Buddhism Apologetics
Buddhism
Simply put, Buddhism is mans attempt to escape pain and suffering through self-perfection and meditation. The goal is to eliminate desires in an attempt to stop the endless cycle of reincarnation and karma by attaining enlightenment and thus extinguishing self, desire, and pain; while at the same time becoming one with the universe.
Buddhism is appealing because of its mystical aspects; it is also appealing to those who desire to escape from material reality.
One works to attain “salvation” which is achieved by practicing Buddhist teachings and thus we can categorize Buddhism as a religion of works.
Buddhism is gaining momentum in the west. This is partially due to the fact that some of the biggest names in Hollywood are practicing Buddhists. This intrigues many people who are caught up in the Hollywood fascination with shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood or E! News.
The Gazette, the campus newspaper of The University of Western Ontario said:
“It may not be the latest religious fad in L.A., but Buddhism has certainly continued to attract celebrity practitioners unsatisfied with their own religions…the adoption of Buddhism into celebrity culture has helped bring the Eastern religion into the Western conscience.” 1
Famous Hollywood actors and actresses that are said to practice Buddhism include not only Richard Gere and Orlando Bloom but also,
◦ Goldie Hawn (Oscar-winning actress) ◦ Kate Hudson (Goldie’s daughter and actress) ◦ Phil Jackson (Head Coach of ten NBA Championships) ◦ George Lucas (Creator of Star Wars and in which we can see major themes and inspirations of eastern religion such as “The Force”) ◦ Jennifer Lopez (singer, actress) ◦ Keanue Reeves (actor) ◦ Steven Segal (actor) ◦ Uma Thurman (actress) ◦ Mark Walhberg (rap singer, actor)
Richard Gere is extremely outspoken in his Buddhist beliefs.
“Richard Gere makes his admiration
Simply put, Buddhism is mans attempt to escape pain and suffering through self-perfection and meditation. The goal is to eliminate desires in an attempt to stop the endless cycle of reincarnation and karma by attaining enlightenment and thus extinguishing self, desire, and pain; while at the same time becoming one with the universe.
Buddhism is appealing because of its mystical aspects; it is also appealing to those who desire to escape from material reality.
One works to attain “salvation” which is achieved by practicing Buddhist teachings and thus we can categorize Buddhism as a religion of works.
Buddhism is gaining momentum in the west. This is partially due to the fact that some of the biggest names in Hollywood are practicing Buddhists. This intrigues many people who are caught up in the Hollywood fascination with shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood or E! News.
The Gazette, the campus newspaper of The University of Western Ontario said:
“It may not be the latest religious fad in L.A., but Buddhism has certainly continued to attract celebrity practitioners unsatisfied with their own religions…the adoption of Buddhism into celebrity culture has helped bring the Eastern religion into the Western conscience.” 1
Famous Hollywood actors and actresses that are said to practice Buddhism include not only Richard Gere and Orlando Bloom but also,
◦ Goldie Hawn (Oscar-winning actress) ◦ Kate Hudson (Goldie’s daughter and actress) ◦ Phil Jackson (Head Coach of ten NBA Championships) ◦ George Lucas (Creator of Star Wars and in which we can see major themes and inspirations of eastern religion such as “The Force”) ◦ Jennifer Lopez (singer, actress) ◦ Keanue Reeves (actor) ◦ Steven Segal (actor) ◦ Uma Thurman (actress) ◦ Mark Walhberg (rap singer, actor)
Richard Gere is extremely outspoken in his Buddhist beliefs.
“Richard Gere makes his admiration