Do Buddhists believe in a god?

[Samson]

I'm wondering if Buddhists actually believe in a 'divine' being, god, or some other intelligence that governs the universe or do they just believe in the energy of the 'soul' which is released after death? I'm trying to see where a Buddhists view of everything differs from an atheists?

[Celtaur]

Buddhists believe in many things depending on what sect, including gods and goddesses, but I think they realize they are symbolic of forces in nature, only personified as a more tangible example that is understandable in human terms.

[Samson]

Would you know if the 'forces in nature' you describe are believed by Buddhists to have an intelligence rather than just random happenings?

Are there any Buddhists on this site?

[SyberPsych]

I came accross this video of the Dali Lama exppressing hisd wisdon about Inner Peace, Happiness, God and Money.



Check it out.

[Samson]

Thanks for you video. I'm getting the same thing. Seems Buddhists are atheists in a different wrapper.

[nventr]

After studying with the Buddhists for 10 years, it is my understanding that they understand energies as energies. Buddhists do believe in an overall essence or void from which all things come. This essence is sometimes referred to as, “That Which Is." We Christians call that God.

The Tibetan Buddhists are the exception. They do believe in Gods and Goddesses. I attended a gathering with one of the Dali Lama’s Rinpoches, each time he visited my city. During both visits he focused on worshipping the White Tara, a Goddess.

Buddhism is a Grace/White Energy-based religion. Buddhism is about building peace, hope, and joy. (Note: these are same essences Christians revere at Christmas time.) Buddha’s flower sermon can be equated with the Virgin/Grail path. Peace is the ultimate sign of Holiness for this path.

Buddhism is the exact opposite of the Passion/Kundalini-based religions of Protestant Christian and Hindu. These religions are all about dying to self and killing the flesh. They consider the crucifixion the ultimate sign of Holiness.

You are welcome to explore these two paths further on my website: www.JesusWedding.com

I hope this helps.

[Samson]

Thanks for reply and link.
I'm not seeing the 'void' as anything more than just the universe at work, which to me is not the usual notion of a God in the way a Christian would perceive one. More just like nature at work.

The Tibetan Buddhists believing in Gods and Goddesses is interesting I'll see if i can find more on that but again it's like a religion splintering and the new 'sect' making things up and adding things as it goes along.

I'll have a look at your link.

[Samson]

Posted by mistake.