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Can one accurately call oneself Buddhist if they only...

shays860shays860
edited April 2012 in Buddhism Basics
Try to meditate, abstain from harmful thought and speech, and perform good deeds? Because I think that is the only sense in which I am or will be a Buddhist until I have a lot more free time and money for studying.

Comments

  • taiyakitaiyaki Veteran
    Sounds about right. :)

    Also try your best and don't wait for perfect conditions. Work with whats in front of you!
  • shays860shays860
    Ah. Good then. That is somehow reassuring.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    You're fine, shays. You don't have to study texts to be a Buddhist. That's why it's called a "practice"! ;) Don't forget "compassion" on your list, there.
    :)
  • ZendoLord84ZendoLord84 Veteran
    Try to meditate, abstain from harmful thought and speech, and perform good deeds? Because I think that is the only sense in which I am or will be a Buddhist until I have a lot more free time and money for studying.
    Is there more?
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited April 2012
    Shays seems to think that he has to be able to spout suttra quotes from memory in order to be a "real" Buddhist. Personally, I prefer people who practice the spirit of Buddhism, rather than memorizing the letter of it.
  • ZendoLord84ZendoLord84 Veteran
    edited April 2012
    some theoretical guidelines can be usefull...especially in the beginning,

    like a diamond coverd with sand of ego, you need water of knowledge and practice to wash of,

    then only diamond remains...

    essence.

    it's all about the essence dude

    *makes a peace sign using a hippie accent *

    LOL (that was a joke)
  • ZendoLord84ZendoLord84 Veteran
    wow i'm in a poet mood tonight...

    loving this...

    LOL
  • shays860shays860
    Well, if you look even briefly at any of the literature it's obvious that you can take it a hell of a lot farther if you want to. I was just wondering what the generally agreed upon bare minimum is, which I'm sure changes depending on who you ask. Now I'm curious what the answers might be from those of particular schools who have higher standards for the bare minimum. But, of course, for myself at this time in this life I feel that what I'm doing is pretty much adequate.
  • Invincible_summerInvincible_summer Heavy Metal Dhamma We(s)t coast, Canada Veteran
    Try to meditate, abstain from harmful thought and speech, and perform good deeds? Because I think that is the only sense in which I am or will be a Buddhist until I have a lot more free time and money for studying.
    "Only?" Some people who tell everyone within earshot they're Buddhist have even a hard time doing one of those things!
  • Lady_AlisonLady_Alison Veteran
    Do you add : cultivating loving kindness and mindfulness? Does are good. But I wouldn't label...not sure I'm a good Muslim, either ...I've been having faith a faith crisis each week.

    So forget labels, be good. Do good.
  • ZendoLord84ZendoLord84 Veteran
    Do you add : cultivating loving kindness and mindfulness? Does are good. But I wouldn't label...not sure I'm a good Muslim, either ...I've been having faith a faith crisis each week.

    So forget labels, be good. Do good.
    this makes you the BEST of all religion practioners...

    LOL.....ur awesome.

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