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.
Help me understand
Greetings. I post here with a rather unusual request. I am a Christian and am currently enrolled in studies at a small Bible school. In an effort to broaden the scope of my admitedly narrow views I am in a class learning about different religions of the world.
I have prepared a very short questionnaire that asks some simple questions I have about personal experiences with Buddhism. I would appreciate very much if anybody could complete the questions and return them to me. Please take a look at the attached document to see if it is something that you could help me with.
Thanks.
Tim
I have prepared a very short questionnaire that asks some simple questions I have about personal experiences with Buddhism. I would appreciate very much if anybody could complete the questions and return them to me. Please take a look at the attached document to see if it is something that you could help me with.
Thanks.
Tim
0
Comments
20 years.
Was it passed on to you from your parents?
no.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism?
By my Qi Gong Teacher, then my mother, through a book.
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
With excitement, relief, gladness and enthusiasm.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
That they always, but always pass the test of examination and verification
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
none, if I am challenged or frustrated, it's my problem, not that of the teachings.
If I trip up, it's because I'm not looking where I'm walking.
What does God mean to you?
Nothing at all.
What does Buddhism add to your life?
It lets me see things as they are, and that they are as they are,
because that's the way they are.
Does it detract anything?
Nope. Nothing at all.
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
I don't have 'beliefs'. I have confidence.
I have theories, but these are what they are.
I'm due a re-birth, I would think.
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life?
it is my first thought when I awake, and my final thought before going to sleep. I take refuge Morning and evening
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
I meditate, follow the five precepts, and study the four Noble truths. I try to stick to the Eightfold path, but it's a toughie...
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
It's crap.
What is your opinion about Christians?
I'm not really bothered by them or their beliefs, in any way, really. As an Ex-Roman Catholic myself, I can understand where they're coming from, although some of the more fanatical fundamental "eager to convert you" ones can be a pain in the neck.
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
I'm glad your beliefs work for you. They don't work for me.
Thank You for taking time to honestly answer these questions.
I have removed your e-mail from public forum, as publishing personal information really isn't a good idea.
Sorry.
You're welcome to copy it off here.
<O:p
I have been meditating and have been studying the Buddhist dharma for about 8 years, but do not consider myself a Buddhist. My Mom unintentionally introduced me to Buddhism but they are Christians.
<O:pIf your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism? How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism
A film “Little Buddha.” I was 10 years old. The film sparked an interest in understanding the world in a way completely different from how it was explained via Christianity. As I studied the Buddha’s teachings, in High School, I was able to reconcile many things that troubled my mind. I felt relief
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?<O:p
That with understanding comes compassion.<O:p
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?<O:p
My beliefs are reconciled with my understanding. If I learn something that challenges a belief I have the freedom to change that belief.<O:p
What does God mean to you?<O:p
I do not believe in an anthropomorphized god. But I have respect for the Christian ideals of God. <O:p
What does Buddhism add to your life? Does it detract anything?<O:p
It adds a method of understanding and clarification to everything
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?<O:p
I am not concerned about death but about right now. Ask me after I die.<O:p
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life? What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?<O:p
Peace, compassion, and understanding. What else could I ask for? “When we walk we are aware of walking, when we eat, aware of eating, when we talk, we are aware of talking,” said the Buddha.<O:p
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?<O:p
I hope your actions in this life reflect your aspirations for the next.<O:p
What is your opinion about Christians? If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?<O:p
Learn about your neighbors so you can fully love them. <O:p
10 years
Was it passed on to you from your parents?
no.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism?
Books at first.
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
Curiosity and hope.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
The beliefs give me confidence in my own nature.
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
I am sometimes afraid that I am doing it wrong
What does God mean to you?
God is an explanation for how the world is created. Which is a topic that is also dealt with in buddhism, but I am not familiar with. I am more interested in being happy than how things got here.
What does Buddhism add to your life?
It connects me with a stream of energy (connections) that can help me be happy.
Does it detract anything?
I'm missing out on watching more reality TV shows
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
I don't know but I know I am going to let go into the space of the buddhas and bodhisatvas and just rest simply and not fear what I see. I have remembered buddhism in nightmares and it has comforted me (when asleep).
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life?
