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jabby_jakeman t1_j0pltbv wrote

Can I ask for the sake of my own understanding what you mean by ‘converted to Buddhism’? As it’s a philosophy and not a religion per se I didn’t think conversion would be an applicable term. As I say, for my own understanding. Edited to say. Typical Reddit~ ask question for clarification of meaning, get downvoted!

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Isabella1293 OP t1_j0pq0l6 wrote

Well I think you're right in that this is not a totally correct term theologically. But from the history I have read, they usually refer to Greek nobility basically giving up their practices of worshipping Zeus etc and switching to Buddhism in colloquial language as "converting".

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jabby_jakeman t1_j0pqci1 wrote

Thanks for that. I did wonder if changing your philosophy would count as conversion given the context.

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GiraffePolka t1_j0pr8cl wrote

I think it should count more as a religion, you have to have a belief in things like karma, nirvana, samsara, buddhas, etc. Plus some schools of buddhism also have gods.

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don_tomlinsoni t1_j0u0gja wrote

I wouldn't go to r/Buddhism and tell them that it isn't a religion - you'll get a lot more than a few downvotes :)

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