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Curious . . .
Hello, I've been lurking here for the last couple of days so I thought I'd pop in and introduce myself.
Now where do I start . . .
Oh yea, what about my religious past and what I'm doing here. I'm from an evangelical Christian family, and still living at home. I've considered myself and evangelical christian, an agnostic, a pantheist, and an atheist--in that order. It's been a bumpy ride LOL.
I've been interested in meditation and yoga for some time now, and it seems that those were the first things that brought eastern religions in general to my attention. However, some of the book I read on yoga rather pushed me off the topic because they involve way more mystical thinking than I can stomach. :skeptical
Anyway, reading about that was part of me coming out of christianity, which I've always had a bit of trouble with because it involves a lot of dogma and such. I can't just make myself belive things, and I was always worried that I wasn't saved or something. Few other things pulled me out of that belief system on the way, but I'm not gonna get into detail here. Otherwise this post could get really long and rambly
I think the thing that triggered my interest in Buddhism was a quote that I found on an atheism website (www.positiveatheism.com) which is attributed to Buddha:
I can't help but be attracted to a religion that says to use your own mind to discover what you should believe. So here I am, reading and seeking. Dunno if I'll ever actually call myself a Buddhist, but I do agree with quite a lot that I read about Buddhism. Think I read somewhere that we're not supposed to be to concerned with labels anyway :winkc:
Now where do I start . . .
Oh yea, what about my religious past and what I'm doing here. I'm from an evangelical Christian family, and still living at home. I've considered myself and evangelical christian, an agnostic, a pantheist, and an atheist--in that order. It's been a bumpy ride LOL.
I've been interested in meditation and yoga for some time now, and it seems that those were the first things that brought eastern religions in general to my attention. However, some of the book I read on yoga rather pushed me off the topic because they involve way more mystical thinking than I can stomach. :skeptical
Anyway, reading about that was part of me coming out of christianity, which I've always had a bit of trouble with because it involves a lot of dogma and such. I can't just make myself belive things, and I was always worried that I wasn't saved or something. Few other things pulled me out of that belief system on the way, but I'm not gonna get into detail here. Otherwise this post could get really long and rambly
I think the thing that triggered my interest in Buddhism was a quote that I found on an atheism website (www.positiveatheism.com) which is attributed to Buddha:
Believe nothing, O monks, merely because you have been told it ... or because it is traditional, or because you yourselves have imagined it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings -- that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.
-- Buddha (attributed: source unknown)
I can't help but be attracted to a religion that says to use your own mind to discover what you should believe. So here I am, reading and seeking. Dunno if I'll ever actually call myself a Buddhist, but I do agree with quite a lot that I read about Buddhism. Think I read somewhere that we're not supposed to be to concerned with labels anyway :winkc:
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Comments
I was a Roman Catholic, a Pentocostal, and non-denominational liberal Christian, an agnostic, an atheist, then an atheist Buddhist (and still am). I absolutely can't stand it when my mom tells me she believes such and such because that's what the pope says. She doesn't even read the Bible. Studying the Bible is what led me away from Catholicism, and eventually away from Christianity itself. Like you, I'm not much into people just telling me what to believe and expecting me to do it, or else. Not much for the mumbo jumbo in general
Welcome, Starstuff.
Very true. Especially considering all the 'snake oil' being sold these days.
Hehe sorry about that. I'm glad you enjoyed it anyhow.
I, too, have been nosing around for a few days. I am so incredibly happy I found this site. I have learned so much already by simply reading what is posted already. Also, there have been many though provoking questions.
I look forward to discussing and learning alongside you all!
Hard Flower, if you ever get up to Sedona, stop by our temple and check out our amazing Amitabha Stupa. It's a 36 ft. tall red stupa just like the red rocks. It really rocks (scuse the pun)! The temple's name is Kunzang Palyul Choling, and we're located right next to the Sedona Public Library. www.kpc-sedona.org
Oh, I'm in Mongolia right now, but there's lots of other nice people there to greet you!
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Palzang
Thank you for the welcome and the information. I was tossing around the idea of going to Sedona in the next couple of months, even moreso now!
I look forward to it.
Adiana
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Welcome strarstuff and Hardflower! Hope you are liking the forum.
I love the picture from Sedona!
Things happen for a reason! It was purely by accident that I came across this site.....
Palzang
Anyways....I am sure both of you will find everyone here to be very friendly and helpful! This is a wonderful site!