Buddhism and YOU! How do you relate?

[PumpedAaron]

Okay, so I'm still technically a Christian, but I've recently gained a sparked interest in Buddhism, partially because of this "Buddhism in America" class I'm talking, and partially due to its pervasive presence in anime, and Japanese video games. I've recently been meditating at a local wat (Theravada Thai Forest Tradition).

Boy let me say, its really boosting my mental and physical strength multi-fold! I'm learning about mindfulness, laws of cause and effect (equanimity, and kamma), the minds inner-committee, (the guide book describes that a person's mind is filled with several distinct voices, each fighting for their own way. Some are skillfull, peaceful, and wise, others are violent, foolhardy, tyrannical, etc.).

It's teaching me to appreciate a basic lifestyle: Monks live on the essentials; One meal a day, hours of meditation, yardwork, indoor chores, hiking, exploring forests, and working towards peace on the inside.







Does anybody else have experience in Buddhism? Do you meditate, or visit a local monastery?

Discuss!

 

[r3skyline]

RE: Buddhism

My wife practices and wants me to practice as well. BTW, you can still be a christian and practice buddhism. It isnt a religion. Just a way of life.

 

[Polaris]

RE: Buddhism

My wife practices and wants me to practice as well. BTW, you can still be a christian and practice buddhism. It isnt a religion. Just a way of life.

Well, technically Buddhism isn't a philosophy or a religion, that is, it is a way of life but there are certain beliefs that go along with it. A Buddhist would typically believe in re-incarnation, a belief no Christian can accept. In addition, Buddhism teaches the ultimate goal of reality it get one's self dissolved in the "all" or Nirvana, which is essentially self-obliteration, which is again something that is against fundamental Christian teaching. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure those are two Buddhist teachings that can't be believed by a Christian.

As a Catholic, I don't have any issues with others being Buddhist; and after reading this book (which I suggest you do, all of you):
My respect and understanding of buddhism has grown: http://www.amazon.com/Monk-Philosopher-Father-Discuss-Meaning/dp/0805211039

 

[SheNinja]

I am Christian, but I believe in reincarnation. This seems to be the only relationship that I know between me and Buddhism.

 

[Polaris]

I am Christian, but I believe in reincarnation. This seems to be the only relationship that I know between me and Buddhism.

Define "re-incarnation". Physical life after death and reincarnation are two different things. Re-incarnation is not at all a Christian belief.

 

[SheNinja]

Well, I don't, per se, "believe" in reincarnation. It just sometimes comes up in life where it seems that it has happened.

 

[Frezgle]

I don't like to confine myself to one specific belief/moral system, but Buddhism is one that I find a lot to be valued in (assuming what I know is correct; all of my info is second-hand from my boyfriend, who comes from a Buddhist family). Trying not to kill anything even as small as an insect, resorting to violence as only a last necessary means of confrontation, using your personal judgment and common sense. I like all of that.
Reincarnation is something that I don't believe in, that is; I don't believe your experiences and memories get passed to another lifeform when you die. Technically though, you DO become food for the food chain and many of your atoms become atoms of future organisms. Heh.

 

[le Roi-Soleil]

I don't like to confine myself to one specific belief/moral system, but Buddhism is one that I find a lot to be valued in (assuming what I know is correct; all of my info is second-hand from my boyfriend, who comes from a Buddhist family). Trying not to kill anything even as small as an insect, resorting to violence as only a last necessary means of confrontation, using your personal judgment and common sense. I like all of that.
Reincarnation is something that I don't believe in, that is; I don't believe your experiences and memories get passed to another lifeform when you die. Technically though, you DO become food for the food chain and many of your atoms become atoms of future organisms. Heh.

This post sums up my beliefs entirely.

My experiences with Buddhism have taught me many valuable life lessons. I try to stick to many Buddhist teachings, and so far, I have been successful in my endeavors. I classify myself as a Buddhist-Athiest.

 

[PumpedAaron]

RE: Buddhism

My wife practices and wants me to practice as well. BTW, you can still be a christian and practice buddhism. It isnt a religion. Just a way of life.

Well, technically Buddhism isn't a philosophy or a religion, that is, it is a way of life but there are certain beliefs that go along with it. A Buddhist would typically believe in re-incarnation, a belief no Christian can accept. In addition, Buddhism teaches the ultimate goal of reality it get one's self dissolved in the "all" or Nirvana, which is essentially self-obliteration, which is again something that is against fundamental Christian teaching. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure those are two Buddhist teachings that can't be believed by a Christian.

As a Catholic, I don't have any issues with others being Buddhist; and after reading this book (which I suggest you do, all of you):
My respect and understanding of buddhism has grown: http://www.amazon.com/Monk-Philosopher-Father-Discuss-Meaning/dp/0805211039

Erm, that part about Nirvana, you distorted the idea. Its not about "self-destruction". The idea is that our mind causes stress and suffering naturally, to itself and other people, and that's why we need the mental training of meditation, so that we can let go of cravings that are inherently destructive, and are fruits of the 3 Poisons: Desire, Hatred, Delusion.

 

[Polaris]

RE: Buddhism

Well, technically Buddhism isn't a philosophy or a religion, that is, it is a way of life but there are certain beliefs that go along with it. A Buddhist would typically believe in re-incarnation, a belief no Christian can accept. In addition, Buddhism teaches the ultimate goal of reality it get one's self dissolved in the "all" or Nirvana, which is essentially self-obliteration, which is again something that is against fundamental Christian teaching. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure those are two Buddhist teachings that can't be believed by a Christian.

As a Catholic, I don't have any issues with others being Buddhist; and after reading this book (which I suggest you do, all of you):
My respect and understanding of buddhism has grown: http://www.amazon.com/Monk-Philosopher-Father-Discuss-Meaning/dp/0805211039

Erm, that part about Nirvana, you distorted the idea. Its not about "self-destruction". The idea is that our mind causes stress and suffering naturally, to itself and other people, and that's why we need the mental training of meditation, so that we can let go of cravings that are inherently destructive, and are fruits of the 3 Poisons: Desire, Hatred, Delusion.

By "Nirvana" I mean post-death finality. I know that Buddhist try to avoid selfishness, the root of desire, hatred, delusion, ect., that's not really a difference between it and Christianity. But the ultimate ends are very different.