Its my own true nature. Some time I see this in the pure white snow. Or when a cat rolls and stretches. Everything comes up in meditation. I see the good the bad and the ugly. Because I see it in myself I can forgive it in others.
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
Meditation and Daily Awareness. Some of the shifts in awareness are subtle because you don't know how you are doing it but you can feel it. Like when a ball is coming to you and you catch it. How miraculous!
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
I think sin is similar to the obscurations mentioned in the dharma. Our mind is clarity openness and sensitivity. But those three qualities get distorted into confusion (from openness), greed attachment (from sensitivity) and anger (from clarity). By purifying our kleshas we allow the true heart energy to flow as it was meant to and we have less problems and feel much better.
What is your opinion about Christians?
I cannot generalize. I'm not too fond of Jerry Falwell, but my aunt is a very loving person and she gets a lot of good things from her faith.
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
Pray for peace.
I guess that's what they call buddha-nature compassion?
Questionnaire
</O:p
How long have you been practicing Buddhism?<O:p</O:p
I have been practicing Buddhism for somewhere between 5 and 8 years. Though I had been interested in Buddhism for a number of years before that.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p
Was it passed on to you from your parents?<O:p</O:p
No.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism? <O:p</O:p
Long story… I was raised Christian, in a “Christian” village and went to a Christian school, though at a young age I questioned the idea of “God”. I started my fascination with other religions when we did a school project on the Egyptians and then on Native Americans. I was 7 or 8 at the time.<O:p</O:p
From there and throughout my teens I read and learned about other religions. I’m not sure at exactly what age I had lost faith in “God” or whether I had any real faith to begin with. Although my parents were/are Christian they were never big church goers so I was free to pursue other beliefs. I had read many religions and the ones that appealed to me more were the ones based on nature like Native Americans belief systems and even on paganism. At the age of about 16 I decided to become a Wiccan (neo-pagan witchcraft). I was fascinated with its nature based beliefs and its openness to other beliefs. Because of this I carried on reading about other religions. <O:p</O:p
I remember when I was around 18 I was reading a book on wiccan meditation. I decided to give it a try and found that it had great benefits. The meditation was based on Buddhist meditation and I thought how brilliant it was. But it wasn’t until I was about 20 that I really started to take Buddhism seriously when I started practicing Kung Fu. My teacher was a Buddhist and I was amazed by his gentleness and compassion for all sentient beings. I was inspired.<O:p</O:p
Over time my practice was more centered on Buddhist meditation than on wicca. Pretty soon I realized that I hadn’t practice wicca in a couple of years. I no longer considered myself “wiccan” though I had great respect for it still.<O:p</O:p
After moving back home from university I joined a local Buddhist sangha, though I never considered myself “Buddhist”. I carried on reading and practicing Buddhism and then finally, around 5 or 6 years ago, decided to “become” Buddhist. My girlfriend at the time was against the idea. She was Christian and thought that I’d either become her “enemy” or that I’d leave her and join a monastery. I’m happy to say that not only are we still together, we are now married and I never left her to join a monastery and we are not enemies!
