[quote]You do not believe separate objects don't really exist because you are a Buddhist, you are a Buddhist because you believe separate objects don't really exist.[/quote]You could say that about any religion's beliefs. Generally, the label is result from the beliefs, but if you have the label, and it's true, then you have the beliefs. [quote]There is a subtle difference.[/quote]There is no real difference. That claim changes nothing. [quote]Buddhism is about creating the mindset from which 'the truth' will arise, whatever that truth is. it has nothing to do with teaching the specific beliefs that follow.[/quote]It has a lot to do with beliefs. You have to have the belief in the core principles of Buddhism to practice it honestly. What exactly do you think Buddhism is? http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/buddhism-beliefs.php/ [quote]No it doesn't. Any Buddhist worth his salt will tell you that in order to reach enlightenment the first thing you do is stop trying to reach it.[/quote] That's rule on how to get to Nirvana. You've simply moved the problem. [quote]The eightfold path exists because it is what the Buddha thought would create the best conditions for enlightenment to arise. People follow it as if it were gospel because people will always find something to follow as if it were gospel.[/quote]Someone following the same principles, but arrived at radically different beliefs would not be considered a Buddhist. http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/what-is-buddhism.htm/ [quote]You're going to claim 'no true Scotsman' fallacy on me now, but lots of people mistakenly believe Buddhism is all about reading the scriptures or teaching the Buddha or the wheel of life or reincarnation, when these are all frills and pomp and extra canon to the main event, which is about creating a person who can see the world without the filters his mind puts in front of him. That's it.[/quote] See above. Buddhism inherently comes with beliefs, some more subtle than others. Even your form of Buddhism as some sort of alternate philosophical equivalent to the scientific method, which I would disagree with in the first place. Even in that form, you would still have a belief in inherent delusions that can be dispelled by meditation and such. That is already some metaphysical belief. And like I said. If I used those practices and found that the Flying Spaghetti Monster is the ultimate truth of reality, I would not be called a Buddhist.