Does your family know you're Buddhist?

DaftChris · May 2013

And if so, what was their general reaction?

My family does not know I apply Buddhist practice to my life. They know of my interest in world religions, but they still think that I'm a Christian. I tried telling my mom of mediation and mantras and her reaction was "Christ can provide you so much more".

I no longer discuss religion with her or the family. There is no point and why bring up something that can cause an issue?

Jeffrey · May 2013

My family has their own views and no affiliation. My mom believes in God and has studied Jesus a small amount. Her set of mind in practice is very Buddhist.

My dad really does not like a lot of Christians, you know, those Christians. He also can have a discussion with me about Buddhism.

I have been practicing for 12 years and they know it helps me cope with my mental illness. I got unlucky with illness but lucky with open minded parents.

vinlyn · May 2013

Most of my family is gone. My mother knew, before her death, and she was fine with it, and even a tad bit interested...but she was not a particularly religious person. My adopted son, who is Pakistani and Muslim, is very fine with it.

riverflow · May 2013

@DaftChris - I'm sorry to hear that about your family, though unfortunately I imagine it isn't unusual either. And if I were in a similar position I would avoid it altogether also (my ex-in-laws I did have to avoid talking about my very liberal Christian views around them--they were southern Baptists. It made visits at least a little more bearable (usually haha)

My parents are left-of-centre Catholics. Some years ago I finally came out as an atheist, and though my mother especially didn't understand, my sister (also Catholic) understood where I was coming from (I'm not really a "hardcore" atheist). My family has always been fairly open-minded about things and has encouraged questioning, even if they didn't always agree or understand what I felt was an answer to those questions. I think the main thing for them is that I am happy.

I did hesitate at first with telling them about turning to Buddhism though, but it wasn't long before I told them. They always ask me about my visits to the local monastery now and its actually fun sharing with them because much of it is new to me as well. I think we look more for common ground than the differences and so we both learn more from one another in our dialogues. We've always been that way though as long as I can remember.

karasti · May 2013

To varying degrees. I don't hide it, but I don't feel a need to flaunt it, either. If it comes up, I'm happy to talk about it. My grandma thinks it's all voodoo, LOL. Which is funny because if she would learn about it in general terms without labeling it, she'd have no problem with it, but somewhere along the line she picked up that Buddhism is voodoo, lol.
My mom still defines as Christian but she's very open minded and she is into things that are parts of other religions but refuses to see it that way. I discuss Buddhism with her frequently.
I talked about it with my sister as well, she defines are Buddhist (in part).
My dad doesn't have any religion, but he knows, I'm sure, about mine between my FB postings, my information on FB and the Buddhist stuff all around the house, lol.

No one in my life has a problem with it. If they do, they have never voiced their opinion to me. My in-laws are very devout, practicing Catholics, but they aren't the holier than thou types, and are quite open minded and accepting. I adore them. Same for the rest of my husband's family.

karasti · May 2013

I had to take a break to take care of the ferrets, lol.
I wanted to add that, as I've gotten older, I've worried less about having to "out" aspects of my life to anyone. I don't hide who I am, and I'm not going to do so to make anyone else happy or comfortable. When I was younger, I worried more about it. Now I'm a lot more "you have no choice to accept me for who I am if you want any part in my life." But, my ability to feel that way has had a lot to do with the security of knowing I can be myself and my family will always be there. Sometimes it's really, really hard to stand up and be the only person saying "hey, yeah, I believe/feel/think something else." But it's a great gift to give yourself.

I have devout Catholics, non-practicing Christians of all sorts, Pagans, Lutherans, other Buddhists, and "no religion at all" people in my life and yet all of us have the same basic views and values and such. I grew up in a family that didn't always get along, but I also grew up in a family where people were to be respected no matter their differences, and it was reinforced by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many others.

JohnG · May 2013

Yes they do, and they still think I'll come around to my senses and forget this drabble and return to normal. :coffee:

lobster · May 2013

My Grandmother knew I would be a Buddhist from when I was a child. I have a statue of quan yin from her on my shrine.

My family are quite happy for me to be a Buddha, as long as I don't scare the horses. I rarely talk about religion until I have known people for a few years. Unless they are religious, then I try and use their tradition, whatever that may be. Not really interested in discussing Buddhism as voodoo, though I have discussed voodoo, paganism, alchemy etc with those so engaged.

Blessed Bee and Sacred Wasp
as I say to Pagans

:wave:

kashi · May 2013

Yes.
Im fortune enough to have very open minded parents and brother. the rundown is...
My mom is christian,
My stepfather is jewish,
My brother is agnostic but interested in buddhism and philosophy,
Im buddhist.
I can talk to them all very openly.

Invincible_summer · May 2013

My Baptist parents know I meditate, but I'm not sure if they know that I identify as a "Buddhist." Not that they would really care all that much (to my surprise) - I remember the first time I talked to them about meditation, they kept nodding and going "Yes! Buddhists are nice people! It's good that you are learning Buddhist things!"

