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I too am interest in Buddhism and Wicca. I have more in common with Buddhism though... I used to consider myself a Buddhist but now I consider myself Electic, ie. I take things from different beliefs, for example mostly Buddhism, a bit of Wicca, and the slightest bit from Jainism- a very little bit. On this story thread is what pretty much sums me up I thinks...
I will check your thread out:D Some of my beliefs are taken from religions I have studied, but most of them I developed myself through my years of learning on my own. I used to be full of fire and so much spark at the highest point of my learning.
For the past couple of years, my mind has been quite dead, and I have yet to find a way to bring it back to life.
That's why I just very recently started learning about Buddhism. The Idea of learning and knowledge in a philosophy that isn't religious.
Though I believe in the energy's found in Wicca and how they affect us in our lives, I dont believe in the religious aspect of it. My Faience on the other hand is completely pagan revolved:D
So how has your journey with Buddhism been? Do you have any advice for me? Honestly, I have only been seriously learning for the past few days.
Here's my advice: do not become a Buddhist. Do not become a meditator. Do not make yourself into anything. When you sit, let it be. When you think, let it be. (Paraphrase of Ajahn Chah) Building a new personality-view based on a "Buddhist" identity is not what the Gotama Buddha had in mind.
Here's my advice: do not become a Buddhist. Do not become a meditator. Do not make yourself into anything. When you sit, let it be. When you think, let it be. (Paraphrase of Ajahn Chah) Building a new personality-view based on a "Buddhist" identity is not what the Gotama Buddha had in mind.
Hmm... where I could see this being good advice I must also reconginize it's parodoxal nature. You know the whole "by not conforming, you're conforming to non-confmity," thing? Well it's like that. If I were to meditate and act in a manner that was "Buddhist" then I am not really growing into my own path, but rather forcefully attempting to adapt to a set path already. But if I were consciously not doing that for the sake of not doing what most do, then it's the same deal, right? So I think rather just let it be, in all respects, study, find your path. Don't worry about if you are trying to push yourself into a buddhist mind-set or if you purposely aren't, just be aware of it. Hell, if drinking tea, and lighting incense gives you some weird source of inspiration, then do it... but be trully honest with yourself and be aware of what you do, and why you're doing it. This, I think, is beneficial. If you help someone with the purpose of looking kind because that's what "buddhist do", then admit this to yourself. I think this way, eventually at least, all you do will be of your own path, rather than one that you're trying to force to be yours by drastically changing. -- Good advice Anupassi
Anyway, it is nice to "meet" you Bloodywaterfox, hope you are able to "learn, grow and develop yourself" here .
^Nice to meet you too!:D Thank you:D I hope your journey is a great one!
^and I agree, I talk about this a lot myself. There is no need to be concerned about labels nor the lack of. Do what you want and feels right. The Idea's of Buddhism are Buddhist idea's none the less. As are anything else. All I need to know is, I am me, Hello nice to meet you, I am Thomas!
I just signed up for the site, and I'm 20 -- though I hardly feel it =P It's very nice to know of others who are curious about the same stuff I am. I live in a fairly rural community, so just mentioning hippie junk like Buddhism gets more than a few raised eyebrows. It's not too bad though, not nearly as bad as I'd have it in some areas (I'm a college student, this stuff is expected to an extent, haha).
I recently borrowed a book from my local library that really reminds me of this thread, so I've gotta throw a shoutout to it -- I hope it hasn't been mentioned already, I haven't quite read the entire thread yet.
It's "Blue Jean Buddha," by Sumi Loundon, though it's actually more of an anthology than a normal book. Sumi basically sent out letters and traveled all around the US, looking for stories and life experiences of Buddhists from the late teens to early thirties. There's a sizable gamut of the types of stories present, from people raised Catholics and Jews, to "born" Buddhists in Asia who moved to the US and eventually came to appreciate Buddhism for their own reasons.
