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Have a question!!
Hello, this is my first time posting here. I've resently been looking up information about Buddhism because I'm thinking of becoming one. I think that the views of Buddhism are much more suited for me than any other religion.....But back to my question!
Before I started searching information on Buddhism, one of my friends told me that Buddhism accepted all the religions, saying that it was just another path to god/heaven. I just wanted to see if that was true before I start saying that too anyone else. Also, if I do become a Buddhist, is it alright for me to join my family in Mass for Chirstmas and Easter?
Before I started searching information on Buddhism, one of my friends told me that Buddhism accepted all the religions, saying that it was just another path to god/heaven. I just wanted to see if that was true before I start saying that too anyone else. Also, if I do become a Buddhist, is it alright for me to join my family in Mass for Chirstmas and Easter?
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Comments
There is likely a conflict in regards to the Catholic teaching regarding Buddhism, but that may or may not be an issue with most people.
We should respect other's religious beliefs, even if we disagree with them. Any philosophy which teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path is valid.
Of course you should join with your family for holidays -- they are your family. You should love them and respect them, and, in turn, they should love and respect you.
I am sure that Brian and the others will also welcome you but I got here before them! So: Welcome to a wonderfully supportive Buddhist site.
The question that you ask is not a simple one. You will find that the majority of Buddhists and of Christians would tell you that the two 'paths' are mutually incompatible. The main reasons are:
* Buddhism does not recognise a "Supereme Being/Creator" type of god;
* Buddhism does not believe that enlightenement/salvation comes from outside us or even from a teacher but is achieved from within.
* Christianity requires belief in the divinity of Jesus.
* Christianity requires belief in Original Sin and the substitutionary sacrifice of the Cross.
All these are true, as far as they go, but there are other views, at the 'cutting edge' of the faith families. The problem is that, if you want to combine Buddhist and Christian practice, you may need to go deeply into both. You will find opposition from clergy and laity alike. There are some good books to help and some of us, here, take that path.
One writer you might like to look at straight away is Father Anthony de Mello. He was an Indian Jesuit. His Sadhana is subtitled Christian Exercises in Eastern Form and is a good fusion of practices.
If you are really interested in how to continue with a Christian faith that is compatible with Buddhism, I shall be delighted to offer what small knowledge I have and, more important (I hope), support along the pilgrim way.
You don't have to believe in transubstantiation to go to Mass, nor is it a requisite that one believe in the risen Christ to eat Eastern Dinner with your folks.
There is nothing in Buddhist teachings that says "You CANNOT" or "You MUST NOT". There are "this is bad for you, you shouldn't do this, you will find difficulty if you do this...", etc. instead.
I was born and raised catholic. The rituals, the prayers, the dogma, they are all just that to me. They hold no meaning with me anymore, at least in a "salvation" sense. Instead, I take solace in the comforting cultural and family aspects of those holidays and rituals. There is nothing wrong at all with enjoying Christmas with your catholic family or having easter dinner! If it will keep peace in the family, say the prayers with them. Say grace. What difference does it make? If you find that praying without "belief" bothers you, then you will see that the attachment that you have to your upbringing is what is causing the suffering, not the act of prayer itself. The prayer itself is just words and thoughts - impermenant objects that ultimately mean nothing.
Now, if I go to a local temple, I'm sure they will help me start off. But how was your first experience when you first became a Buddhist?
My name is Adiana and am a Wiccan of the Correllian Tradition. I am also a Nichiren Buddhist. I want to say welcome to the site and you will find people here that are very kind and supportive. I remember my first visit to the SGI community center in Indianapolis, Indiana. I worried that I might not be welcome because of my being a Wiccan but I was wrong---I was welcomed with open arms. I also used to be a Baptist. I was brought up in that faith but I always had problems with the doctrines being taught plus my questions were summarily dismissed instead of being answered and I also had problems with that as well. Please know that I do not put down Christianity or any other religion. I think that people have the right to choose whatever spiritual path they desire. I do know some Christians that do not put me down because I choose to be Wiccan as well as a Nichiren Buddhist. I think that a lot of religious intolerance is due to fear and ignorance of religions that are not considered mainstream like Christianity or being of the Jewish faith. This is just my opinion, however. Again, welcome and I look forward to getting to know you.
Adiana
My fault. Welcome aboard.