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?<O:p</O:p
It wasn’t so much the “ideas” of Buddhism but Buddhists themselves inspired me. I found them some of the most kind, compassionate and tolerant of any religious people I’d met (of course, there are always the odd few that aren't). Some of the ideas or beliefs in Buddhism can be found in wicca (and indeed in many other religions) so it wasn’t a huge shock when I read Buddhist beliefs. But I did find (slowly) that I could not fault Buddhist beliefs. They sat perfectly with what I believed and observed with the world and they even gave me answers to many of the questions that I have had for a long time.<O:p</O:p
In short, Buddhism satisfied me in a way, I now realize, that other religions didn’t.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?<O:p></O:p>
Hmm, difficult to say;<O:p</O:p
The belief that all sentient beings can attain enlightenment.<O:p></O:p>
The belief that all animals and insects and all the other living things on earth are sentient beings. Ie, they are people too!<O:p></O:p>
I love how Buddhism focuses on practice. Although faith does play a part in many Buddhist schools, practice is always important and the Buddhist sutras (holy texts) give instructions on how to be a better person. <O:p</O:p
I love its tolerance as well. <O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?<O:p</O:p
I haven’t come across any belief that I have found “challenging” or frustrating. I understand that I am not going to know everything right from the start. Life is a journey and I have total faith in Buddhism.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
What does God mean to you?<O:p</O:p
I believe that “God” is an explanation created by our ancestors to answer the questions of our inquisitive minds. I do not believe that there is a literal cosmic being or entity known as “god” that controls or creates anything. The reasons for this are too long for this questionnaire. <O:p</O:p
I would like to say though, I have absolutely no disrespect for anyone who believes in any form of “God”.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
What does Buddhism add to your life? <O:p</O:p
Hmm, another difficult one!<O:p</O:p
I think, the main thing it adds, for me personally, is a structure to live by (look at the noble 8 fold path for a start). Buddhism has clear guidelines on conduct and practice which is proven to make you a better person for the benefit of all.<O:p</O:p
It’s given me a peace of mind that I never found in any other religion.<O:p></O:p>
It actually makes me a calmer, kinder, more compassionate person. I have noticed a positive change in me from practicing Buddhism. My wife, my family and even my friends have noticed it. It only inspires me more to become a better person and continue practicing Buddhism for the rest of my life.<O:p</O:p
This change has also inspired a couple of Christian friends to read up about Buddhism and the scientific research on the benefits of meditation.<O:p</O:p
I also no longer suffer from migraines, which used to be so bad that I had ended up in hospital from them.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
Does it detract anything?<O:p</O:p
Nothing yet.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?<O:p</O:p
I believe that we are all reborn into different life-forms based on our karma. So it is vitally important that we live the best life we can NOW rather than worry about when we die.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life? <O:p</O:p
As I stated above, I have become a better person because of Buddhism, my mental and physical health has improved.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?<O:p</O:p
I am much more calmer, more easy going. I drink almost no alcohol what-so-ever. I meditate, chant and pray on a daily basis. I think a hell of a lot more before I act or speak.
<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?<O:p</O:p
It’s fine if you believe that. However I don’t believe a single word of it. Sorry.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
What is your opinion about Christians? <O:p</O:p
I think this is by far, too much of a general question. Billions of people all over the world consider themselves practicing Christians. These people are from different cultures and practice Christianity in different ways and will even have differing beliefs. You will even find, in the same church, people of differing opinions and practices. <O:p</O:p
I have met many Christians. Some are extremely intolerant. Some are very compassionate and open. I think, if you believe in any religion, that’s fine, but I disagree with preaching.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?<O:p</O:p
Again, there are so many different people who call themselves “Christian”. In reality, instead of saying one thing to Christians I would say something to EVERYONE… Just respect each other, please.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p
Peace.<O:p</O:p
3 years for real... but maintained an interest for 20 years.
Was it passed on to you from your parents?
no.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism?
Through my Martial Arts training.
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
With extreme confusion. But later I realized I jumped into the deep-end of the pool. Once I got into the kiddie-end of the pool, I was swimming in no time.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
They resonate so truly and perfectly with the world around me. I never encounter a Buddhist concept that clashes with 'my' understanding of the world.
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
Some of the more advance concepts still challenge me, but I still consider myself a beginner, and as mentioned earlier, it's me not the teachings.
What does God mean to you?
I was raised in the Christian faith, and I still believe in a force that permeates the Universe, that I choose to call God. My tiny under-developed mind cannot comprehend what may lie beyond my understanding, so in order for me to deal with it, I call it God. All the wonders of the Universe and Nature were created by God... whatever God is. If they were created by forces of dependent arisings beyond my understanding... then it's God. Works for me.
What does Buddhism add to your life?
What Fede said.
Does it detract anything?
No.
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
I have no real idea. And neither does anyone else I know. As a Buddhist I follow the Buddhist belief in rebirth. There is evidence to suggest the Buddhist concept of rebirth exists, and that makes a hell of a lot more sense to me than the concept of a big party in heaven in sky, maintained by the Judeo-Christian-Islamic view.
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life?
It gives me a peace of mind, and a worldview that makes my life very easy to live. I am calmer, kinder and more understanding, and have more compassion.
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
I meditate for 30 minutes daily, and I find I don't get involved in office gossip/politics/pettiness. I have more compassion for homeless people and will frequently give them financial assistance.
