This is a simple summary of how Tibetan Buddhism came to be the State Religion of Tibet


Many of the ideas in Buddhism evolved from the beliefs of the Hindus, whose religion is obviously very much the older of the two. At some point in time, some of Buddhists crossed the Himalayan mountains into Tibet and there practiced Buddhism. It should be noted that the Himalayas are a fairly decent barrier to travel. In the isolated context of Tibet, Buddhism combined with the local Tibetan polytheistic religions and over time a new Religion emerged – Tibetan Buddhism. This is evident because some of the beliefs, religious-symbols and religious-festivals of modern Tibetans have roots stretching back far before Buddhism. For example; the mandalas is a special symbol of polytheistic Hindu origin - which now has a special place in the Tibetan Buddhist society.

After sometime in Tibet, Buddhism inspired a religious leader, Dalai Lama, and he gathered some followers and was considered the reincarnation of Buddha. Over the centuries grand Temples were built and other enlightened religious figures (Lama) became powerful. Soon the entire society repositioned its culture to worship Buddha. Incidentally, it’s not always easy to change a native religion, of course some wars were fought along the way - the Tibetan Buddhist came out on top. Although now everyone is a Buddhist, there have been arguments as to what Buddha would want and, as usually happens, other schools of Buddhism have evolved and each has many followers today: for example the Nyingma and Kagyu.

Most Tibetan-Buddhists are not very educated and would be surprised to realize many of their beliefs are pre-Buddhist and are a combination of Buddhism and Tibetan nature worship.

Anyway, now Tibetan Buddhism is the State Religion in Tibet. Most Tibetans believe in Buddhism, raise their children to believe in Buddhism and would be god smacked to think it was anything other than the divine religion they always been taught to believe it is.


Fare enough?

Michael

This is a simple summary of how Islam came to be the State Religion of Arabia


Many of the ideas in Judaism evolved from the beliefs of the Assyrians, whose religion is obviously very much the older of the two. At some point in time, some of Jews crossed the Arabian Desert into Arabia and there practiced Judaism. It should be noted that the Arabian Desert is a fairly decent barrier to travel. In the isolated context of Arabia, Judaism combined with the local Arabic polytheistic religions and over time a new Religion emerged – Islam. This is evident because some of the beliefs, religious-symbols and religious-festivals of modern Muslims have roots stretching back far before Islam. For example; the Moon is a special symbol of polytheistic Arabic origin - which now has a special place in the Islamic society.

After sometime in Arabia, Judaism inspired a religious leader, Mohammed, and he gathered some followers and was considered a prophet of Allah. Over the centuries grand Mosques were built and other enlightened religious figures (Imams) became powerful. Soon the entire society repositioned its culture to worship Islam. Incidentally, it’s not always easy to change a native religion, of course some wars were fought along the way - the Muslims came out on top. Although now everyone is a Muslim, there have been arguments as to what Allah would want and, as usually happens, other schools of Islam have evolved and each has many followers today: for example the Sunni and Shia.

Most Muslims are not very educated and would be surprised to realize many of their beliefs are pre-Islam and are a combination of Judaism and Arab nature worship.

Anyway, now Islam is the State Religion in Arabia. Most Arabians believe in Islam, raise their children to believe in Islam and would be god smacked to think it was anything other than the divine religion they always been taught to believe it is.


Fare enough?

Michael

This is a simple summary of how Islam came to be the State Religion of Arabia


Many of the ideas in Judaism evolved from the beliefs of the Assyrians, whose religion is obviously very much the older of the two. At some point in time, some of Jews crossed the Arabian Desert into Arabia and there practiced Judaism. It should be noted that the Arabian Desert is a fairly decent barrier to travel. In the isolated context of Arabia, Judaism combined with the local Arabic polytheistic religions and over time a new Religion emerged – Islam. This is evident because some of the beliefs, religious-symbols and religious-festivals of modern Muslims have roots stretching back far before Islam. For example; the Moon is a special symbol of polytheistic Arabic origin - which now has a special place in the Islamic society.

