I am an atheist. lol. True, Buddhists don’t believe in gods so yeah. I guess I lied to my coworker. Seriously I am studying Buddhism. I read all I can about it and would love to be one…but I’m not there yet. I still wouldn’t identify as atheist. I don’t care enough to. I’m not religious. don’t care. rofl about me not knowing…but somehow my coworkers know??? Too bizarre.

To sum up my beliefs perfectly-
What do Buddhists believe in?

The Buddha explained that life inevitably means problems, frustration and pain (latest at death). These problems are caused by our ignorance, confused emotions and negative actions. As we decide everything with our own minds and we can all change our minds, it is possible to end problems and pain by changing our own minds and leading a wiser and more positive life. Once we completely understand the world, we can make an end to all our suffering and go to Nirvana, not unlike the permanent Christian heaven or even become a Buddha.

More on Buddhism for those curious about it:

Lay people generally undertake to live by the five precepts, which are common to all Buddhist schools. If they wish, they can choose to undertake the eight precepts, which add basic asceticism.

The five precepts are training rules in order to live a better life in which one is happy, without worries, and can meditate well:

1. To refrain from taking life (non-violence towards sentient life forms)
2. To refrain from taking that which is not given (not committing theft)
3. To refrain from sensual (including sexual) misconduct
4. To refrain from lying (speaking truth always)
5. To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness (specifically, drugs and alcohol)

The precepts are not formulated as imperatives, but as training rules that laypeople undertake voluntarily to facilitate practice. In Buddhist thought, the cultivation of dana and ethical conduct will themselves refine consciousness to such a level that rebirth in one of the lower heavens is likely, even if there is no further Buddhist practice. There is nothing improper or un-Buddhist about limiting one’s aims to this level of attainment.

In the eight precepts, the third precept on sexual misconduct is made more strict, and becomes a precept of celibacy. The three additional precepts are:

6. To refrain from eating at the wrong time (only eat from sunrise to noon)
7. To refrain from dancing and playing music, wearing jewelry and cosmetics, attending shows and other performances
8. To refrain from using high or luxurious seats and bedding

NOT PLAYING MUSIC? 🙂 I know most western Buddhist don’t follow the last 3. I’m fine with the first 5. whatever. I don’t do organized religion….of any type.