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Buddhism/Paganism Combined
FairyFeller
Veteran
If I remember rightly Paganism is anything outside of the main religions but could Paganism be combined with Buddhism. Not so much the idol/goddess worship and spells but herb knowledge and meditation, surely it’s the flip side of the same coin?
2
Comments
I think you'll find there are Buddhists who practice Paganism and vice versa...
Buddhism combines very well with all sorts of beliefs, although it also has its share of traditionalists. It really depends on where you go, temples are likely to adhere to their own streams, while circles of practitioners tend to be quite open to a variety of beliefs and practice.
Sure. You could combine Buddhism with anything. Because you have an interest in fairies, herbs or muggles does not mean you can not have an interest in butter, Buddha or other beings …
Considering this further, I think the most fertile part of this combination is the Buddha’s reasonable view of the inner compared with the intuitive approach of paganism. As far as the goddess worship goes, you could take the Tibetan approach as a guide, viewing the goddess as an aspect of the properties of the mind. Spells are more troublesome because the Buddha spoke out against such things in the community of monks, personally I would just leave them out altogether. Certainly herbal knowledge and respect for nature are a good fit with Buddhism.
The saying goes that you can practise Christianity with heavy Buddhist influence, but you can't practise Buddhism with heavy Christian influence.
Perhaps you can incorporate the two Callings, but decide what is sound and reliable, and what is "New-Age Woo-woo" and omit that, and leave it 'aside'...
Many years ago I combined Buddhist and Pagan (Wiccan) practises quite successfully.I believe you can do so (in my experience) because of the flexibility in Paganism. To be completely frank, Paganism is completely disorganised when it comes to any structure or heirachy so anything goes really. I agree to a degree with what @federica said above about cherry picking (my words) what works and what doesn't. But most of the cherry picking with me was to do with the Pagan side and not the Buddhist side.
Just my 0.02......
Which witch is best for a Buddhist fanatic fanboy?
The wicked white witch of the west, no doubt.