After sometime in Arabia, Judaism inspired a religious leader, Mohammed, and he gathered some followers and was considered a prophet of Allah. Over the centuries grand Mosques were built and other enlightened religious figures (Imams) became powerful. Soon the entire society repositioned its culture to worship Islam. Incidentally, it’s not always easy to change a native religion, of course some wars were fought along the way - the Muslims came out on top. Although now everyone is a Muslim, there have been arguments as to what Allah would want and, as usually happens, other schools of Islam have evolved and each has many followers today: for example the Sunni and Shia.

Most Muslims are not very educated and would be surprised to realize many of their beliefs are pre-Islam and are a combination of Judaism and Arab nature worship.

Anyway, now Islam is the State Religion in Arabia. Most Arabians believe in Islam, raise their children to believe in Islam and would be god smacked to think it was anything other than the divine religion they always been taught to believe it is.


Fare enough?

Michael

Obviously no history or critical insight in your post. Islam was the complete opposite of paganism and didnt come out of it. Judaism is different form Islam, but is the corrupted form of religion of the earlier prophets, Islam is the final message confirming and correcting, as well as completing the divine religion.

The only things attributed to the moon in islamic religion is the Islamic lunar calender. The star and crescent came to be a famous symbol for Islam only after the Turkish Khalifah used it as their symbol for rule. That is why you see the large star and crescent on the turkish flag.

Judaism is siginficantly different than Islam to be a completely different religion. They have a common heritage as being faiths form Abraham, but the Prophet Muhammad (s) was the Ismaili descendant of Abraham, unlike the Jews who were from Isaac.


Most Muslims are not very educated

Isn't this spreading of bigotry?

It is you who is not educated. Most Muslims know much more than you about Islam than you do.

Arabia is not a State, it is a peninsula, but I guess I was expecting too much from you anyway. For your info, only 20% of Muslims are Arabic, they are a minority among Muslims and there are many Arab Christians as well.

The arguments you mention about what Allah (swt) would want aren't arguments in Islam. Allah (swt) wants obedience and worship to Himself only and for us to recognize his earlier prophets and the last Prophet Muhammad (peace be to him). Sunni and Shiat are in total agreement with what Allah wants.

Peace.

Isn't this spreading of bigotry? did you read the essay on buddhism,
he states the same of them, (Most Tibetan-Buddhists are not very educated ) and he would state the same of any religion, it;'s not bigotry, just stating a known fact.
"most (place religion here) are not very well educated." It is you who is not educated. but this is flaming. Sunni and Shiat are in total agreement with what Allah wants.then why do they kill each other.

Can anybody please explain why their religion is the "only true and correct" religion? So confusing; so many to choose from. Who's to say - and justify - which is correct? http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/images/smilies/popc1.gif Anyone care to answer?

Can anybody please explain why their religion is the "only true and correct" religion?

because it's true for them.

So confusing; so many to choose from.

people choose what they think sounds right. some choose none.

Who's to say - and justify - which is correct?

every1.

While Tibetans probably were largely uneducated, the same cannot be said for Muslims, it's just that the official version of history is the one everyone learns.

Judaism is different form Islam, but is the corrupted form of religion of the earlier prophets, Islam is the final message confirming and correcting, as well as completing the divine religion.

Since Muhammad was already a corrupt, murderous tyrant, he delivered a corrupt, murderous religion.

Isn't this spreading of bigotry?

It is you who is not educated. Most Muslims know much more than you about Islam than you do.

Just for you information, education and religion are completely different concepts. Most Muslims are seriously under-educated, that is not bigotry, that is a fact. And I would suspect that Islamic leaders would want to keep it that way since education would seriously hinder the spread of Islam.