I've had trouble finishing books lately, but I picked this thing up two days ago and I'm already 160 pages in, out of about 230 pages. Every tale is truly something anyone can relate to, and it really tackles those practical facets you don't read about in suttas -- for example, the first story is about a woman's experience dating both Buddhist and non-Buddhist, and how the latter didn't magically work out just because they were both learning to be peaceful. There's a humanistic aspect that's rare outside of direct sangha contact (I imagine) and... well, forums like these.
Google Books has a preview available, though be careful -- it only lets you view a couple dozen pages before it blocks you out, for obvious enough reasons. Blue Jean Buddha on Google Books
It looks good that book I'll look into it. I only read a few sentences of the intro and was already nodding along LOL.
Thomas,
I love reading about religion and luckily I have a nice little religious books section in the school library (I can't return to the public library because I always steal books ). I find religion very interesting and they give me sparks of inspiration for my own personal beliefs. At the minute in religious education at school we're learning about Hinduism, and they have over 30000000 pictures of gods aparantly, and they're all different visions of the same God. Their gods are not human or gendered, and that's what I like about, they don't favour humans as much as lots of other religions, and they don't favour a gender either. They believe that you need more than one picture of god to get God, that has further inspired me to take bits of other religions, to get the truth. My advise, is to just find your truth. If you stick to a particular religion, your mind gets bord and stops questioning as much, if you stop reading the inspiration with drift and you'll be some squelchy mud, you need to be a free-bird finding lots of inspiration to uncover the true you. I view samsara as not removing the veal between you and the world, but you and yourself,
I was about your age when I stumbled upon Buddhism. My parents are Catholic. I don't know if I'd call them devout because they pick and choose the teachings they want to follow, but they do attend Mass regularly). I've never really discussed my religious beliefs with them, but they know I don't really believe in their god and it's never been a problem since they're relatively open minded and your mileage may vary.
Generally I would not advise hiding your beliefs but you are young and presumably living with your parents, so only you know what you need to do. Best of luck to you. Namaste
The thread has died. :P Haha oh well. Hmm, I like writing too jellybean . Hmm, but I also like taking pictures... hmm. Has anyone read "In Platos Cave" by Sontag... really makes you think, crazy article. So is Plato's Cave by Plato. :P
I love hearing all of your stories! its an amazing thing to find out how many of us are not separate, however together. We are not alone in our journeys.
If you wouldn't mind, I would like to share some of my past life and experiences.
I grew up in a christian family myself. Never met my real father till recently, my mother and the person I called father divorced when I was 9 years old. Things were not happy and things were crazy. For years I had suffered dealing with their problems and eventually ended up making my own problems from theirs.
When I was about 12 I had started exploring my spiritual-self. I ended up questioning what was taught to me about religion. I stopped believing in god and Christianity. I was young and really didn't know what to do with myself really. So I met a friend at the age of 14 who was at the same point in life I was. We started learning about energy's and Ki to start off with, then eventually started to learn about wicca. For years I was learning about wicca and still to this day I still keep some of the things I have learned close to my heart.
I told my parents about my spiritual beliefs and they just freaked out, said a lot of nasty things, and everything just was left at that.
I did a lot of religion hopping trying to find some spiritual peace. I am 19 now, and feel I did not start to find my path until about a year ago.
I have learned a lot about consciousness, my mind, and my soul. I have also spent a lot of time on myself with self development. I have spent a lot of my life improving myself, how I act, and defining how I view the things in my life. At one point I was on top of my game, when it comes to feeling complete, however that was years ago.
I now believe in god, but not as an entity or in anyway a christian form, but as an essence of all. I am god, you are god, everything in life is god. The power to create and destroy. I believe in the power of belief. Nothing is wrong and everything is right depending on the viewer. We create things with our consciousness and I also believe that there are different energys everywhere that put things into motion. I believe in a lot of little things that I have learned throughout my life. However I choose not to believe in religion of any form. I believe all religions have things to learn from, but religions as an organization are ridiculous to me. I just recently started learning about Buddhism, which from my perspective is not a religion but a supporter or a lifestyle.
