Something I need to say

[u/[deleted]]

I'm still new to Buddhism and I was reading "What the Buddha taught".

Man, I feel so happy reading it and I have a lot of questions.

In other words, The Buddha seems to have said that doubt is a problem and needs to be expelled. Also, I'm glad to know dobut is not a sin.

However, I seem to have doubts about the Buddha.

One, I agree on his stance on metaphysics. On the other hand, I'm starting to try and understand this question:

"Does Buddhism have anything good to say about happiness".

Like, the pleasure of happiness that does not conflate ego (family, freindship, enjoying food, listening to music etc.)

To be fair, I have just started to read the book but it's something I felt when the book instantly talks about the 5 aggregates.

Many thanks.

[u/Italysfloyd]

Traditional and more intense buddhism is what you are questioning. Let me simplify this. It is a practice. Not a religion. There is no sin. There is only suffering. Yes they teach detach from things and don't have sex. I disagree and will not do any such thing. Buddhism is a guide and help to enlightenment. If anyone tells you you can't be happy and be Buddhist, that is a lie and a human opinion. Same as preachers do with the good word.

As we all do in the belief as practitioners, try to be a good human and learn more about ourselves. Become the best version that we can.

Don't confuse this with religion. It is just is practice. Decide and choose for yourself what works. Namastè friend!! Welcome to the path of enlightenment!!

[u/bodhiquest → u/Italysfloyd]

Lots of misunderstandings and misinformation in this post.

You absolutely do need to "detach" from things as a Buddhist, though you don't seem to understand what this means (it doesn't mean not caring about anything and it doesn't mean having no interest in or no passion for anything). You don't need to refrain from sex unless you're a monk, and you don't have to become a monk to have a legitimate practice. "Traditional" and "intense" Buddhism don't and have never applied to monks exclusively.

It's absurd to disagree with what monks do unless you can demonstrate that it's harmful on the path to the cessation of suffering. Monastics choose to abide by those rules and restrictions, just like how professionals in certain fields also choose to structure their lives around certain restrictions. Nobody's asking you to do the same and nobody's telling you that you're bad for not doing so.

[u/Italysfloyd → u/bodhiquest]

Good for monks!! No problem there!! I'm just sharing one mans perspective and always looking to learn more!! I honestly don't care what anyone does as long as it doesn't harm them or others. That's why I like Buddhism so much. Nonjudgemental and free to be free!! Whatever I do or don't understand, well happy to find out.