Why I am not a Buddhist.
picture of a wallpainting in a Laotian temple, depicting the Bodhisattva Gautama (Buddha-to-be) undertaking extreme ascetic practices before his enlightenment. A god is overseeing his striving, and providing some spiritual protection. The five monks in the background are his future 'five first disciples', after Buddha attained Full Enlightenment. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Maha Bodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India. ไทย: วัดมหาโพธิ์ พุทธคยา ประเทศอินเดีย (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Buddha in Bodh Gaya, India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) You hear it often these days in one form or another. “I’m not really religious, but if I was, I would be a Buddhist.” “I don’t believe in organized religion, but I hold to the ideas of Buddhism.” “I’m attracted to Buddhism because it is so peaceful, loving, and free.” It’s becoming increasingly trendy to display Buddhist prayer flags on homes and public places. A form of Buddhism is increasingly embraced in the United States, with an estim