Would the Empire accept Buddhism? (Post Conquest time)

[Buddha]

Please just think about this and if it could be possible. When I say the "Empire" I mean the one after the conquest of the Federation. I don't know much about how religion has been treated by the Federation. I am guessing that Buddhism would still be around during that time. One of the things that makes me think that is how it really happened in the real world. Consider that for one in Japan the samurai accepted Zen Buddhism. That means that even in a religion that says not to kill (Ahimsa or non-harm) warriors can at least continue to fight and do their jobs. I can see a leader's conversion (like the emperor's, if this were to happen) sparking people to follow suit. This happened when King Ashoka converted. The big question that remains is this: Would the Sith be able to be part of this too? The answer is that they would be able to continue to do what they do as well. Within certain schools of Buddhism, such as in Tibet where they perform perform rituals with the tantric forces of darkness and light. This all assumes that the people on Earth have preserved the religion and the practices. I can't think of anything more to talk about, so if you all can add to this feel free to.

[Zablorg]

How odd.

I suppose the Empire could adopt buddhism, but I don't see why it would. How much would the people of the Empire change after the conquest of the Federation? It would probably storm in, kill/enslave everyone or something to that effect and wouldn't give two figs about their culture.

[Darth Ruinus]

In an Empire of 100 quadrillion beings, and the recently colonized people, then yeah, I guess just by pure chance some of those people are going to like Buddhism.

Why would Sith get into Buddhism though? Buddhism isnt real, the Force is. (from the perspective of this ST meets SW universe)

[TithonusSyndrome]

Other than maybe some choleric Imperial officer with a sadistic streak reading up on the litany of tortures the lamas conducted against the serfs of Tibet, it would consider itself lucky to catch the notice of any Coruscanti anthropologist with more time on their hands than usefulness in their trade.

[fusion]

Yeah, I agree with such a large population, the Empire will not notice the small population of Buddhist. I modern day terms, Buddhism would be similar to a tiny cult group that you will never know because it only has five members for half a billion is tiny compared to a hundred quadrillion beings.

[Isolder74]

The only way They'd even be noticed is if some Moff decides that they are 'pocket' Jedi and need to be exterminated.

[Buddha]

I see what the real problems in my scenario all have in common. They all assume one of two things:
1. Buddhism is still around under the Federation government's nose.
2. That the military would have a great deal of contact with the peoples of Asian heratige.
3. There would be a valid reason for the Empire to adopt the religion widespread after having encounters with it.

The thing about the Buddhist monks and the like being confused for Jedi is not even remotely possible. The Force that the Jedi use is more intimate for them than the dharma is for a Buddhist priest (Mahayana traditions, it is assumed). This may not mean much to the average person, but the difference is quite profound. One thing that comes up is a very big "WHY?" and the answer can be found in real life examples. Buddhism of the Mahayana (which means greater vehicle and great salvation) as opposed to the Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle or exclusive salvation) are different in aim. Mahayana says that through rituals one can be saved and achieve nirvana to become a never-returner. Hinayana is of the school of thought that in order to be saved one must renounce the world and take vows of Boddhisattva to help others through one's sacrifice. Mahayana is the form of Buddhism that spread the quickest throughout Asia (China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan) and the other became popular in Southeast Asian nations. Mahayana with it's rituals and it's promise of easy salvation make it all very enticing to those to whom doctrines are boring and pointless. This means that according to this belief any sentient being can be born and die in cycle until it leaves the cycle to become a Buddha. Any questions class?

[Ghost Rider]

And in the end?

They wouldn't give a fuck because it's one religion on a planet that is but one of many. The Empire even in Mike's fanfic was more then enough to conquer the AQ powers and beyond. Why the fuck would they care about any religion other then "Are they paying the taxes Y/N?"

[Thanas]

Even if, by some miracle of galactic proportions, the sector moff hears about Buddhism and does not immediately file it under "odd, unimportant fact", the only use Buddhism would have for the empire to use it to keep the people in line. Maybe use it on slave races. And I bet the monks would just be too happy to go along with it.

But yeah, the chances of such a thing occurring? About the same as a yedi using the force when keeping a Yalsamiri as pet.

[Rihannsu Science Officer]

It's more likely, since the OP holds it as a given the Federation will be conquered, that the Empire would expand its cultures and religions to the Federation more than the other way around. Expect to see Fed citizens taking an interest in The Force before any Imperial takes an interest in old Earth religions.

[Thanas]

^Dude, what the hell? That is the third thread necro within two hours by you. Haven't you read the board rules?

[DrStrangelove]

I don't see why those who wanted to couldn't. Religion seems to be a very minor or non issue in SW.

[Ghost Rider]

Just as a note. Really if the topic is as dead as this one, do not +1 your post count.