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
I have always had a problem with the concept I was a sinner who needed to be saved. I also always believed I had a direct connection to "God", but despite that I wasn't going to heaven unless I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal saviour. It was unfathomable to me that a good person would believed in "God" wouldn't get into heaven on the strength of that alone. As I got older I learned that the Bible has been manipulated over the centuries for political and personal purposes, and unfortunately many Christian sects take the Bible as "gospel", and admits of no compromise. Sadly this is not true, but Christians will not hear of this and kill and torture people to convince them that their way is the only way. More people have died in the name of Jesus Christ, than any other single cause. Whole societies have been annihilated, and don't get me started on the Spanish Inquisition. Once I saw this, the rest of the "house of cards" started to tumble.
What is your opinion about Christians?
I think they mean well, but more often than not they hate their neighbour rather than loving him, feel that their particular version of Christianity is the "right" one, and all others are to be ridiculed and disparaged, and generally don't actually practice what Jesus taught.
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
Recognise that the spirit of God is within you... Jesus told you that... pay attention! Try to do what Jesus did, not what what some sect now tells you you should do.
Additionally, I don't think Jesus started out to create a new religion with him as its focal point. I believe Jesus was an enlightened individual who tried his best to bring love and compassion to a society and religion that was sadly lacking those attributes. Unfortunately, "the church" over the centuries have shaped and molded a religion, that suited the various agendas, political and otherwise of the times. Holy teachings were dropped (The Gospels of Thomas, Judas and Mary Magdelene) because they didn't say what some "men" wanted to have said. So unfortunately, Christianity is more about conformity to end product of all that manipulation, than it is about the teachings of a truly spiritual individual.
About 3 years.
Was it passed on to you from your parents?
No.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism?
The book Zen Physics first opened the door. It compares Buddhist beliefs with science, specifically on a quantum physics and subatomic level. I started reading Buddhist books after that. Never looked back.
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
I've always been interested in the mind, so I accepted it pretty quick.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
Knowing that we are eternal and that one day we will all be liberated from samsara.
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
Living up to the principles of the eight-fold path. Tough to do a lot of the time.
What does God mean to you?
Not much, cause I rarely think it.
What does Buddhism add to your life?
Hope and peace of mind.
Does it detract anything?
No.
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
Rebirth.
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life?
More compassion.
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
Daily meditation. Since compassion has increased, I find I'm helping others more. I also find less judgement against others. I used to judge everything and everyone, instantly placing them in their preconceived slots. Since I've also always been an analytical type, I find by practicing mindfulness, I'm doing a lot less thinking and far more enjoying the moment.
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
They can't both be right.
What is your opinion about Christians?
Some good. Some bad. Like everything else. To be honest, those who sincerely preach, like Jehovah's Witnesses going door to door, don't bother me as much they do to most others. I understand that they believe they have found truth and are excited to share this with others. Preaching, with no other goal then to help others, is an act of unselfish compassion and is good karma for them.
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
Live a clean moral life.
Or it could be mid-winter boredom...
Palzang
How long have you been practicing Buddhism. Was it passed on to you from your parents?<o>
</o>About 35 years, depending on when you want to start counting.<o>
</o><o></o>
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism? How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?<o>
</o><o></o>
Quick answer: it found me. More complicated answer: I first encountered living Buddhism in Japan when I was stationed there in the USAF in the early 1970s. My interest continued to grow when I got back to the US and started practice. Now I’m a monk.<o>
</o><o></o>
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?<o>
</o><o></o>
The idea that I am in complete control of my life. If anything good happens to me, it's because of causes I set into motion. If anything bad, same thing. Nobody to blame. I also love the idea that little ol' me could some day be of true benefit to others.<o>
</o><o></o>
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?<o>
</o><o></o>
That I have to change!<o>
</o><o></o>
What does God mean to you?<o>
</o><o></o>
Not much, to be honest. What do you mean by "God"?