Judaism is different form Islam, but is the corrupted form of religion of the earlier prophets,
the g-d of abraham isnt known for changing his mind. it is people that break away from his word that say "g-d changed his mind". if judaism is a "corrupted" version of g-d's word, then why do muslims revere moses, as he was the one who brought judaic law into effect among the israelites?
unless you want me to sling mud at your religion (something i would not normally be ready to do), i would suggest having a bit more tolerance toward people of other faiths. just because we dont constantly prosetylize to the forum members, doesnt mean that there arent jews here.



Judaism is siginficantly different than Islam to be a completely different religion. They have a common heritage as being faiths form Abraham, but the Prophet Muhammad (s) was the Ismaili descendant of Abraham, unlike the Jews who were from Isaac.
now it is obvious that you know nothing of judaism. judaism and islam have so much in common that in reality, they are extremely hard to distinguish between, if you put both religions on paper. there is ONE glaring difference, really. there are no more hebrew prophets, and jews do not accept mohammed as a prophet. the rest of the religions are so ridiculously similar, that there is really no point in seperating them. muslims are just like christians in the fact that they idolize a man, whilst practicing (in theory) modified judaism.



Isn't this spreading of bigotry?
yes, i see bigotry from you constantly...against anyone that disagrees with you.


Arabia is not a State, it is a peninsula,
a peninsula is a geographic label. a state is a political one. by your statement, i guess everything from alaska to the panama canal is all the same nation? get a clue.

thats called being served, proper-like.

Michael-

I thought Tibetan Buddhism evolved after the Muslim invaders destroyed Nolanada (in India.) So the Mahayanas there fled over into Tibet...

Obviously no history or critical insight in your post. Islam was ....DiamondHearts, a question, and I am truly curious as to your answer.

As to the initial post, the one about Buddhism, did that post sound reasonable?

Read it again just to see if there is anything that seems unreasonable or if it seems OK.

Many Thanks,

Michael


PS: Also anyone else? Do these posts sounds reasonable?

Isn't this spreading of bigotry?I was refering to formal education. Not that they are stupid. One need not be formally educated to be very clever. So when I said not educated I ment "did not go to school and receive a formal education". That is: a K-12 plus university education.


DiamondHearts, I know as one of the few Muslims here you get a bit of it. But I did mean formal education and not intelligence. And I said the same of the Tibetans.

Michael

PS: So what about that first paragraph (Tibetan Buhddism)? Sound reasonable?

Michael-

I thought Tibetan Buddhism evolved after the Muslim invaders destroyed Nolanada (in India.) So the Mahayanas there fled over into Tibet...I read this from wikipedia

The most important event in Tibetan Buddhist history, however, was the arrival of the great tantric mystic Padmasambhava in Tibet in 774 at the invitation of King Trisong Detsen. It was Padmasambhava (more commonly known in the region as Guru Rinpoche) who merged tantric Buddhism with the local Bön religion to form what we now recognize as Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to writing a number of important scriptures (some of which he hid for future tertons to find), Padmasambhava established the Nyingma school from which all schools of Tibetan Buddhism are derived.

did you read the essay on buddhism,
he states the same of them, (Most Tibetan-Buddhists are not very educated ) and he would state the same of any religion, it;'s not bigotry, just stating a known fact.
"most (place religion here) are not very well educated."

I'm not Buddhist nor do I have thorough knowledge of Buddhism, so I don't say things about their religion because I'm not qualified. I was under the impression this was common sense, but I guess some people, no matter how unqualified, have to say something to deride Islam. No matter how untrue.


but this is flaming.

What I said was "It is you who is not educated. Most Muslims know much more than you about Islam than you do."

Get the whole statement next time.

then why do they kill each other.

Who else is uneducated here?

Peace.
thats called being served, proper-like.

Being a Jew (practicing or not) and as most Jews believe Islam as a false religion, you would say such a thing that Islam is from Judaism. However, have you ever even read the Quran, or hadith? You will find that the basic belief in monotheism of Allah (swt) is the same, however the practices and rituals, even the history of Islam is different. We have major differences in other aspects as well. For example I wrote before on this forum that the Islamic God (swt) is transcendant and Imminenet at the same time. Allah (swt) is not comparable to man, unlike the Judaism and Christianity thats says God made man in His image (astaghfir allah). This is only one example, there are many more.

