Alone

Omar067

In Social Studies class I got interested in Buddhism.I then began to believe the Buddhist way was the best path for me.The problem I have is that I live around people that are not buddhist but christians.I haven't told anyone I know I'm a buddhist yet because everyone would think I'm going to the underworld.I would also get a bad punishment from my family.How should I deal with this problem.

Mountains

Keep it to yourself. Quite simple. There's no need to plaster "I'M A BUDDHIST" on your forehead in order for you to practice and follow the dharma. Buddhists don't generally proselytize, so it's not as if you need to go around proclaiming your Buddhist bent (one of the better things about Buddhism IMHO).

Don't worry too much about what other people think about you or your beliefs and practices. That only shows their unease and misunderstanding. If it comes up, simply say something like "I have my own beliefs" and leave it at that. If someone is really interested, perhaps then you could discuss it further. Most often I find that they drop it though.

Welcome, and best of luck in your practice

Peace

Omar067

Thanks for the advice Mountains.

MindGate

Well, www.reddit.com/r/atheism/ typically has a lot of posts from people asking how to come out to their parents as Atheists. I'm sure those may be able to help some, if that is something you are looking to doing.

tamm

I'm a half in half out person when dealing with Christians. Half of my family (my in-laws) do know about the Buddhism. It actually came out because I needed to draw a distinct line. I did it because I, as an adult, felt that they were overstepping some lines in their proselytizing. They actually took this pretty well. I made sure to explain what I believed in, let them come to events with me and would often clarify things so that it wasn't so confusing. I'm pretty sure they still think that I'll come back at some point but really I don't let it bother me. Overall I'd say that they have become much more respectful towards what I believe; even interested to a certain extent. I think that this was hard for them to understand at first, but they've calmed down quite a bit.
I don't think the prospects of hell ever scared me because of two things. The first being that even when I was Christian I didn't really believe in it...Not to mention that LDS teachings are drastically different than mainstream Christians...after Christianity I still wasn't afraid of it because I find it to be illogical. The second thing was that I knew, even if I wasn't a Buddhist, but still not part of my original church that to them I was not getting into heaven (LDS=Celestial kingdom) anyways.
If you are worried about punishment than I'd just be calm about the whole situation. This is not something that has to be in anyone's face. I think that if you keep this close to the vest or personal it wouldn't be a bad thing. I haven't told my Mother about it. It's a bit different for me because I'm not living at home. But I would suggest to just do what practice you can. It doesn't have to be a rebellion. If it does become this way then that is when I think your parents would come to see it as a threat.

federica

If you look closely at the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path and the first Five precepts, you will note that there is nothing overwhelmingly and deliberately, blatantly, openly Buddhist there.
In fact, much of what is taught in these 17, can be found as a lesson, in Biblical, New Testament scripture.
So if you adhere to the 4, the 8 and the 5, without labelling them as from any specific doctrine.... who could tell the difference??

ShaneKarma

Try to be understanding with those around you, they have grown up with Christian world views and conditioning. Some people find it hard to contemplate any other view. I have gone through the same things. Non of my friends or family are Buddhist and I've just introduced the idea slowly, well I suppose my Buddhism has grown slowly, it didn't just happen over night. One example is that I just started at a Buddhist meditation group and I know that If I was to tell my mother I've joined a Buddhist group she would think I need locking up for my own protection :-) this is just her conditioning and lack of understanding. If on the other hand I tell her its a meditation group she will probably think it sounds like a good thing. Hope this helps a little, follow your own path