I don't think my younger brother really knows because I don't keep in touch with him that often, as he lives out of town and is too busy to e-mail me regularly.

My grandparents (especially my grandfather) would probably collapse if he found out I was Buddhist.

lobster · May 2013

Like @DaftChris I have an affinity for the Pagan/Hindu/Buddhist deity Ganesh. My family would be quite happy if I had elephant statues. In America they might think I was a republican. Instead I have Buddhas in the garden, in the kitchen, in the bathroom and even in the masonry.

We also have trees, which the Buddha said would be a better representation of his dharma than the Greek fashion items we use.

In different circumstances I might have to be a closet Buddhist. Freedom is a wonderful situation not open to all of us. If not outward. Go inward. :wave:

TheEccentric · May 2013

My family are all secular, my Mother is interested in it and goes to Meditation classes with me and I discuss it with me, My Brother has been fine with it and bought me a Buddha statue for my Birthday which was thoughtful of him. My Father is ok with it to but he does make annoying jokes about it sometimes.

Jason · May 2013

DaftChris said:
And if so, what was their general reaction?

My family does not know I apply Buddhist practice to my life. They know of my interest in world religions, but they still think that I'm a Christian. I tried telling my mom of mediation and mantras and her reaction was "Christ can provide you so much more".

I no longer discuss religion with her or the family. There is no point and why bring up something that can cause an issue?

Yes, they know I'm a Buddhist, and they hope it's a phase I'll grow out of. But not because they're Christian or anything; because they don't want me ordaining and moving to Thailand. They're cool with it otherwise, though.

federica · May 2013

My entire Roman Catholic family - who span a vast range of ages - are all aware, and all totally laid back about it all..... As some may know, it was my devout, church-going Catholic mother who introduced me to Buddhism in the first place.....

Vastmind · May 2013

Oddly....my parents were hippies...and taught me these things...
however, when they got older and moved to the South....they turned
conservative.... I mean like Whoooaaa! Not Baptist...but I
think the other social nuances and the attitudes that came
with them...... because we spent too much
time apart....were they not who they were before? or is 'now' the
lie they are living.....who the hell knows? hahaha...They know I'm Buddhist.
I'm grown with kids of my own....so thats a period to that.
The last time I visited, I left a small Buddha in the corner of
the woods....hahaha...I'm sure someone has found it by now.

My Catholic Nana took me to Mass as a child.....
and to this day...she was my favorite person in my life!

She didn't know because she got Alzheimer's at an early
age...and her understanding was declining. She was able
to visit my house once...but I think it was when we first moved
in, and I cant remember if my altar's were up yet....but her
mind was together up until I was about 22...so her impact on my
life was meaningful!!! Even when she had no idea who I was...
we did have fun together!

Oh my! sorry for going on and on....

Linc · May 2013

Yes.

Pro tip: Don't wait to tell them the night before Easter.

black_tea · May 2013

Yes, though I don't really discuss it with them much--I tend to be rather private about things like that. I mentioned that I was considering becoming a vegetarian due to reading Buddhist teachings. They also know that I've been to some local centers. They don't care. My dad thinks meditation is healthy (he's a psychologist), and my mother told me that of all the organized religions, she has the most respect for Buddhism. When I was still nervous about checking out sanghas in my area, my brother told me not to worry about it and just go. So, yeah, no drama on that front.

genkaku · May 2013

Strange to think that something that might be called "intimate" or "secret" or "precious" or "wondrous" becomes as plain as old socks when it comes out in the open. This is not to say that others may not have conniptions and deserve a studied silence, but still ... it's just socks, isn't it ... just human-being stuff?

Sabre · May 2013

Yes, they know. Although I think they might see it as a phase.

Sort of like puberty..
Do you know this feeling? As if they might have been 'happier' with a 'normal' kid. But you know, I can't help it.. They accept it though, and I'm very happy for that. Not everybody has parents like that.

person · May 2013

I told my mom early on and she was open about it. She herself converted from a strict Catholic family to Lutheran!, so I think she was more accepting. Also she isn't very strict about the theology or anything, her favorite part about church is the music :rockon: Over the years none of my family has really talked much about it, I prefer to let my actions speak for my Buddhism. The best thing it has brought me in relation to my family is I no longer have to go to church when I visit during Christmas or Easter.

Wisdom23 · May 2013

Considering i have a good sized buddha statue sitting on my book shelf and they have asked me the " What would Buddha do?" type questions i would pressume so. My fiance teases me about it but she would tease me reguardless. Although i do so much study of theology and philosophy they may just think i'm wierd.

End of the day there is only one question need be asked. Are you happy? If yes then keep calm and buddha on. If no meditate on what makes you truely happy. For me i love finding out wierd facts, playing the fool and i know i shouldnt being buddhist and all but i enjoy sarcasm.

Peace out peeps.

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