Buddhism: The Deception Behind the Asian Religion
Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest and most widespread religions, practiced by millions across Asia and beyond. To many in the West, it seems harmless, peaceful, and even compatible with Christianity. It is often promoted in schools, yoga studios, counseling practices, and even churches under the disguise of “mindfulness” or “meditation.” But behind the golden statues, prayer beads, and chanting lies a deceptive system that draws people away from the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ.
This article will explore Buddhism’s cultural origins, its beliefs, its gods, its purpose, and why so many become involved—while answering whether it functions as a form of divination. Finally, we’ll expose why Christians must separate themselves from it.
1. The Culture Buddhism Came Out Of
Buddhism originated in the 5th–6th century BC in India. Its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, later called the Buddha, was a Hindu prince who rejected the caste system and Hindu rituals but retained Hindu philosophical ideas.
From India, Buddhism spread into Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, Japan, Thailand, and across Asia, absorbing elements of each culture along the way. This is why Tibetan Buddhism looks different from Zen Buddhism in Japan or Theravada Buddhism in Thailand.
But no matter the cultural packaging, Buddhism always promotes a worldview that denies the Creator God and replaces Him with self-realization and inner enlightenment.
2. The Beliefs of Buddhism
At its core, Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths:
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Life is suffering (dukkha).
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Suffering comes from desire and attachment.
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The way to end suffering is to eliminate desire.
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The Eightfold Path is the way to escape suffering.
The Eightfold Path includes “right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.” This is essentially a works-based religion: a person must strive, meditate, and discipline themselves to escape suffering and reach enlightenment.
But Scripture is clear—salvation is not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Buddhism denies sin, denies the need for repentance, and replaces the hope of heaven with the endless wheel of reincarnation.
3. Who Are Their Gods?
Many Westerners believe Buddhism is “atheistic,” but that is not accurate. Buddhism technically does not worship a Creator God, but it is full of gods, spirits, and idols.
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In Tibet, Buddhist temples are filled with fierce “protector deities.”
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In Japan, Zen Buddhism blends with Shinto gods and ancestral spirits.
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In Thailand, Buddha statues are bowed to and worshiped as idols.
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Even “mindfulness” meditation often invokes chanting to “Avalokiteshvara” (a bodhisattva deity).
The Bible warns us that idols are not just stone statues but representations of demons (1 Corinthians 10:20). When someone bows to Buddha, prays in a temple, or chants mantras, they are not neutral—they are communing with demonic spirits.
4. The Purpose of the Modality
Buddhism’s ultimate purpose is to achieve nirvana—the extinction of desire and escape from the cycle of reincarnation. This goal is not eternal life with God but the annihilation of self.
Buddhism teaches people to empty their minds through meditation, detach from emotions, and suppress desires. But Scripture teaches the opposite. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Biblical meditation is about filling our minds with God’s Word (Joshua 1:8), not emptying them to invite spirits.
Buddhism is essentially a counterfeit to true biblical faith, designed to look like wisdom but rooted in demonic deception.
5. Why Do People Get Involved?
Many people are drawn to Buddhism because it appears peaceful, offers stress relief, and gives practical tools for anxiety, pain, or meaning in life. Western seekers especially love “mindfulness” because it feels non-religious and can be blended into psychology or business practices.
But the danger is subtle: when someone begins to practice Buddhist meditation, bow before Buddha statues, or chant mantras, they open their spirit to demons disguised as peace. The Bible warns that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
People seek Buddhism because they are searching for truth and healing, but in reality they are being lured into bondage. Only Christ can give true peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27).
6. Is Buddhism a Form of Divination?
While Buddhism does not always present itself as fortune-telling, many of its practices cross into divination:
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Tibetan Buddhism uses oracles and astrological charts to predict the future.
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Zen masters interpret dreams and omens.
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Chanting mantras is essentially a form of incantation, which Scripture forbids (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
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Belief in karma is a counterfeit spiritual law, trying to predict and control outcomes outside of God’s sovereignty.
So yes—Buddhism often functions as divination. It denies the authority of God and instead seeks supernatural power and wisdom from spirits and idols.
7. Biblical Warning Against Buddhism
God is very clear about idol worship:
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“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).
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“What do pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20).
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“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
For Christians, dabbling in Buddhism—whether through yoga, chanting, or mindfulness—is spiritual compromise. It opens the door to oppression, torment, and deception.
8. True Freedom in Christ
Unlike the endless striving of Buddhism, Jesus offers forgiveness, grace, and eternal life. Salvation is not earned by meditation or moral effort—it is freely given through Christ’s blood shed on the cross.
Where Buddhism teaches people to empty themselves, Christ fills us with the Holy Spirit. Where Buddhism seeks escape from suffering, Christ redeems suffering and promises eternal glory.
The only true enlightenment is found in Jesus, who is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
Conclusion
Buddhism may appear beautiful and wise, but it is a deception that keeps people bound in spiritual darkness. Its gods are demons, its practices open doors to the occult, and its promise of nirvana is a lie.
If you have been involved in Buddhism or mindfulness, repent, renounce it, and invite Jesus Christ to cleanse you. Only He can give you peace, freedom, and eternal life.
Teresa Morin
President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries
🌐 https://www.touchofgod.org
Of Healing and Deliverance, Ordained Minister, Public Speaker
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