<o></o><o></o>
What does Buddhism add to your life? Does it detract anything?<o>
</o><o></o>
It adds a profound sense of meaning and purpose. It detracts a bunch of senseless foolishness.<o></o>
<o></o>
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?<o>
</o><o></o>
It depends entirely on the causes you have created. Could be good, could be bad.<o>
</o><o></o>
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life? What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?<o>
</o><o></o>
I follow the Vinaya, the code of monastic conduct, which simply put means no killing, no stealing, no lying, no sex, and no intoxicants. And always being mindful of what I'm doing.<o>
</o><o></o>
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?<o>
</o><o></o>
Magical thinking.<o>
</o><o></o>
What is your opinion about Christians? If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?<o>
</o><o></o>
I have known many Christians who were fine, upstanding people I was proud to know. I have known others who were bigoted, scum-sucking dirtbags. In other words, Christians are sentient beings like anybody else. One thing I would tell Christians is not to go around telling people your religion is the "only true one". It's not.
Palzang
<o>
</o>
• 47 years.
• No.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism? How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
• Rinzai Zen associated with martial arts training.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
• Confidence
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
• Being at variance to the ways of the world – sad/joy.
What does God mean to you?
• A comforting appearance.
What does Buddhism add to your life? Does it detract anything?
• Exquisite tranquil tenderness.
• Common pleasures.
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
• I dunno!
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life? What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
• Mindfulness, mental alertness, and the wish for the well-being of all beings.
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
• Okay
What is your opinion about Christians? If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
• Good on ‘um.
• Please just offer everybody Shalom and Hugs!
4 months
Was it passed on to you from your parents?
Nope, My mother is an ex-lutheran atheist and my father was a ex-methodist atheist.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism?
Through my mother and her studies on meditation.
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
Joy, at somewhere I fit.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
Acceptance of others.
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
Some times it is hard to accept someone who is cruel. Sometimes I find it hard to love people who are hateful.
What does God mean to you?
I think he is a comfort to those who believe in him, nothing more.
What does Buddhism add to your life?
Clarity.
Does it detract anything?
Nothing I've noticed.
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
Re-birth.
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life?
Understanding and awareness are a part of daily life.
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
I meditate, and study the different schools of thought to find the truth.
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
I believe that the thought of salvation gives them comfort... but I don't think it's true
What is your opinion about Christians?
I hate being told that I'm an abomination before christ.
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
Why do you hate me without trying to understand me?
Thank You for taking time to honestly answer these questions.
THank you for asking them.
1 year.
Was it passed on to you from your parents?
No.
If your beliefs were not passed on to you from your parents, how were you introduced to Buddhism?
Became interested in Buddhism whilst reading a book by the Dalai Lama.
How did you first respond to the ideas of Buddhism?
With great eagerness.
What about your beliefs gives you the greatest satisfaction?
The fact that I can attain peace in the here and now instead of in the "hereafter".
What about your beliefs do you find challenging or frustrating?
Nothing. The Buddha's "middle way" approach avoids the extremes; thus the Way is not fraught with "challenging" and "frustrating" commandments. I practice at my own pace and make the right effort.
What does God mean to you?
Confusion! (The Hindus have their Gods, The Muslims have their God, ... I suppose you are referring to the God of the Christians)
What does Buddhism add to your life?
Peace. I am not seeking anything else from Buddhism.
Does it detract anything?
Takes away pride, greed, clinging, hatred.... that are the causes of suffering.
According to your beliefs, what happens when you die?
I don't know for sure and not particularly concerned. I am more concerned about all the things that happen, moment-by-moment, in the here and now, that is before "I die."
How does Buddhism manifest itself in your life?
It's the cause of my happiness, friendliness and kind-heartedness.
What lifestyle habits come as a result of your beliefs?
I find myself applying a greater degree of mindfulness in my speech, action and though. This keeps in check greed, anger, hatred, and unwholesome thoughts. I meditate twice a day to strengthen the practice of mindfulness. I recite Buddhist verses as a practice of inner reconditioning.
Christianity is centered on the belief of the need for salvation from the penalty of sin to receive eternal life in heaven. As a Buddhist what is your reaction to this doctrine?
Logically, to enjoy eternal life in heaven one must be 100% perfect; to suffer eternal life in hell one must be 100% evil. Where will the rest (everyone?) go after they die. I could never understand this.
What is your opinion about Christians?
Nothing worth mentioning.
If there is one thing you could tell Christians what would it be?
To ask themselves: Am I doing enough to receive eternal life in heaven?