Islam and Judaism are similar, but they are significantly different so they can be classified as different religions by practice, belief, and their religious law.

Peace.

All I can say is this post was inspired from here:
Understanding Delusion (http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?p=899700#post899700) if you have time read it and see if something clicks. Its pretty easy reading.

I suggest anyone to read it.

Michael

Historically speaking, Judaism came first, so both Islam and Christianity have at least some roots in it.


And you didn't answer the question earlier, if sunni and shia are in total agreement about their faiths, why are they locked in combat?

However, have you ever even read the Quran, or hadith?

Herein lies the problem, among the many delusions residing within your frail mind is the one in which you assume we began debating Islam upon your arrival here, and that the propaganda you bleat has not yet been debated. We've already spent the time reading and understanding your religions scriptures and past history ad nauseum.

You are simply rehashing the same tired arguments and repeating the same chants made by other Muslims already long gone from here.

Historically speaking, Judaism came first, so both Islam and Christianity have at least some roots in it.


And you didn't answer the question earlier, if sunni and shia are in total agreement about their faiths, why are they locked in combat?

As Muslims we believe that there was one true religion. Judaism and Christianity are corrupted forms of that religion. Islam is the final revelation of the true religion which will remain perfect and complete until the end of the world.

If you are referring to Iraq, you should realize that there is tension between Sunni Arabs and Shiat Arabs because the US support Shiat Arab over Sunni Arabs. This can be seen by the way the parliament is set up. The Sunni Arab still are underrepresented and their populations are mistreated by US forces. America split up the Arabs and intigated them against each other to make it easier to control them, and to prevent a nation-wide unified resistance to American hegemony.

The modern violence in the region, is the direct result of the Masjid bombing violence which was started by the US troops and blamed on Sunni freedom fighters, subjecting the entire Sunni Arab population to reprisals by some Shiat groups. It is interesting to note that among the bombings were the bombing of tombs of saints which both Sunni and Shiat Arabs revere. Why would Sunni Muslims bomb the tombs of the saints they revere along with Shiat? You will see that this came at a time when attacks aaginst US troops was increasing and served to distract some of the freedom fighters from fighting the US to protecting their cities and neighborhoods from vigilantes and criminals seeking revenge for acts which were blamed on them by the US. They went to the great extent to blame the resistance fighters themselves, like Imam Sadr, for this, even though they said they disagreed with the reprisals and seeked the Sunni and Shiat Arabs to fight the US together, instead of fighting themseles.

Peace.

Do you believe that marrying a nine year old girl is perfect?

how could something be "corrupted" before islam came into being, diamondhearts? if judaism and christianity are "corrupted" forms of islam, can you please point me to some reputable archaeological evidence, or even scripture that doesnt originate from mohammed or one of his followers (in his lifetime) that states that islam came first?

if not, then islam is actually a corrupted version of judaism or christianity (take your pick).

now, im not really all that dogmatic about my faith, but come on...how much older is judaism than islam? how can you say it is a corrupted form of islam? pleaaaaaase point me to what was before judaism, then. it better be identical to what you call islam today, or you were incorrect in your statement.

how could something be "corrupted" before islam came into being, diamondhearts? if judaism and christianity are "corrupted" forms of islam, can you please point me to some reputable archaeological evidence, or even scripture that doesnt originate from mohammed or one of his followers (in his lifetime) that states that islam came first?

