Re: Is Buddhism theistic or atheistic?
Namaste Lakshmidevi,
A very helpful posting indeed! In my studies of Buddhist texts, but even more so in my interactions with Buddhists (mostly in Japan, though also in the USA where I reside), I find there is far more affinity than differentiation between Buddhist (especially Mahayana) and Hindu (especially Advaita Vedanta) traditions. The "atheism" of Buddhism is, I would say, exaggerated (and not even correct to assert if one takes "atheism" to include its usual contemporary connotations, such as a materialist metaphysics--which the Buddha explicitly rejected--and a general disregard of spiritual pursuits as delusory).
"One who makes a habit of prayer and meditation will easily overcome all difficulties and remain calm and unruffled in the midst of the trials of life." (Holy Mother Sarada Devi)
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