Christians turning to Buddhism

Post Reply New Topic

Relative understanding
Experiential understanding
One takes out of it what works and discards the remainder. It doesn't have to work for everyone, or make sense to everyone. Individual understanding, collective understanding. Individual experience, collective experience.

worship= perspective. People who experience do not view it as worship. People with no experience or understanding, and no willingness or desire to understand, perceive it as worship, which is fine.

I bought a pocket "idol" today, not to worship, but as a reminder, and companion, like some people carry a photo of a loved one, which is the same thing to me.

There are and there aren't. The thing with Buddhism is that the teachings and philosophy never mention the need to worship, build temples or such things. People added that through the ages because all other religions did it. It was a good PR move plus it allowed a certain group of elites to have a lot of power and wealth because of it.

Of course out of all those I am most interested in the experience.

I enjoy learning about 1, 2, 3, and 4, and respect others whichever aspect of Buddhism they are embracing.
I have spent the most time studying 3 and taking baby steps toward 4.
I also study Taoist, Hindu, and Yogic philosophy.
I believe that these three approaches also manifest in the 4 forms just like Buddhism.

PS The second I hear a teacher assert that their approach is the ONLY one, I know they cannot be 'awake'.

Taoism caught my interest from something I read the other day. It seems the roots of Zen are intertwined with Buddhism and Taoism where both "point" towards the same "reality". Buddhism itself is really an extension of Hindu Vedanta. So many of these Asian religions have significant overlap and point to the same "truths".

I've been studying Christianity more and more. I was raised Christian and as a kid I was so-so at being a Christian because I broke a commandment now and then, mostly honor thy mother and father and every once in a great while but hardly ever, thou shalt not steal. I once stole a piece of bubble gum from the store. It only cost two cents but when my mother found out she was angry and mortified I could do such a thing. I had to practically crawl back to the counter on my hands and knees and beg forgiveness with two cents in my palm to pay for it. That memory, at the age of five, has been SEARED onto my consciousness because it really traumatized me. I was scared out of my wits. I thought I would be taken to jail over that gum.
I have forgotten some of what's in the Bible because I mostly went to church while still a child and it was for children so we focused on stories like Jacob's ladder, the coat of many colors, and the story of Noah's arc. We also spent a great deal of time on the nativity story and the crucifixion and resurrection. Most of what I read seems to contradict itself. Jesus died for our sins yet we are not forgiven for breaking commandments? If Jesus died for our sins, what does it matter if we do?

It seems like Buddhism is easier to practice than Christianity what with divorces running rampant and people really not caring about what's in the Bible or even believing in God. People worship celebrities.

Even the Pope has an opinion on this issue.

http://shambhalasun.com/sunspace/?p=37337

Just what the Catholics need, more controversy.
I don't have a problem with it but some Christians are very set in being nothing but Christian.

Buddhism just makes a whole lot of sense to me. Unlike Christianity there is no conflict between science and Buddhism. Scientific discoveries are welcomed - everything from the big bang, evolution to advances in neurology and the understanding of how our brain works. There are no gods in Buddhism; though that is not to say that all Buddhists are atheists; I'm sure some are agnostic or conceive of a more "abstract god" / ultimate reality than the seemingly brutal patriarchal figure of the Abrahamic religions. Buddhists aren't required to believe any dogma - it is down to Buddhists to delve into the teachings themselves not blindly accept them. If anything "belief" is something to be shunned in Buddhism - don't accept anyone's word. There is no authority telling you what to believe. Find out for yourself; use the tools of meditation and mindfulness to investigate the nature of your being and consciousness.

Some Christians do accept science. There's a Christianity for everyone. In some Christian sects you are not allowed to break rules and they justify that by what is in the NT while in others they say yes, you are expected to sin that's why Jesus died.
I don't have a problem with Christianity. What I have a problem with is the old testament God. I see it more metaphorical while others think of it as a real figure that truly exists, sitting there waiting to vanquish with his fist of doom squashing everything it smashes down on.

Agreed.

Have you read the Hua Hu Jing?
If not, I suspect you may enjoy it.
I have enjoyed it for the last decade-ish and have read it many times.
I have spoken with its translator (very nice guy).

Enjoy.


http://www.qigong.net.nz/huahujing

Thank you for the link. The parallels with Zen teachings is striking. I'll save a copy of that.

Then beware of a very common mistake in translations of one of the most important buddhist scriptures: the satipatthana sutta. It is translated many times as saying that satipatthana (mindfulness of body, sensations, mind and mental objects) is "the only way" to liberation. But, iirc, it is best translated as "the direct way".

I remember watching a series of Buddhist monks creating a mandala, it was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I felt a palpable 'peace', a strong sense of awareness while trapped amongst the throng of people observing this sublime symbol take form. I remember silently chuckling at the people taking photos of this act trying to capture forever this transcendent display of impermanence.

I do not consider myself Buddhist but I do believe that there is immeasurable wisdom to be found in Buddhist teachings.

Part of the reason I set up this thread was to watch and let others see the difference between how Buddhists handle criticism and misunderstanding in comparison to how Christians handle criticism and misunderstanding. Most Buddhists seem not to translate criticism, misunderstanding and questioning as attacks on their beliefs. I think it is important to try and understand why that is. It is not a matter of one being better or superior. Merely a demonstration that disagreement does not have to be ugly and disrespectful. Disagreement and misunderstanding is simply an opportunity for learning from each other to present itself. Tallyman is an excellent emissary of Buddhism, just being his natural self. Much better than I could ever be.