Difference between revisions of "Creed"
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| − | A [[creed]] is a statement of [[beliefs]], usually [[religious]] [[beliefs]], which someone must subscribe to in order to be considered a member of a particular [[religion]]. The [[word]] [[creed]] comes from the {{Wiki|Latin}} credo meaning ‘I believe.’ The [[idea]] of having a [[creed]] is alien to [[Buddhism]] because it has always emphasised {{Wiki|behaviour}} more than [[belief]] and {{Wiki|dogma}}. All the {{Wiki|ancient}} creeds of {{Wiki|Christianity}} – the Apostle’s [[Creed]], the Nicene [[Creed]], the Athanasian [[Creed]], etc. – lay down {{Wiki|theological}} [[ideas]] that must be accepted, even if they are not understood, in order to be a {{Wiki|Christian}} and to be saved. Significantly, none of these creeds say anything at all about how one should behave. If there was an {{Wiki|equivalent}} to a [[creed]] in [[Buddhism]], or at least a succinct summary of it, it would be the [[Buddha’s]] statement: | + | A [[creed]] is a statement of [[beliefs]], usually [[religious]] [[beliefs]], which someone must subscribe to in order to be considered a member of a particular [[religion]]. The [[word]] [[creed]] comes from the {{Wiki|Latin}} credo meaning ‘I believe.’ The [[idea]] of having a [[creed]] is alien to [[Buddhism]] because it has always emphasised {{Wiki|behaviour}} more than [[belief]] and {{Wiki|dogma}}. All the {{Wiki|ancient}} creeds of {{Wiki|Christianity}} – the Apostle’s [[Creed]], the Nicene [[Creed]], the Athanasian [[Creed]], etc. – lay down {{Wiki|theological}} [[ideas]] that must be accepted, even if they are not understood, in order to be a {{Wiki|Christian}} and to be saved. Significantly, none of these creeds say anything at all about how one should behave. If there was an {{Wiki|equivalent}} to a [[creed]] in [[Buddhism]], or at least a succinct summary of it, it would be the [[Buddha’s]] statement: ‘[[One thing]] and [[one thing]] only do I teach – [[suffering]] and the transcending of [[suffering]].’ (M.I,140). Better still would be his famous words from the [[Dhammapada]]: ‘Avoid everything [[evil]], develop the good and {{Wiki|purify}} the [[mind]]; this is the [[teaching]] of the [[Buddhas]].’ (Dhp.183). According to [[Buddhism]], believing a set of [[ideas]], even if done so with great fervour, cannot {{Wiki|liberate}} one. Only [[understanding]] and a profound change of [[heart]] can do that. See [[Epithet]] and [[Faith]]. |
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[http://www.buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=88 www.buddhisma2z.com] | [http://www.buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=88 www.buddhisma2z.com] | ||
Revision as of 22:50, 26 March 2015
A creed is a statement of beliefs, usually religious beliefs, which someone must subscribe to in order to be considered a member of a particular religion. The word creed comes from the Latin credo meaning ‘I believe.’ The idea of having a creed is alien to Buddhism because it has always emphasised behaviour more than belief and dogma. All the ancient creeds of Christianity – the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, etc. – lay down theological ideas that must be accepted, even if they are not understood, in order to be a Christian and to be saved. Significantly, none of these creeds say anything at all about how one should behave. If there was an equivalent to a creed in Buddhism, or at least a succinct summary of it, it would be the Buddha’s statement: ‘One thing and one thing only do I teach – suffering and the transcending of suffering.’ (M.I,140). Better still would be his famous words from the Dhammapada: ‘Avoid everything evil, develop the good and purify the mind; this is the teaching of the Buddhas.’ (Dhp.183). According to Buddhism, believing a set of ideas, even if done so with great fervour, cannot liberate one. Only understanding and a profound change of heart can do that. See Epithet and Faith.
