Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.
Currently studying Buddhism & Wicca
I ' m currently studying both, I've always have been drawn in by both and I love to learn so I choose to challenge myself. I was baptized Catholic as an infant, I have children of my and believe that they should be given the choice to find their own spiritual path. I refused to inflict, subject them to anything that will mold them into closed minded individuals.
Wicca is splendidly surprising me and I don't know if it 's just my perspective view but I find many similarities, and the combination of what I take in as an individual is really helping me find the sense of peace that I've been searching for within myself.
Wicca is splendidly surprising me and I don't know if it 's just my perspective view but I find many similarities, and the combination of what I take in as an individual is really helping me find the sense of peace that I've been searching for within myself.
0
Comments
What similarities? Do you mean Catholic altar work or Buddhist spell craft?
Similarities in Buddhism & Wicca and the respect they have for all living things, all of nature is relative. Everything has it's life force ( energy). In Buddhism enlightenment is to reach that state of Narvana; which is the 5th element in Wicca (Infinite Space), was you finally go through the different plans (reincarnation) and have not faltered, learn all, respect the balance you finally reach that place from where life begins and your energy if it is pure, I believe we move forward to another astro-plane.
Again I'm only expressing my view from what I've studied thus far on both, and I'm only a year in Buddhism and a month in Wicca. My catholic mother wouldn't allow me to explore.
Watch out for the Catholic crone tendency to roast hedge witches, which you seem to be. You might find being a dakini suits your magical dharma aspirations . . .
:clap:
I have not yet found the flight manual for the existing Astro Plane.
I am surrounded too, we have local covens, monastics, Christians etc.
Fortunately we can now also gain contact through the internet. For example you will find some friendly Wicca practitioners on SecondLife along with Buddhist groups.
Wiccan morality is interesting. It seems to center on not causing any harm. Definitely compatible with Buddhism in that regard.
I was a (Dianic) Wiccan for a long long time. Waaay before it became 'hot-n-trendy' in the 1990s. Founded an eclectic coven and even taught Wicca for a time.
I was also exposed to Buddhist beliefs as a teen and always managed, quite nicely, to incorporate some Buddhism into my Wiccan practice.
It was working for me up until several years ago - when I had become disillusioned with Paganism, and I realized that I needed to evolve further along my personal path. I needed to shed the religious/ritual/magickal thinking, and commit wholly to (Secular) Buddhism.
Very happy now, totally feel this is where I need to be....
Are they insulated? Are they like Aliester Crowley-the beast who wants power for self and promotes some pretty strange ways to accomplish? Would you please explain?
Wicca was introduced to me by a friend in H.S. It was a Fad for her, goth clothes and all, but even then I was drawn to it sincerely but I lost my Dad young and surrounded by Hypocritical catholic mother , so it's now as an adult that it has recently been reintroduced into my life and it's in sincerity that I devote my time & energy in my studies in both. Combined they are finally giving me the sense of peace and whole-ness.
I have an associates degree in Healthcare, I worked in the Medical field for over 14 years, someone referred to me as a "Hedge Witch", funny how what I do for a living is so relative by definition.
I'm happy to hear you're in a better place, That is exactly what I am searching for and again I think that my studies in both are helping me be a better me...I am learning to let go of inner demons and replacing them with what brings me comfort.
Both teach that, Buddhism has the 8 Fold Path & Wicca has the 13 Goals some are similar in context.
Wicca is a "tradition" or sect of the Pagan religions. Just like Catholic or Baptist is a tradition/sect of the Christian religion. So you would have to start there-
What is Paganism? (I could write pages and pages... but instead I'll snip a little bit from the links below and if there's an interest, you can click further)....
[snip]
Paganism is simply an umbrella term covering many different religions and belief systems. Paganism is a spiritual way of life and its origins are rooted in the ancient nature religions of the world.
Paganism has absolutely nothing to do with Satan, demons, or devils.
Paganism, sometimes referred to as The Old Religion, pre-dates Christianity.
Pagans do not believe in the entity Satan; a Christian concept. [end snip]
http://elevated.freeyellow.com/page25.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_pagan
Wicca:
[snip]
What Wicca Isn't:
Wicca does not embrace the concepts of sin, heaven or hell, the evils of sex or nudity, confession, Satanism, animal sacrifice, or the inferiority of women. Wicca is not a fashion statement, and you do not have to dress a certain way to be a "real Wiccan."
Basic Beliefs of Wicca:
While not exclusive to every single tradition, the following are some of the core tenets found in most Wiccan systems:
* The Divine is present in nature, and so nature should be honored and respected. Everything from animals and plants to trees and rocks are elements of the sacred. You'll find that many practicing Wiccans are passionate about the environment.
*The idea of karma and an afterlife is a valid one. What we do in this lifetime will be revisited upon us in the next. Part of this idea of a cosmic payback system is echoed in the Law of Threefold Return.
