Hi crescent & all,
Unlike book-based religions for example
Christianity (please no offense)which is based
upon certain supposed historical events (the virgin birth, the
resurrection, etc), the only record of which is an allegedly
reliable document called the Bible. If these events can be shown to
have never occurred, and if the documents recording these events
can be shown to he unreliable, then Christianity will
collapse.
When we examine the teachings of the Buddha we find an entirely
different situation. Even if we were able to prove that the Buddha
never existed or that there were mistakes in the Buddhist
scriptures this would in no way undermine Buddhism. And why?
Because Buddhism is not primarily about the historical Buddha or
about events which happened in the past; rather, it is about human
suffering, what causes that suffering, and how it can be overcome
so that humans can be free, happy and radiant. If we wish to verify
or understand Buddhism we don't pick through scriptures squabbling
about the meaning of words or phrases; rather, we become sensitive
to our own experience
When you study Buddhism, you are studying yourself, the nature of
your own mind. Instead of focusing on some supreme being, Buddhism
focuses on more practical matters, such as how to lead your life,
how to integrate your mind and how to keep your everyday mind
peaceful and healthy. In other words, Buddhism always emphasizes
experiential knowledge-wisdom rather than some dogmatic view.
hope that answer your doubts
World Peace 