Islam as the true religion, even though it was not known by that name, was the religion of all the prophets of Allah swt starting from Adam (a), the first man. Abraham (a) was the first Prophet to recieve a book and to actually be considered not only a prophet (nabi) but a messenger (rasool) as well. His religion is the religion which all three faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam essentially originate from. The laws and commandments in the written books of Abraham (a) were lost. Then the Hebrew prophets from descent of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) were blessed with a lineage of prophets and the book Zabur from Hazrat Dawood (David) (a) and the book of Hazrat Musa (Moses) (a) Torat (Torah), and then the book Injeel (Gospel) of Hazrat Isa (Jesus) (a). These books were corrupted by the followers and the clergy of these faiths of which the modern collection of books of Torat and Injeel are today. They are remnants which have been corrupted from original messages of Allah swt. So then the seal of the prophets, the holy prophet Sayyidina Muhammad (s) was blessed with the final revelation the holy Quran. This book was the blessed miracle of Allah swt and cannot be corrupted, Allah swt will Himself preserve this revelation of His final and beloved prophet.

This belief is part of my faith as a Muslim. This corruption of ancient books Injeel and Torat is in the Quran, which is the final book of Allah swt.


if not, then islam is actually a corrupted version of judaism or christianity (take your pick).


This is the belief of Jews and Christians. As a matter of fact I expect you to have this belief.


now, im not really all that dogmatic about my faith, but come on...how much older is judaism than islam? how can you say it is a corrupted form of islam? pleaaaaaase point me to what was before judaism, then. it better be identical to what you call islam today, or you were incorrect in your statement.

The modern religion of Islam is the true religion which has been taught throughout all human history by the holy prophets and messengers of Allah swt. It was not always called Islam, but it was always called submission to Allah swt. Is-laam in Arabic means willful submission (to the will of Allah swt). We see that it is not named after an ethnic group (Judaism from Tribe of Judah bin Israeel (Yaqub) bin Ishaq bin Ibrahim (a)) or a person (Messiah Jesus Christ (Masih Isa) (a) bin Maryam as in Christianity). Some of the laws like sabbath, kosher laws have been changed by Allah swt and some laws added to make it suitable for all humanity not just Children of Israel (Judaism and Christianity were originally for). It is the true religion of Allah swt.

This is Muslim belief. I don't expect you to believe the same if you are Jewish or Christian. I was only stating my beliefs.

Peace.

the g-d of abraham isnt known for changing his mind. it is people that break away from his word that say "g-d changed his mind". if judaism is a "corrupted" version of g-d's word, then why do muslims revere moses, as he was the one who brought judaic law into effect among the israelites?


We believe the original law (Torat) brought by Moses, Musa, (a) has been corrupted over the ages.

Allah swt did not change his mind, and we believe all those who followed Hazrat Musa (a) were true Muslims and believers. Mankind tampered and changed the books of Allah swt.


unless you want me to sling mud at your religion (something i would not normally be ready to do), i would suggest having a bit more tolerance toward people of other faiths. just because we dont constantly prosetylize to the forum members, doesnt mean that there arent jews here.


I was stating Muslim belief of Judaism and Chrisitianity. If I believed that either were a true religion, wouldn't I follow them myself? I believe they have many truths in them, but they have been corrupted. This is my difference in belief from you. I never said I don't respect Judaism, I do very much.


now it is obvious that you know nothing of judaism. judaism and islam have so much in common that in reality, they are extremely hard to distinguish between, if you put both religions on paper. there is ONE glaring difference, really. there are no more hebrew prophets, and jews do not accept mohammed as a prophet. the rest of the religions are so ridiculously similar, that there is really no point in seperating them. muslims are just like christians in the fact that they idolize a man, whilst practicing (in theory) modified judaism.