*Our ancestors should be spoken of with honor. Because it's not considered out of the ordinary to commune with the spirit world, many Wiccans feel that their ancestors are watching over them at all times.
*The Divine has polarity -- both male and female. In most paths of Wicca, both a god and goddess are honored.
*The Divine is present in all of us. We are all sacred beings, and interaction with the gods is not limited just to the priesthood or a select group of individuals.
*Holidays are based on the turning of the earth and the cycle of the seasons. In Wicca, eight major Sabbats are celebrated, as well as monthly Esbats.
*Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Personal responsiblity is the key. Whether magical or mundane, one must be willing to accept the consquences -- either good or bad -- of their behaviour.
*Harm none, or something like it. While there are a few different interpretation of what actually constitutes harm, most Wiccans follow the concept that no harm should intentionally be done to another individual.
*Respect the beliefs of others.
There's no Recruiting Club in Wicca, and the Wiccans are not out to preach at you, convert you, or prosetylize. Wiccan groups recognize that each individual must find their spiritual path on their own, without coercion. While a Wiccan may honor different gods than you do, they will always respect your right to believe differently.
http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm
By the way, many people also list Buddhism as a "pagan religion".... and it certainly seems to fit most of the criteria, doesn't it?
I am a devout Buddhist so I won't be switching over but I wish you the best in your dual
devotions.
is there a focus on self-reflection and training like there is in the buddha's teachings?
As for Buddhism being a pagan religion, it does fit most of the criteria.
And there is a Buddhist pantheon of gods as well. They may not be "worshiped" like other religion's gods or as the Christian God is 'worshiped', but they are prayed to, offerings are made to them, and rituals honor them.
With the volumes upon volumes of suttras / suttas and all the cultural traditions adhered to for thousands of years, and the fact that it's not Christianity, Islam or Judaism, I think it's safe to say, in general, Buddhism in its non-secular entirety, is a 'pagan religion'.
As for the topic at hand, back in my "student of all religions, practitioner of none" days I studied some Wicca and have some wiccan friends to this day. I'm not sure I can see a grand comparison between the two traditions, but I can see how someone could take parts of both and meld them together.
I don't know of anyone with at least the most basic knowledge of Wicca who claims it's anything other than a specific, "modern" (1950's) tradition encompassing a compilation of parts from a few different pre-Christian Pagan traditions; generally from the western areas of Europe.
If I hear someone say "Wicca predates Christianity" I have to assume they've got almost no clue what Wicca is, or is confusing it with "Paganism" because it's a pagan tradition.
I can relate, as I make a similar assessment when I hear what others claim Christians supposedly believe or not that is contrary to the common faith of the fathers and mothers of the Church.
If another human being, even a venerable Teacher decides for you, you are abdicating your personal responsibility to check it all out for yourself (as Buddha told the Kalamas).
Chopping up this great wide world into bits and pieces of 'not Buddhist' (for instance) is IMO indulging in our monkey mind's predilection for dualism THUS missing half or more of the damn picture! I wasn't there when Gotama wandered the world (or others like him) teaching (well, maybe I was lol, hmmm) but taking his teachings as a whole, they encouraged inclusivity as a frame of mind.
Even the poor, misunderstood Jesus taught inclusivity. I'm sure he's bald as an egg by now, tearing out the last of his hair over some of his buttheaded followers centuries ago.
Like @Jayantha I was a student of religion practicer of none from my teens until my recent commitment to focus upon the Buddhist path. I remember reading about the Christian mystics in particular, and in my current study of suttas and Buddhist teachings, when it comes to the Divine (be it ultimately sacred or ultimately mundane) all well fleshed out religious paths who birthed mystics tell us just about the same thing.
Perhaps we are all winding up the same mountain peak but from far distant valleys and foothills. We'll all arrive on the same summit having 'path'd' different ways, and maybe wearing different traditional garb.
Along the way, there will be plateaus with groups INSISTING they've reached the summit, there's no where else to go, they've found the Truth and if you leave them you'll surely fall down the mountain or be eaten by predators or have your soul sucked out to dare leave them behind and go further up.
There are Buddhist plateaus, Christian plateaus, Jain, Jewish, Secular, Atheist, Agnostic plateaus (imagine the Agnostic plateau . . . people be hanging from ropes above and below, comfortably 'nowhere' but doubting it). Reaching a plateau after lonely mountain climbing can sure be a relief, it's no wonder many stay once they hear "this is it! Your travails are over!"
Those who seem to get the the summit and send word down . . . they sound the same to me. If we humans are not truly individual, then it's likely religious or spiritual beliefs -- supremely human -- are not truly separate, in essence, either
Gassho
However, there are five Buddha energies and space corresponds to "wanting to be"
The other four Buddha energies are: vajra - wanting to know, ratna - wanting it all, padma - wanting to feel, and karma - wanting to do.