I was in the Navy for a short time, then was discharged right after boot camp. However a friend of mine that I had met there started telling me about Buddhism, So when I got home, I started doing some research. Here I am now! I am excited to be learning again.
It is never too late or never too early to start learning, growing, and developing yourself.
I too am interest in Buddhism and Wicca. I have more in common with Buddhism though... I used to consider myself a Buddhist but now I consider myself Electic, ie. I take things from different beliefs, for example mostly Buddhism, a bit of Wicca, and the slightest bit from Jainism- a very little bit. On this story thread is what pretty much sums me up I thinks...
Love & Peace
Jellybean (Joe)
I also explored Wicca for a bit when I was about 17 - 18/19, but, I wouldn't have called myself a devout follower, it was more just new and interesting to me, I still like certain parts of it, and I like learning about other religions, but, for now, I want to learn more about Buddhism, and just see where it leads me.
I just signed up for the site, and I'm 20 -- though I hardly feel it =P It's very nice to know of others who are curious about the same stuff I am. I live in a fairly rural community, so just mentioning hippie junk like Buddhism gets more than a few raised eyebrows. It's not too bad though, not nearly as bad as I'd have it in some areas (I'm a college student, this stuff is expected to an extent, haha).
I recently borrowed a book from my local library that really reminds me of this thread, so I've gotta throw a shoutout to it -- I hope it hasn't been mentioned already, I haven't quite read the entire thread yet.
It's "Blue Jean Buddha," by Sumi Loundon, though it's actually more of an anthology than a normal book. Sumi basically sent out letters and traveled all around the US, looking for stories and life experiences of Buddhists from the late teens to early thirties. There's a sizable gamut of the types of stories present, from people raised Catholics and Jews, to "born" Buddhists in Asia who moved to the US and eventually came to appreciate Buddhism for their own reasons.
I've had trouble finishing books lately, but I picked this thing up two days ago and I'm already 160 pages in, out of about 230 pages. Every tale is truly something anyone can relate to, and it really tackles those practical facets you don't read about in suttas -- for example, the first story is about a woman's experience dating both Buddhist and non-Buddhist, and how the latter didn't magically work out just because they were both learning to be peaceful. There's a humanistic aspect that's rare outside of direct sangha contact (I imagine) and... well, forums like these.
Google Books has a preview available, though be careful -- it only lets you view a couple dozen pages before it blocks you out, for obvious enough reasons. Blue Jean Buddha on Google Books
I've heard of 'Blue Jean Buddha' before, and it sounds very cool, I'd like to get it (maybe in a weeks time, I'll be away next week).
I want to get more books but even if I am a readoholic I buy more books than I can read. I have over 300 books and over 60 I haven't read. I just want to start them all! Hehehe...
A famous Dutch philosopher, Erasmus, once said that whenever he got money he would first buy books and then with whatever was left get food and other things.
... My family is pretty much agnostic, but I've always had Buddhist-like principles instilled in me. I've always been very smart (2300+ SAT with a few days of studying!). My quest for knowledge, specifically ethical, led me to becoming a utilitarian. Then, I became a vegetarian. Now I'm sort of kind of becoming a Buddhist!
In my life, I hope to spread as much happiness and reduce as much suffering as possible. To do this, I'm mainly considering getting rich and donating it all (this is actually a very convincing argument on why it's the best option to spread maximum happiness, read up on it!)
And that's me in a nutshell :cool: Nice to meet you guys!
... My family is pretty much agnostic, but I've always had Buddhist-like principles instilled in me. I've always been very smart (2300+ SAT with a few days of studying!). My quest for knowledge, specifically ethical, led me to becoming a utilitarian. Then, I became a vegetarian. Now I'm sort of kind of becoming a Buddhist!
In my life, I hope to spread as much happiness and reduce as much suffering as possible. To do this, I'm mainly considering getting rich and donating it all (this is actually a very convincing argument on why it's the best option to spread maximum happiness, read up on it!)