Differences: Islam and Judaism (http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1123996015498&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE)

Although there are a number of differences between Judaism and Islam, yet all these differences seem to emanate from one major and basic difference. The most important and the most significant difference between the two religions, which also provides the basis for all the other differences between the two creeds is the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). The Muslims, as is well known, hold Muhammad (pbuh) to be the true and the last prophet of God. The Jews do not. Although, apparently it may seem to be a difference relating to one of the beliefs only. However, for a person, who is aware of the position of a prophet of God, it is quite easily comprehensible that this difference results in a difference of foundation upon which the two buildings of Judaism and Islam are built. It actually implies that the two religions are based on the teachings brought to us by two different persons. For a Muslim, the teachings brought by Muhammad (pbuh) are actually the final revelation of the Almighty, which every person must follow to earn eternal salvation. Any person, who rejects the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh), even after being convinced of his truthfulness is bound to fall in the eternal fires of hell. On the contrary, for a Jew, it is primarily the teachings of Moses (pbuh), which need to be followed for the eternal success in the hereafter.

http://www.understanding-islam.com/related/text.asp?type=question&qid=307

Although there are many similarities there are also differences. Islam and Judaism do not believe in the trinity while Christians do. The Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet but not part of God/Allah himself. The Muslims also believe that Christ was not crucified by the Jews, but the Christians do. The Christians believe that instantly after death you are judged by your deeds and either sent to heaven or to hell. The Muslims and the Jews on the other hand, believe that the souls of the diseased will be judged on Judgment Day. The Muslims believe that all people are born pure, but the Christians believe that they were born with original sin and must be baptized to be free of it. Hell and Heaven are forever in Christianity, but in the Islamic faith Allah could forgive you and it would be possible to reach Heaven. The Islamic Hell is a sort of cleansing you could say. Only females are allowed to wear gold in the Islamic faith, while both male and female can wear it in Judaism and Christianity. Jews and Christians believe that the prophets were not pure but the Muslims believe that all of the prophets were pure. Muslims and Jews do not eat swine, but Christians are permitted to.

http://www.answers.com/topic/similarities-between-judaism-islam-and-christianity


yes, i see bigotry from you constantly...against anyone that disagrees with you.


I was responding to a claim by Micheal who said that Most Muslims are not educated.

Would it also be bigotry for me to say Most Jews are not educated?

I hope you don't actually believe what you said.


a peninsula is a geographic label. a state is a political one. by your statement, i guess everything from alaska to the panama canal is all the same nation? get a clue.

I was referring to Michael who said Islam is the state religion in Arabia. What state is Arabia? Arabia is a Peninsula.

A·ra·bi·a Audio pronunciation of "arabia" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-rb-) also A·ra·bi·an Peninsula (-b-n)

A peninsula of southwest Asia between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Politically, it includes Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Arabia has an estimated one third of the world's oil reserves.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=arabia

http://www.nystromnet.com/information/Maps/images/ArabianPeninsula.jpg

I don't dislike you, so I'm wondering were all this opposition came from. I have never said anything bad about Jews, as a matter of fact, you will be hard pressed to find me say anything bad about Jews. I will repeat, I respect Jewish religion and ethnicity.

Peace.

the opposition comes from you saying that my personal religion is corrupted. not that i personally care what someone else thinks of my relationship with the universe, but it is still kind of rude.

all that aside.........how can you have great respect for judaism, if you believe it to be corrupted and false? i do not respect christianity, or islam. the individual practitioners are a different story, and i decide about them on an individual basis.
however, it hurts me to see people killing in the name of religion, as i see practitioners of islam doing. i WILL give them one thing though: at least they are open and honest about their motivations. the false christians that they are fighting against wont even be honest about that.

the opposition comes from you saying that my personal religion is corrupted. not that i personally care what someone else thinks of my relationship with the universe, but it is still kind of rude.

all that aside.........how can you have great respect for judaism, if you believe it to be corrupted and false? i do not respect christianity, or islam. the individual practitioners are a different story, and i decide about them on an individual basis.
however, it hurts me to see people killing in the name of religion, as i see practitioners of islam doing. i WILL give them one thing though: at least they are open and honest about their motivations. the false christians that they are fighting against wont even be honest about that.

Thanks for clearing that up. I personally have nothing against Judaism. I believe Judaism to be divine, however I believe the Torat has been corrupted. This is my belief as a Muslim.

