Interested in dharmic religions but atheist**Need Advice**

As i stated, I'm atheist, and I'm not trying to debate/change this personal view. However, I am particularly interested in dharmic religions. Considering I'm atheist, I believe this leaves me with the option of Hinduism. I am particularly interested because I would like to achieve a low stress lifestyle/outlook to reduce depression and anxiety. Any info regarding where to start would be helpful: text, books, groups i fall into, practices, ect..... I am fully willing to dive in and see where it leads me.

If you're atheist, the Dharmic path that would most likely resonate deepest with you is Buddhism. As a religion, Buddhism places no emphasis whatsoever on God and little emphasis on gods. Both are deemed entirely irrelevant to the practice. This is why Buddhism is often considered a non-theistic religion.

Hinduism, on the other hand, is rather God(s)-centric. Various gods and deities dominate most branches of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) and play a central role in devotees' practices. Of any Dharmic religion, Hinduism may actually be the furthest from atheism.

Groups that might appeal to you would be Theravada and Zen Buddhism. If you're curious about learning more (assuming you take an interest in Buddhism), let me know and I will gladly provide you with some learning resources.

Hinduism is in fact among the least atheist-friendly of Dharmic religions, although I will certainly not advise you to avoid it; it can teach a lot indeed.

Seeing how you want to deal with anxiety and stress, I would advise seeking some practice with shamata / zazen / vipassana. And of course, see if you feel confortable with whatever dharmic groups you happen by.

Zen Buddhism might be the one for you, but first try to drop the label Atheist, even drop the name Buddhism. Its not about finding something for you to grow, but losing everything to be who you truly are, when the dust on the mirror is wiped away you will only then realize who you are, who you have always been., the dust being conditioning, programming and all the rest that has made you to believe who you are.

If you're an atheist, there is Buddhism; but there are some atheist schools of thought in Hinduism out there. One of the six orthodox philosophies of Hinduism is Samkhya; which is, in it's own way, atheistic, but also strongly dualistic in terms of consciousness and matter. To an extent, one could, in a way, also consider Vedanta non-theistic; if not out right atheistic.

Of course, as an atheist, there is also Jainism. However, keep in mind that Jains, while not believing in a creator God, believe in souls and reincarnation. Jainism is also one of the strictest religions in terms of ethics and it's numbers are low (there are only, roughly, 5-ish million Jains in the world).

DocHollidaze said:

As i stated, I'm atheist, and I'm not trying to debate/change this personal view. However, I am particularly interested in dharmic religions. Considering I'm atheist, I believe this leaves me with the option of Hinduism. I am particularly interested because I would like to achieve a low stress lifestyle/outlook to reduce depression and anxiety. Any info regarding where to start would be helpful: text, books, groups i fall into, practices, ect..... I am fully willing to dive in and see where it leads me.

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Iyengar yoga.

The practice of asana (the postures) is profoundly effective in reducing anxiety and depression. At the same time, you will get a very gradual introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which is a form of hinduism which is much more akin to buddhism (which I feel certain was a major influence on his philosophy), written around 250 BC.

No issue is made of whether you are theist or atheist.

The system teaches meditation in the context of asana practice, with instruction on pranayama (breath control) as you progress.

By taking the body, and your responses to the asanas, as the object of meditation, you avoid the pitfall of getting into complex ideological constructs in relation to meditation. The practice uses the principles of neuroplasticity, by putting you into a situation outside your habitual comfort zone, and then encouraging a deep relaxation within that state. This is very direct, when compared to philosophising about suffering and how to end it.

So it is very practical, simultaneously addressing your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. ... and it's also a way of developing a very fit, strong and flexible body.

Classes begin at beginner level, and as you progress you can opt for more demanding levels of practice, which include inversions (headstands, forearm balances etc) and backbends.

Speaking as someone who was previously prone to severe anxiety and depression, I can assure you that the practice is incredibly effective for dealing with that. I have also studied and practiced other forms of meditation in the past (Vipassana and Tibetan buddhism), so I can compare those different paths, and for me, Iyengar yoga is definitely the way to go. And as an added bonus, I no longer suffer from the compressed discs in my lumbar spine - I have gone from chronic discomfort to pain-free comfort.

Do a ten day beginner course, and it will be very clear to you if this is a suitable practice for you.

