WHAT ATHEISM ACCOMPLISHES
Buddhists are atheists. Mind you, some of them allow themselves wiggle room by saying that they are agnostics. Most, though, given a choice, will say little on the matter. They'll just say that the existence of God is in the realm of speculative philosophy and therefore has nothing to do with their central concern which is ending people's suffering.
Buddhists believe that the key to eliminating suffering is avoiding attachment. Attachment results in frustration, when, for example, what we are attached to is late to appear, if it appears at all, or only partly appears, and otherwise is unsatisfactory in some way, and believing in God is the heaviest attachment of them all, hence a supreme source of frustration and suffering.
What atheism accomplishes, therefore, not only for Buddhists but for all atheists, is that it uncomplicates their lives. Atheists, including Buddhists, are not forever looking over their shoulder wondering whether they are on good terms with God, or even, for that matter, whether they are connected with Him at all. Denying the existence of God has its advantages for sure.
Buddhists believe that the key to eliminating suffering is avoiding attachment. Attachment results in frustration, when, for example, what we are attached to is late to appear, if it appears at all, or only partly appears, and otherwise is unsatisfactory in some way, and believing in God is the heaviest attachment of them all, hence a supreme source of frustration and suffering.
What atheism accomplishes, therefore, not only for Buddhists but for all atheists, is that it uncomplicates their lives. Atheists, including Buddhists, are not forever looking over their shoulder wondering whether they are on good terms with God, or even, for that matter, whether they are connected with Him at all. Denying the existence of God has its advantages for sure.
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