I respect you for being open about your beliefs as well, and I respect any Jew who does not believe in Zionism. This is a very courageous thing and very respectable thing to believe, especially as a Jew.

I also respect Christianity, especially the great teachings of kindness of Prophet Jesus (s) which I believe is also evident in Islam and Judaism.

You will not find any post of mine which is spreading hatred or bigotry against Jews or Christians because I respect those people who are devoted to their faith and are honest people.

I might tell what Muslims believe of Christianity or Judaism, but this is only disagreement with these religions on certain subjects. I will never spread any hatred, because this is against my religion and against religions of Christianity and Judaism as well.

If I insulted you, that was not my intention. I was stating the belief of why Muslims believe their religion isn't from Judaism.

I hope you understand.

Peace.

sure enough, diamondhearts. i see you in a different light now.
ill write more on this subject tomorrow..right now i have to go cook and do some cleaning. :)

thank you very much for clearing that all up. if i insulted you, i apologize as well.

interestingly enough, you are the first person on this site that has had the nerve to be honest and forthcoming about their relgion, without being snotty.

talk to you tomorrow!!

diamond you talk out of your a**, you know as well as I the the qu'ran has come from Judaism, it was just that to convince is followers of the lies he was portraying, mohammad had to say that islam came first, just pure BS.

pbui

Can anybody please explain why their religion is the "only true and correct" religion? So confusing; so many to choose from. Who's to say - and justify - which is correct? http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/images/smilies/popc1.gif Anyone care to answer?



not all religion say theres is the right one,

zen buddhism, and daoism/taoism, speak of no gods whatsoever, and they teach people to accept other religions and other peoples belief system and respect all walks of life,


not all religion is the same.

peace,

Michael-

I thought Tibetan Buddhism evolved after the Muslim invaders destroyed Nolanada (in India.) So the Mahayanas there fled over into Tibet...

Where they were influenced by the indiginous bon religion and by taoism from the north.

zen buddhism, and daoism/taoism, speak of no gods whatsoever,


This is not true. There is a pantheon of gods in both taoism and buddhism. Many of the Hindu pantheon are held to be existing in buddhism. The difference is how gods are viewed. In buddhism gods are still sentient beings who are subject to birth and death, they do how ever have very long and comfortable lives, we may win a favourable rebirth in the realm of the gods if we lead a good life (according to buddhist scripture). In taoism as well there is a pantheon of immortals and gods who can be prayed to. What buddism and taoism do not have is an all powerfull creator god who decides our destiny for us.

there is of course a philosophical school on taoism - lao tzu / chuang tzu - where although the gods are not the primary focus they are still present.



Also note that in buddhism there are hells. And in taoism an underworld where beings are "educated" before there next human rebirth



and they teach people to accept other religions and other peoples belief system and respect all walks of life,


This is true and seperates the eastern religions from the western (or should I say middle eastern). And please add Hinduism to this list. There is a Hindu saying "the different religions are like different cows, but true spiritual teaching is like the milk that comes from them"

but, light travelling.....the goal of buddhism is to escape the cycle of birth/death in all of it's forms.

wouldnt gods be considered something to be pitied, almost?

but, light travelling.....the goal of buddhism is to escape the cycle of birth/death in all of it's forms.
?

Yes escaping from the cycle of life and death (arhanship) is one of the goals in buddhism, full buddhahood is another goal. It depends which school of buddhism one adheres to.

And yes a birth in the realm of gods is still a birth and provides only temporary relief from suffering. Eventually one must be born again in the realm of humnans to achieve liberation. (according to buddhist scripture). This is why a human birth is considered so valuable in buddhism, it is only as a human that one can achieve liberation or buddhahood.


wouldnt gods be considered something to be pitied, almost?


Not pitied, but all sentient beings should be treated with compassion, respect and equinamity. This applies whether the being is a human, god, ghost, demon or animal. (there are actually 6 categories of being according to buddhist cosmology)