Letting go of the Buddhist Myths I Once Held

Written by Pei Shan
< 1 minutes
Published on Aug 20, 2021

TLDR: I used to think that Buddhism is all about blind faith, rules, god, rituals. I didn’t want to associate with it. Now, having practised the path, I see Buddhism as a way of life and I LOVE it! Here are 6 myths I use to believe!

I did not know about most of these are myths until I read “Just Be Good” by Mr T. Y. Lee. These myths were previously what I thought Buddhism was all about! 

Myth 1: Buddhism is about blind faith where we must believe everything we are told

Myth 2: Buddhism is Only Focused on Praying and Meditating

Myth 3: Follow the Rules or Else!

Myth 4: Buddha is our God

Myth 5: Sakyamuni Buddha is Amitabha Buddha

Myth 6: Buddhism Emphasises a lot on Rituals like Burning Incense or Joss Paper

Having read the book, I understood better the meaning behind certain practices in Buddhism and how I can use them to live a happier and better life! 


Wise Steps:

  • Don’t just believe, investigate more into Buddhism and ask questions! It might just burst myths you held
  • Be open to new insights that challenge what you held to be true and whole
  • Knowing these as myths, don’t try to change everyone to ‘see the light’, it takes compassion and wisdom to know when is the right time to share them!

Author: Pei Shan

A willingness to be different pushed Pei Shan to start a social enterprise after graduation. She loves to check off her to-do list and offer a safe space for her friends to be vulnerable. Clarinet is her first love.

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