And that's me in a nutshell :cool: Nice to meet you guys!
Hi,⁵ Utilitarian ay? I had to look that one up in my big book of words, ie. the internet. I'm not sure if this is or isn't relevant to utilitarianism but my dad's girlfriend says 'It's that little man' when something bad happens, I think that's another thing to say for Karma Sorry, just felt like saying for some reason
There is a better way to spread happiness and reduce suffering than getting rich actually (though that way isn't bad - if you make it please send some to our temple - we need it! ). In fact, the only way to spread lasting happiness and peace is to attain enlightenment and work ceaselessly for the liberation of all sentient beings.
Utilitarian! Haha. It's the belief that, unequivocally, happiness=good and suffering=bad.
That seems pretty rudimentary, but take this situation for example:
A man wants to steal a drug from Wal-Mart. This drug will keep his wife from suffering a lot. Most ethics would say "stealing is bad! don't do it!" but utilitarianism says "nothing else has any effect. if the reduction of suffering from the drug outweighs the impact it has on Wal-Mart, steal it!"
And as to getting rich, Alan Dawrst gives a brilliant argument for why money can often do a lot more than service. Look it up for a complete description.
To Palzang, so which do you think would benefit the temple more? Another "worker" or $10 million?
From a Buddhist point of view, happiness and suffering aren't much different because both are simply temporary phenomena. The point is to create permanent happiness. Nothing in samsara can do that. Not even close! However, by applying the path as taught by the Buddha that state can be attained. All beings desire to be happy, but the problem is we don't know how to achieve lasting happiness. That's what the Buddha taught.
In your example of stealing a drug from Wal-Mart, what would be the long-term effect (i.e. longer than two hours) of such an action? I think it would produce a heap more suffering than any happiness it would produce. If hubby got locked up for stealing, who would take care of wifey then?
I don't know who to agree with, but maybe we are assuming that hubby don't get caught... It's hard to know what's good and what's bad. Moral compasses differ.
Comments
I too am interest in Buddhism and Wicca. I have more in common with Buddhism though... I used to consider myself a Buddhist but now I consider myself Electic, ie. I take things from different beliefs, for example mostly Buddhism, a bit of Wicca, and the slightest bit from Jainism- a very little bit. On this story thread is what pretty much sums me up I thinks...
Love & Peace
Jellybean (Joe)
For the past couple of years, my mind has been quite dead, and I have yet to find a way to bring it back to life.
That's why I just very recently started learning about Buddhism. The Idea of learning and knowledge in a philosophy that isn't religious.
Though I believe in the energy's found in Wicca and how they affect us in our lives, I dont believe in the religious aspect of it. My Faience on the other hand is completely pagan revolved:D
So how has your journey with Buddhism been? Do you have any advice for me? Honestly, I have only been seriously learning for the past few days.
Feel free to IM me if you'd like to talk:D
Hmm... where I could see this being good advice I must also reconginize it's parodoxal nature. You know the whole "by not conforming, you're conforming to non-confmity," thing? Well it's like that. If I were to meditate and act in a manner that was "Buddhist" then I am not really growing into my own path, but rather forcefully attempting to adapt to a set path already. But if I were consciously not doing that for the sake of not doing what most do, then it's the same deal, right?
Anyway, it is nice to "meet" you Bloodywaterfox, hope you are able to "learn, grow and develop yourself" here
~Ashley
^and I agree, I talk about this a lot myself. There is no need to be concerned about labels nor the lack of. Do what you want and feels right. The Idea's of Buddhism are Buddhist idea's none the less. As are anything else. All I need to know is, I am me, Hello nice to meet you, I am Thomas!
I recently borrowed a book from my local library that really reminds me of this thread, so I've gotta throw a shoutout to it -- I hope it hasn't been mentioned already, I haven't quite read the entire thread yet.
