
Many people become excited at the idea of becoming "different"
or more "original." In almost every society since the dawn of history,
some individuals have tried to stand out and draw attention to themselves
by their life style, clothing, hairstyles, or distinctive way of
speaking. They've managed to stir up public reaction and attract
interest at the same time.
In recent years, Western societies have seen the emergence of an
unusual current that draws attention to itself by its rather strange
life style. It's made up of individuals who want to attract attention
by adopting Eastern culture, beliefs, and philosophies-of which
the most important is Buddhism.
| 
The eyes painted on foursides of this
Buddhist temple in Katmandu in Nepal symbolize the idea that
Buddha sees everything at every moment. At the foundation
of Buddhist superstition lies the idea that Buddha is an idol
with superhuman powers.
(Right) Shwedagon Pagoda, the famous Buddhist temple in Rangoon,
Mayanmar.
|
Throughout the world, but especially in America and Europe, some
individuals have been intrigued by Buddhism, spurred on mostly by
the superstitious, secret, and awesome qualities they perceive in
this religion. Generally, those who adopt Buddhism do so not because
they believe in the logic of its philosophy, but because they're
attracted by its "mystical" atmosphere, drawn to this superstition
because it is presented to them as far more different and awesome
than any other philosophy they encounter in their normal lives.
For example, the story of how Buddhism came to be is related to
them as a fantastic, mystic legend. Books and films about Buddhism
depict Buddha as the source of a great mystery. Likewise, Buddhist
priests are presented as possessors of secret, arcane knowledge.
They fascinate Westerners with their exotic robes, shaved heads,
style of worship, elaborate ceremonies, dwelling places, meditation,
yoga and other such strange practices.
For these reasons, Buddhism is seized upon as an important tool
by people who want to demonstrate that they are different from others
in their society, and who want to project the image of having discovered
of a valuable secret. If an ordinary person suddenly shaves his
head one day, puts on a brightly-colored robe and begins to teach
Buddhist doctrine using mystical words he never uttered before,
he will certainly attract curious attention and be thought of as
"original."
| 
A Buddhist statue from Nepal, supposedly
representing wisdom and skill.
|
A number of celebrities have adopted Buddhism for similar purposes.
They make speeches in Tibetan Buddhist robes to appear different
from others, drawing attention to themselves perhaps to become even
better known to their public. They visit Buddhist temples accompanied
by Buddhist priests and also make propaganda for the Buddhist religion.
You may have already learned a considerable amount about Buddhism
and gained a general knowledge of it through both written and visual
media. In this site, we'll examine Buddhism's superstitious character
in the light of the Qur'an and let you see clearly this superstitious
religion's more perverse aspects.
When we consider Buddhism's appearance, its scriptures, general
beliefs, style of worship in the light of the Qur'an, we begin to
see that its basic philosophy is founded on very deviant doctrines.
Indeed, its worship contains strange practices leading its devotees
to worship idols of stone and clay. As a belief, Buddhism is contrary
to logic and intelligence. Countries where it has been adopted have
mixed it with their own idolatrous ideas, traditions and local customs,
joining it with myths and deviant ideas until it has evolved into
a totally godless philosophy.
When fused with Brahmanism, Hinduism, Shintoism and other idolatrous
Eastern religions, Buddhism has assumed a much darker form. Those
who adopt this religion not because they believe it, but because
they're attracted by the "secrets" of the Far East or just to draw
attention to themselves, should realize that Buddhism contains perverse
doctrines that can lead them to deny God, associate handmade idols
with Him and lead a life of superstition. To ignore Buddhism's mindless
aspects and espouse it just to be trendy and go along with others
will result in great loss.
Those who make propaganda on behalf of Buddhism often present it
as a means of salvation. Those who long to escape from a materialist
society's hard, disputatious culture- along with its worries, anxieties,
quarrels, pitiless rivalry, selfishness and falsehoods-resort to
Buddhism as the way to achieve peace of mind, security, tolerance
and a fulfilling life. But Buddhism is not, as it is generally thought
to be, a belief that brings contentment. On the contrary, those
who are taken into Buddhism are often drawn into a deep pessimism.
Even people with a considerable level of education and modern worldview
will become individuals who see nothing wrong with begging with
their bowls in hand, who believe that in their next lives, human
beings may be reborn as mice or cattle, and who expect help from
idols carved from stone or cast in bronze. For these people, Buddhism's
deviant beliefs inflict serious psychological damage. In countries
where Buddhism is widespread, or in regions inhabited by many Buddhist
priests, pessimism and gloominess are clearly prominent.
"… By
His Words God wipes out the false and confirms the truth."
(Qur'an 42:24)
|
One basic reason for this is the laziness and indolence that Buddhism
inculcates in its adherents. Because it lacks any faith in an eternal
afterlife, Buddhism does not urge its devotees to be better or develop
themselves, to beautify their environment, or to advance culturally.
Islam always urges its adherents to seek out and apply themselves
to what is better and more beautiful. Islam's dynamic moral teaching
requires people to research and learn, to develop themselves and
be useful to their communities. In one verse of the Qur'an (35:
28), God says that "Only those of His servants
with knowledge stand truly in awe of Him."
The only way to find true happiness and contentment in this world-to
escape every kind of pessimism, unhappiness, and pitiless evil-is
for people to submit themselves to God, our Creator, and lead lives
that will win His approval. Our Lord, the only sovereign of Earth
and Heaven has announced that for all people the way of salvation
is to embrace the Qur'an, sent down as a guide to the true path.
In the Qur'an (14: 1), God affirms, "… this
is a Book We have sent down to you so that you can bring mankind
from the darkness to the light, by the permission of their Lord,
to the Path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy." Those who
believe in idolatrous religious like Buddhism should realize that
they have been misguided:
That is God, your Lord, the Truth, and what
is there after truth except misguidance? So how have you been distracted?
(Qur'an, 10: 32)

|