DocHollidaze said:

As i stated, I'm atheist, and I'm not trying to debate/change this personal view. However, I am particularly interested in dharmic religions. Considering I'm atheist, I believe this leaves me with the option of Hinduism. I am particularly interested because I would like to achieve a low stress lifestyle/outlook to reduce depression and anxiety. Any info regarding where to start would be helpful: text, books, groups i fall into, practices, ect..... I am fully willing to dive in and see where it leads me.

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There are a lot of wellness practices that naturally occur within Hinduism. Diaphragmatic breathing comes to mind, as well as several methods of cleansing the subconscious of things that might be troubling you.

While it's not considered a dharmic religion, there is non-religious/philosophical Taoism. I think the only reason it's not considered a dharmic religion is because it's not an Indic religion. However, Taoism is no less 'dharmic', because it does lay out a peaceful way of living in harmony with oneself, one's environment, and the universe, if you will. Dharma means, a way, a law, a duty. There is svadharma, one's personal duty or way. What is your duty? Whatever you perceive it to be.

There are SOME"atheist Hindus"who actually frequent this forums. Yet as many people say a lot of Hinduism is centered around the worship of Gods and this may limit what you will read and many of what should consider main parts of Hinduism. Not to say it is impossible and not even the most spiritual of Hindus will learn and read EVERYTHING about Hinduism.

I do agree though Buddhism will offer you a lot. Why not try and read into both? Buddhism came from Hinduism so I think understanding both will go a long way in helping you understand dharma.

The Bhagvad Gita isone of the most well known books concerning dharma, if you can get past the whole Krishna is God and worshiping God part I think it can help a little.

Kalidas said:

There are SOME"atheist Hindus"who actually frequent this forums. Yet as many people say a lot of Hinduism is centered around the worship of Gods and this may limit what you will read and many of what should consider main parts of Hinduism. Not to say it is impossible and not even the most spiritual of Hindus will learn and read EVERYTHING about Hinduism.

I do agree though Buddhism will offer you a lot. Why not try and read into both? Buddhism came from Hinduism so I think understanding both will go a long way in helping you understand dharma.

The Bhagvad Gita isone of the most well known books concerning dharma, if you can get past the whole Krishna is God and worshiping God part I think it can help a little.

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I should clarify though. Me talking about the Gita is not me trying to convince you to believe in God or not. Many of my friends are atheist and I find atheist to be VERY important to human existence and just as much capable of finding realization and truth as any God worshiper is.

Yet the Gita does have quit a comprehensive explanation of dharama and the dharmic path. But there are plenty of people who have never read it and live a very dharmic life.

thanks for all the info. i think im going to start with Iyengar yoga, while i keep researching Theravada and Zen Buddhism. more info and where to start with these would be most helpful.

DocHollidaze said:

thanks for all the info. i think im going to start with Iyengar yoga, while i keep researching Theravada and Zen Buddhism. more info and where to start with these would be most helpful.

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Here's a nice summary on the notion of God (or lack thereof) in Theravada Buddhism: Buddhism and the God-idea

An essay on the basic teachings of Theravada Buddhism: What is Theravada Buddhism?

This one is a brief introduction to the essence of Zen Buddhism: What is Zen? | Kwan Um School of Zen

Comprehensive guidance on meditation (zazen) in Zen Buddhism: Sitting | Kwan Um School of Zen

DocHollidaze said:

thanks for all the info. i think im going to start with Iyengar yoga, while i keep researching Theravada and Zen Buddhism. more info and where to start with these would be most helpful.

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Good move. The yoga practice itself will deeply inform any other kind of dharma study you do, and keep it grounded in direct experience.

I wish you the best

Buddhism is non-theistic so you can be easily be a Buddhist and an Atheist. I am a Buddhist but will always be an atheist as well.

I'll go ahead and throw my two cents in. There are atheist forms of Hinduism, but Buddhism may be a better fit. It all depends on exactly what you're looking for. If all you're seeking is to lower stress and have more clarity, then there are a variety of meditational practices in both religions that you could do, without actually having to align yourself with either one.

If you want to lean toward Buddhism, I would suggest starting with the meditation practice of anapanasati, meditation on the breath. Then, as Ablaze pointed out, look into Theravada and Zen (to me, while Zen is a Mahayana school, it's more or less a simplified version of Theravada, and even Buddhism as a whole).