Belief in Buddhism: Do You Have to Believe in Everything?

Do you need to believe everything that Buddhism believes in to be a Buddhist? This is a question that most new Buddhists, or those exploring Buddhism, have. Buddhism has many beliefs, such as rebirth, samsara, karma, gods, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas among many other things. How should you understand and engage Buddhism in this way? Learn more in this video.

[MichaelALoberg]

Great talk today Alan. Loved the scientific method tie-in. One can suspend judgement and await the evidence without suspending life.

[michellelepla]

Hi all, just starting my journey... Finding these videos Alan really easy to understand, simple to work a daily practice and relatable for westerners.
Thankyou.. PS have also bought your books, again very useful

[kennethmichael]

Great talk thankyou, do you have any views on Secular Buddhism, my understanding of it is its a more modern probably scientific view that wants put aside some of the more supernatural beliefs of Buddhism including things like rebirth, is it possible to practice Buddhism as a secular Buddhist ?

[randy_t]

Is universe eternal according to Buddhism ?

[joramneumark]

Meditation has nothing to do with belief. The three characteristics of existence (aniccā [impermanence], dukkha [commonly translated as "suffering", "unsatisfactory, " "unease"], and anattā [without Inherence]. ) have nothing to do with belief. That's all I need... Everything else are nice additions, but not really necessary...