universe then Buddhism is most definitely non-theistic.
There are 'supernatural' elements in Buddhism (especially Tibetan Buddhism) but those would be better classed as Shamanism/Anamism and they relate more from the Bon religion of the past.
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Thank you!
Although, just a random thought... but isn't the term "supernatural" subjective. What is supernatural to one person, may not be to another if their particular understanding of nature is on a different level.
For an easy example, consider this: If you went back in time 2000 years and told someone living then, that one day someone would fly to the moon, they would think that the person would be a god, or at least have supernatural powers. To them, that would be the only possibilty.
Now the Buddha, and a few other highly "enlightened" people claim to have an understanding of nature and the universe that allows them undertake feats that appear to "unenlightened" people as supernatural. But if the power exists because of nature and is obtainable by anyone who can learn it, is it really supernatural?
Just a random thought. I'm only asking, because it sounds like you know a lot about the topic.