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new here and first had some questions

breathingwithairbreathingwithair
edited January 2010 in Buddhism Basics
hey everyone :) first of all i had a major question that i wanted to ask and i hope it doesn't offend anyone.

i am a Christian... and i'm also interested in Buddhism. i do believe in God and I have a relationship with him but i'm also wanting to improve myself and Buddhism makes me feel that way, like I can. I know there is a lot of speculation on the two being so different but then again alike.

I'm just confused and possibly want to be a part of both but I wasn't sure if that was even possible.

Thank you for help on this subject!

Comments

  • Quiet_witnessQuiet_witness Veteran
    edited January 2010
    This has been asked here before but as it said there it all depends on you and your faith.
  • selfbiasresistorselfbiasresistor
    edited January 2010
    One of my favorite websites - http://www.religioustolerance.org/ has a pretty good compare/contrast between the two. It also has links and reading. Just click on the Buddhism link on the left and read away.
    Oh and many welcomes to the forum. It would be nice to hear more about what conclusion you reach, and what led you to this conclusion
  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    edited January 2010
    Just briefly, I recently saw mention of this:

    <style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> Irish poet and priest John O’Donohue writes: "Prayer is the voice of longing; it reaches outwards and inwards to unearth our ancient belonging."

    There are Christian contemplative/meditative practices that are very similar in approach and function to Buddhist ones. Thomas Merton, for instance, got very interested in Buddhism in the latter part of his life. You may find others.

    I will make more suggestions later if I can.
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited January 2010
    Thich Nhat Hanh has written some books you may find helpful, such as Living Buddha, Living Christ and Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers.
  • ValtielValtiel Veteran
    edited January 2010
    If reading a Dr. Phil book and practicing the things he teaches does not conflict with your religion then the Buddha's core teachings on suffering and freedom from suffering will not either. You can discard the dogma and ritual and superstitious beliefs and take the down-to-earth, practical advice on living in true peace and happiness.
  • Hank777Hank777
    edited January 2010
    Hi there Breathingwithair,

    This topic has indeed come up a few times, I myself was one of them asking a similar question, seen as I am Christian/Buddhist myself.

    I have posted this elsewhere, but it will probably help you out (as it did me). It is very well possible to combine both Christianity and Buddhism imho.

    I got some great help and suggestions from my fellow forum-members in this thread.

    http://newbuddhist.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4235

    I wish you all the best & welcome 2 the forum! :)
  • DeshyDeshy Veteran
    edited January 2010
    I recently read a very interesting article which suggests with historical data that maybe Jesus was actually a Buddhist. I don't know if it's true but looking at Jesus's life as a person with incredible kindness, super healing powers and endurance he seems like a man who, in the very least, had developed his mind to some extent

    Plus, he actually had done some amazing things like "walking on water" which is something that some of the disciples of the Buddha were capable of doing. There are so many such references in the suttas. Not only disciples of the Buddha but also certain Brahmans of the ancient Indian society had their minds developed into performing these kinds of wonders. So it's possible Jesus got into some kind of a meditative practice and had some attainment. It seems like a very valid possibility
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  • LesCLesC Bermuda Veteran
    edited January 2010
    The Dalai Lama suggests you should follow the faith of your culture if that works for you, but goes on to say there is nothing wrong with incorporating some Buddhist teachings/practices if they also help.

    You may find The Dalai Lama's book, "The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the teachings of Jesus" to be helpful.

    http://www.amazon.com/Good-Heart-Buddhist-Perspective-Teachings/dp/0861711386/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263665587&sr=8-1

    Good Luck.
  • DhammaDhatuDhammaDhatu Veteran
    edited January 2010
    breathingwithair wrote: »
    i am a Christian... and i'm also interested in Buddhism. i do believe in God and I have a relationship with him but i'm also wanting to improve myself and Buddhism makes me feel that way, like I can. I know there is a lot of speculation on the two being so different but then again alike.
    Hi BWAir

    The Buddhist teaching has three levels, namely, morality, concentration & insight.

    On the first two levels, there will be no conflict between B & C. The B'ist moral or ethical teachings about skilful behaviour can improve the lives of all people. Similarly, the concentration & love teachings in B'ism can help develop the Christian path. But on the highest level, a B has a relationship with Nature whereas a C has a relationship with God.

    Kind regards

    DD :smilec:

    My recommended readings are: Maha-mangala Sutta, Sigalovada Sutta, Samajivina Sutta, Dvedhavitakka Sutta and Karaniya Metta Sutta: The Buddha's Words on Loving-Kindness
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