It's "Blue Jean Buddha," by Sumi Loundon, though it's actually more of an anthology than a normal book. Sumi basically sent out letters and traveled all around the US, looking for stories and life experiences of Buddhists from the late teens to early thirties. There's a sizable gamut of the types of stories present, from people raised Catholics and Jews, to "born" Buddhists in Asia who moved to the US and eventually came to appreciate Buddhism for their own reasons.
I've had trouble finishing books lately, but I picked this thing up two days ago and I'm already 160 pages in, out of about 230 pages. Every tale is truly something anyone can relate to, and it really tackles those practical facets you don't read about in suttas -- for example, the first story is about a woman's experience dating both Buddhist and non-Buddhist, and how the latter didn't magically work out just because they were both learning to be peaceful. There's a humanistic aspect that's rare outside of direct sangha contact (I imagine) and... well, forums like these.
Google Books has a preview available, though be careful -- it only lets you view a couple dozen pages before it blocks you out, for obvious enough reasons.
Blue Jean Buddha on Google Books
Thomas,
I love reading about religion and luckily I have a nice little religious books section in the school library (I can't return to the public library because I always steal books
Love & Peace
Jellybean
This is a collection of some of the teachings of Ajahn Chah.
Are you sure about that?
Yes, I'm sure. I meant that as far as giving ourselves labels...I did not mean that literally. We will always have more to learn.
Ah, splendid!
Generally I would not advise hiding your beliefs but you are young and presumably living with your parents, so only you know what you need to do. Best of luck to you. Namaste
I'm 30 and sometimes I feel more 16. I'm still a kid a heart. I guess that's not nessicarily a bad thing I guess.
I also explored Wicca for a bit when I was about 17 - 18/19, but, I wouldn't have called myself a devout follower, it was more just new and interesting to me, I still like certain parts of it, and I like learning about other religions, but, for now, I want to learn more about Buddhism, and just see where it leads me.
BTW, nice to meet you bloodywaterfox
I've heard of 'Blue Jean Buddha' before, and it sounds very cool, I'd like to get it (maybe in a weeks time, I'll be away next week).
Glad I'm not the only one!
Palzang
Haha puns
Palzang
Palzang
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Palzang
What happened to poor CI?
Umm... your soul... of course! *Muhahahahahah!!!!! grins evily*
Palzang
In my life, I hope to spread as much happiness and reduce as much suffering as possible. To do this, I'm mainly considering getting rich and donating it all (this is actually a very convincing argument on why it's the best option to spread maximum happiness, read up on it!)
And that's me in a nutshell :cool: Nice to meet you guys!
Oh Palzang! That is so NOT fair! You just want all the souls to yourself!
In liking to eat souls, or being a Buddhist?;)
Hi :wavey:
Hi,⁵ Utilitarian ay? I had to look that one up in my big book of words, ie. the internet. I'm not sure if this is or isn't relevant to utilitarianism but my dad's girlfriend says 'It's that little man' when something bad happens, I think that's another thing to say for Karma
Love & Peace All
Jellybean
Yes, and by the full moon I'll have them all!!! :rarr:
Palzang
Utilitarian or Unitarian?
There is a better way to spread happiness and reduce suffering than getting rich actually (though that way isn't bad - if you make it please send some to our temple - we need it!
Palzang
That seems pretty rudimentary, but take this situation for example:
A man wants to steal a drug from Wal-Mart. This drug will keep his wife from suffering a lot. Most ethics would say "stealing is bad! don't do it!" but utilitarianism says "nothing else has any effect. if the reduction of suffering from the drug outweighs the impact it has on Wal-Mart, steal it!"
And as to getting rich, Alan Dawrst gives a brilliant argument for why money can often do a lot more than service. Look it up for a complete description.
To Palzang, so which do you think would benefit the temple more? Another "worker" or $10 million?
Palzang
In your example of stealing a drug from Wal-Mart, what would be the long-term effect (i.e. longer than two hours) of such an action? I think it would produce a heap more suffering than any happiness it would produce. If hubby got locked up for stealing, who would take care of wifey then?
Palzang
Love & Peace
Jellybean