Originally Posted by
IndiReloaded
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I beg to differ, Ygg. I admire a lot of buddhist philosophy, same as I think most of the 10 Commandments are decent rules to live by. But those temples and all that gilt inside totally indicates religion.
How about the buddhas in asia that people purchase gold to rub on for good luck & prosperity?
All those new monasteries & statues aren't cheap. You can go to a monastic retreat that is *supposed* to be free, but donations are *strongly* encouraged, at a recommended daily rate. That requires a certain amount of 'salesmanship' done by the monks & staff. Ever been to a monk's talk? That = organized religion as much as any priest's sermon.
Plus, they may not pray to a 'god' but their required leap of faith regarding karma & reincarnation is just as belief-based as the concept of God in any other religion.
Otherwise, tho, I kind of like buddhism myself.