God and Gods
by Roshi Hogen Berman

It doesn't seem likely that a benevolent loving God or Gods would create problems and suffering for mankind - but I think they or it does. They, it, creates the suffering in the mind of the believers when they pray for help and it is not forthcoming. If one believes, and the God or Gods do not come through when asked - the believer begins to doubt and that is the start of suffering. On the other hand if one does not believe, in some societies he/she will be looked down upon and suffer from social pressure and be black balled as a heretic.

Personally, a God or Gods do not bring any suffering to my door. It isn't just a simple case of my not believing in the existence of a God, I can't see any proof of a God to make me believe, nor can I say that I disbelieve. I simply don't know if there is a God or Gods and cannot see any way in this life cycle that I could prove either position before going to my grave.

It is interesting to note, when studying history, the actions of mankind in the name of such Gods or a God. Why would they have to go to war because one faction of society believes and worships differently than another? I think the position God believers should take, if one believes and has a close relationship with his/her God or Gods and it brings happiness and joy into their life, then it is good and they should continue and even strengthen their belief. However if such belief does not bring joy and happiness into their life, then I suggest the God(s) be cast aside and a new belief system found. As an example, the aborigines in Taiwan worship and pay homage to a "village God" and they make offerings to him as long as things are going well for the village. When things go bad, they fire that God and adopt a new one. Apparently they have an unlimited supply. I know one thing about the God or Gods, if it or they exist, they must love Buddhist followers. Such human beings are very self-reliant, they never go to the God or Gods and ask for favor of any kind and they live their life attempting to be morally excellent. Buddhists think that if there is such a God who is a fatherly figure, that no parent would want his children to kneel before him and Kow tow in a subservient manner. If there is such a God the father, how could he not love these children who are Buddhist followers?

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