Do atheists view Buddhism and Taoism any differently than the Abrahamic religions?
I'm asking this because it seems like the most intense debates are derived from Christians or Muslims and there isn't a lot of discussion about the Eastern spiritual views. I also get the feeling that some may view eastern spirituality as fringe or something not to be taken as seriously in the west - at least.
Anyways, I would like to know if atheists have any different opinions about them. So I have some questions about this broad topic:
Do you consider the eastern spiritual arguments more convincing than the western ones? (Eastern religions have a much more in hands approach. For example, Zen Buddhism encourages meditation and in hand experiences instead of following established preachings. And Taoism has the saying: "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. A name that can be named is not the eternal Name")
Do you view eastern religion as more beneficial to society? (I would like to know more about your views about the lack of institutions and so what in certain Buddhist practices, like Zen)
Thoughts on meditation and altered states of consciousness? (This question is more of a bonus. I just wanted to know what do you think about that kind of phenomenon since there's obviously some kind of phycological and physiciological aspect to it that makes meditation a spiritually rewarding experience. Not only religious people find pleasure in meditating, it does increase mindfulness and that is proven.)