But in general the awareness is the nirvana rather than the EXPERIENCE. Since space refers to an experience it is only passing. That said there is always a quality of space to awareness. There is openness (like space), clarity, and sensitivity.
In conclusion, space as an EXPERIENCE is not Nirvana but space as a dimension of awareness could be nirvana.
Undoubtedly the space as a category of composite reality is NOT Nirvana. And space as an experience such as the space jhana is not the space of Nirvana.
Space as a quality of awareness which is never gone IS also a quality of Nirvana.
So I agree and disagree.
This may be a really weird analogy, but to me, blending two (or more) different religions or traditions is like ... well... breeding dogs.
You have two different, long-established, very beautiful breeds.
One dog is an exceptional runner, one dog has exceptional scenting skills. Can't make up your mind, so you find someone who breeds these two types of dogs together, with the idea you'll get the best skills from each dog in one.
Sometimes it really works! Sometimes it doesn't, but let's go with it working.
A pup is born and it grows into a fast running dog with excellent scenting/hunting skills. Woohoo!
OK, it's not as pleasing to look at; most of the well-known identifying markings, coat, muscle tone and structure of each breed is now blending into something... well.... different.
Is it "bad" just because it's different from the two originals?
Some say "yes" ... some say "no". (I'm on the fence, myself)
Now more and more breeds are blended and mixed and matched.
Eventually, you'll come up with pups that aren't even recognizable as coming from any of the old specific breeds.
Well, then they become their own breed! What's wrong with that?
Some people say "nothing"... some say "everything".
(I'm on the fence, myself)
Soon everyone wants a "designer dog"... specifically bred between 2 or 3 or 4 chosen breeds according to what traits one wants pick and choose to develop.
After a time, all the old, long-standing traditional breeds - that took many, many (dog) generations to 'perfect' - disappear, and all we are left with is a mish-mash of mutts... I mean... 'designer dogs', all with new health issues, defects and behavioral problems, etc. that need to be worked/bred out.
Ultimately, was it worth it?
Some will say "yes"... some will say "no". (I'm on the fence, myself)
*****
Soon, all our individual, time-honored religious and cultural traditions will be blended into a mish-mash of 'designer cultures' and 'designer religions.'
All the old ways will be lost: All the traditional foods & religious feasts, holy days, cultural dress, all the gods & goddesses will be mixed and matched, all the culturally specific ceremonies and rites will be blended into a chaotic confusion of .... whatever.
So things that stayed the same, for literally thousands of years, with only the most minor adjustments along the way for 'modern' interpretations and our technological world, will all change -drastically- in a couple of hundred years or so. Wow.
Is this ok? Is this just the natural progression that can't be avoided?
Some will say yes...some will say no.
Sometimes I think it's the worst thing that can happen culturally and religiously, and other times I think - hey, that's the inevitable future (of religions and cultural traditions). So I'm still on the fence....
At one point I read a lot about American Asatru/Heathenism (which borrowed liberally from Wikkanism & sort of has overlapping audiences)-- and in the compare-contrast the noted that the Wiccan Rede (if it is indeed the only ethical rule), is a pretty anemic moral system, 1 rule away from moral nihilism. (However, none of these, including Buddhism entail Abhrahamic-like rule systems, i.e. rules written by some god that you just have to follow because, well, god)
Another similarity between *American* (and maybe European?) Wicca, Asatru and Buddhism is the urge to figure out what the ancient thought-- Wicca is derived from scholarship about pre-Christian traditions (sometimes bad scholarship) and a good chunk of US Buddhists are trying to figure out what "paleo-Buddhism" was, because you keep hitting these chapters in the books about Zorastrianism, Bon, Hinduism, Shinto, Chinese ancester worship and so on mixed in with Buddhism. For some the mixing is just super, for me, well, that stuff is why I'm not a Christian, so why should I bother with the historically recent mix-ins.
We are so nostalgic . . . when I thought about the blurring and disappearance of grand old traditions into modern mish mash it felt like a huge loss, too.
What an example of impermanence!
Re: breeding dogs; I had dairy goats for several years (now *stolen* by my daughters) and their breeding was quite an ornate thing, with breed standards, milk production and lactation lengths. I did a lot of research during that time and found the downside of intense breeding for characteristics was stupid goats, goats prone to every worm and parasite, prone to birthing issues, deadly vitamin deficiencies and so on. I'm sure it's the same for 'overbreeding' the dogs, isn't it Boston Terriers who can't give birth normally, must have C sections?
Either extreme gets us into hot water; meaning lost in mish mash, overindulgence and lack of focus, and dissipation of the beautiful and sacred versus inbreeding, weakness, rigidity and no forward growth.
Gassho