Misconceptions about Buddhism

 Particularly in Western countries we have some fairly strong stereotypes as to what Buddhism is about. Here are some of them:

1/ Buddha is a god.

2/ Buddhists don't eat meat or drink alcohol - they are pretty much vegan

3/ Buddhists just meditate

4/ Buddhists are submissive and never get angry

5/ Buddhism is not a religion - it is a philosophy

6/ Buddhists just focus on suffering 

7/ To be a real Buddhist you need to become a monk or nun

8/ Buddhists believe in reincarnation

In actual fact, all of the the above statements are either completely untrue or mostly false. 

Buddhists revere the Buddha but we do not view him as a God but merely a master who found the answers and who we have faith in. The faith is more as a teacher not as an entity who will control our fate or destiny. 

Buddhists do eat meat and drink alcohol and even smoke but this can depend heavily on the tradition. Some of the Southern traditions such as Theravada tend to be vegetarian and abstain from alcohol where as as the Northern traditions in most Mahayana forms allow all them in moderation. (to the see the difference in schools please check this link: Divisions of Buddhism - Buddhist beliefs - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - Edexcel - BBC Bitesize

Buddhists in general will follow many rites and rituals and meditation is just one of them. In HBS we don't meditate but do a oral meditation through chanting our mantra. Some schools emphasize meditation strongly, while others it can be an occasional practice. Remember, this religion is over 2500 years old so there are big divergences in practice.

Buddhists get angry just like everybody else. It is healthy to relieve stress but a Buddhist will always strive to control their anger otherwise we might just sow some seeds of negative karma for ourselves.

Buddhism is not a philosophy, it is not suitable for example an atheist to say I do not believe in God so I will follow Buddhism because they don't believe in God. Buddhism has more in common with the other great religions of the world than not, we do not actively disbelieve in a God, it is more that our belief system is different and our emphasis lies elsewhere. We always respect other religions and many of our practices can overlap.

Buddhists don't focus on suffering as this would create a negative mindset, essentially Buddhists are about being positive - the change we make in ourselves is more more important than changing other people. Therefore if we focus on our own suffering this will affect how people relate to us. "Suffering" is not a great translation of Dukkha. Dukkha is probably better translated as all those things in life that worry us - whether that is health, relationships, work etc. Of course there are big discrepancies in Dukkha, it could be something as basic as feeling guilty about speaking harshly to somebody to the other end where you are dying of cancer. 

To be a Buddhist you don't need to become anything other who you are already. Of course becoming a nun or monk is admirable as this shows the highest levels of dedication and study. The vast majority of the world's Buddhists are us lay persons. This is really important to realise that we can all be a Buddhist.

Buddhists believe in rebirth but not reincarnation. Reincarnation comes from some of the ancient Indian religions. This is a very big topic of study in the difference between these two things. Essentially, however, no you will not be reincarnated as yourself in in a different body - human or animal. 

Buddhism can appear unapproachable, mystical and esoteric. There are rituals which very much appear this way but at its very foundation, Buddhists are normal people just trying to become the best versions of themselves. Remember! Buddhists are always practical, we are not aloof sanctimonious beings.