Criticism of Buddhism: Difference between revisions
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Although Buddhism is generally seen as benign and peaceful in the West, there is some criticism of it, from the [[anti-religion|anti-religious]] as well as from other religions. | Although Buddhism is generally seen as benign and peaceful in the West, there is some criticism of it, from the [[anti-religion|anti-religious]] as well as from other religions. | ||
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Theravada is sometimes criticized for superfluous - and sometimes damaging - ritual and tradition,<ref>http://www.buddhistische-gesellschaft-berlin.de/downloads/brokenbuddhanew.pdf</ref> while some forms of Mahayana, such as Pure Land<ref>http://ccbs.ntu.edu.tw/FULLTEXT/JR-PHIL/hideo.htm see p.220 section</ref> are said to be theistic, and this form of Buddhism is [[Atheism#Rationale|criticized by atheists]]. | Theravada is sometimes criticized for superfluous - and sometimes damaging - ritual and tradition,<ref>http://www.buddhistische-gesellschaft-berlin.de/downloads/brokenbuddhanew.pdf</ref> while some forms of Mahayana, such as Pure Land<ref>http://ccbs.ntu.edu.tw/FULLTEXT/JR-PHIL/hideo.htm see p.220 section</ref> are said to be theistic, and this form of Buddhism is [[Atheism#Rationale|criticized by atheists]]. | ||
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Revision as of 09:22, 5 February 2008
Although Buddhism is generally seen as benign and peaceful in the West, there is some criticism of it, from the anti-religious as well as from other religions.
Muslims often criticize Buddhism for being idolatrous.[1]
Many anti-religious people see Buddhism as just as (or almost as) superstitious and damaging as any other religion, even though many of its forms are nontheistic or even atheistic.[2][3][4] Christopher Hitchens is a vocal critic of Buddhism and the Dalai Lama.[5][6]
However Richard Dawkins stated in the God Delusion that he regards Buddhism and Confucianism as ethical systems and philosophies rather than religions[7] while Sam Harris practices Buddhist meditation, but does acknowledge that the kamikaze attacks of WWII were inspired by Buddhism[8] and believes that the term “Buddhism” should be removed entirely and that Buddhist meditation should leave the realm of religion and enter the realm of science.[9] These three are considered three of the "Four Horsemen" of the "New Atheism".[10][11]
Buddhist nations are sometimes criticized for theocratic and feudal elements, such as pre-Chinese Tibet[12] and Bhutan.[13]
Theravada is sometimes criticized for superfluous - and sometimes damaging - ritual and tradition,[14] while some forms of Mahayana, such as Pure Land[15] are said to be theistic, and this form of Buddhism is criticized by atheists.
- ↑ Islam and Buddhism – Harun Yahyah
- ↑ Is Buddhism Atheistic?
- ↑ Buddhism is Atheist
- ↑ Buddhism and Atheism
- ↑ ”There is No Eastern Solution", god Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, Christopher Hitchens
- ↑ His Material Highness by Christopher Hitchens
- ↑ The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins
- ↑ ”Ch. 7: Experiments in Consciousness”, The End of Faith, Sam Harris
- ↑ Killing the Buddha by Sam Harris
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ http://www.michaelparenti.org/Tibet.html
- ↑ http://www.geocities.com/articlesonbhutan/revivalism_pages/revivalistdrukpa.htm
- ↑ http://www.buddhistische-gesellschaft-berlin.de/downloads/brokenbuddhanew.pdf
- ↑ http://ccbs.ntu.edu.tw/FULLTEXT/JR-PHIL/hideo.htm see p.220 section