What are the merits of Buddhism that other religions do not have

I'm interested in “religion,” which has a big influence on people's values, thoughts, and behavior, and I like Buddhist ideas among them, so I've believed in Buddha until now.

However, while watching, listening, and researching various opinions, there are aspects where I think every religion has advantages and disadvantages and is good for me, and there are aspects that I think are not very good. Also, there are times when a slight sense of distrust develops in Buddhism, and I'm worried. When I think about Buddhism after leaving things like cults and emerging religions aside, primitive Buddhism seems to be philosophy, but I feel that current Buddhism relies too much on fantasy things such as the Pure Land of Paradise and Amida Nyorai. Of course, there were times when I was saved by that, and I think there are many people who are saved, but I just can't believe it.

Even in Christianity, I couldn't believe in the existence of Jesus, and I felt that it wasn't a good fit. Is Buddhism a religion that doesn't suit me? Also, please tell me the merits of Buddhism from the perspective of monks.

4 Zen Responses

Nodding at the facts

Whether it's Buddhism or another religion,

I believe or believe in something

If so, in the end, I think that means believing in oneself, one's own values, and one's own convenience.

I believe in Amitabha Buddha because I can go to the Pure Land of Paradise, I believe in Yakushi Nyorai because my illness is cured, I believe in the god of learning because I want to pass the entrance exam... I believe 00 because I think 00 exists

That's probably not because they believe in Shinto and Buddhism; they believe in me.

I listen to the weather forecast that “the probability of tomorrow's precipitation is probably 10%,” and I predict “tomorrow won't rain, it will be fine” with my senses and knowledge. It's not much different from being reliable because the probability is high in light of my predictions.
According to that letter, if it were actually raining tomorrow, “I believed it! I've been betrayed! There are no gods or Buddhas!” It's going to become.

Instead, today, no, here and now, I heard “It will be fine today,” and I, who was actually in the midst of the weather, said, “It was just fine. There's no doubt about it.” Isn't it the belief of Buddhism to nod and bow one's head?

Needless to say, what “clear weather” indicates here is not my ideal or convenient life, but rather the “fact” of this person living.

You humans have this kind of tendency! I tend to do it this way! they're suffering themselves, aren't they!? Things have causes! Don't just make selfish fantasies! Admit that you don't understand what you don't understand!

I wonder if it is Buddhism that confronts us with the truth of such a fact. Instead of me believing it, my facts can be guessed.
It's not a teaching about believing in dark clouds what you don't understand.

Note that this is the same whether it's the Pure Land or Amitabha Buddha. Each one points to a fact. There are probably just a variety of expressions depending on what kind of means the function of trying to tell the truth takes.
Well, that part seems a bit complicated when I talk about it, so I'll omit it it.

※There is a habit of turning it into the Kansai dialect when some strength is applied, but this is one type of expression I have.

From primitive Buddhism to sectarian Buddhism, and further to Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism, the teachings of Buddhism have changed over time along with the places and people who live there.
Therefore, there are so many Buddhist teachings that it is said that there are 84,000 teachings.
However, being a Buddhist doesn't mean you need to believe all of them.
You should choose a teaching that you are satisfied with.
What to choose is different for each person, and even for the same person, circumstances may change.
You should believe the teachings you can believe right now.

“I feel that current Buddhism relies too much on fantasy things such as the Pure Land of Paradise and Amida Nyorai.”

Whether in Christianity or Buddhism, when you reach a certain point, you awaken to the Holy Spirit (Christianity) or spiritual response (Buddhism), and you feel the presence of Jesus or Amida Nyorai.

So it's not actually a fantasy, but it's often talked about in fantasy as a simple doctrine.

Isn't there a certain amount of methodology for reaching a sense of the merits of Buddhism (although it's a strange expression)?

If you don't have a sense of whether it's Christianity, Buddhism, or philosophy, then it's just a study or assumption.

The merits of Buddhism (humble opinion)

Kobe-sama

This is Kawaguchi Hidetoshi. This is my humble answer to the question.

The “proof of the existence of the Buddha” (proof of omniscience) was indeed the most important thing in Buddhism.

By all means, I hope you also learn from Buddhist epistemology and logic, especially the essays of Master Dharmakirti.

First, let's start with the “Series Mahayana Buddhist Epistemology and Logic” (Shunjusha).

“The merits of Buddhism not found in other religions” are just my humble personal opinion,

Will there be no pushiness, no attempt to forcibly eliminate others, and there will be consideration and kindness according to the other party...

Quite often, religion asserts superiority over others, saying “my place is the best,” and tends to be self-righteous, exclusive, and aggressive, but I think Buddhism is good about that.

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

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