Christianity with traits of Buddhism, is it possible?

[NW82]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Basically I'm tired of being in emotional pain all the time. I'm quite certain no one wants to hear the story again, but simply put I'm sick of hurting and I want it to stop!!!

I know Christ is real and alive; I believe....but I can't accept that Christ/God/Holy Spirit wants me in a pain for the rest of my life, but it's 10 years on with no hope in sight. So the question is can I train myself to have zero attachment and still be a Christian? Because suicide isn't an option, for obvious reasons, but I'm really just at my wits on living with torment that no one cares, no one wants me, and I'm alone all the time. Before anyone gripes at me, yes I've tried going to church for fellowship and all I get is fake people and no real connection. Yes, I know Christ said He would be with us even to the end of the age....but He....there is no conversation there, no back and forth....and, well...yeah I'm just done. So, thoughts? Can I actually do this or will it end up failing and I'll just have to be in pain until I die?

 

[Sabertooth]

I'm not sure that Buddhism is a good long-term solution. That religion is made of the same fallen people as your disappointing church (with no hope of ever moving toward Christ-likeness; no Holy Spirit).

If I were in that place, I would keep trying different churches until I found a good fit. Especially, those with home groups or smaller men's groups.

 

[JCFantasy23]

I think God understands that through trauma and bad experiences with others, that some may start getting numb to other people or distance themselves. We do that to protect ourselves, heal, or we become disillusioned with other people. Kind of the learning to avoid the hot stove by being burned by it.

We're meant for fellowship, encouragement and growth with other Christians, but some people do tend to seek solitary walks with God in contrast.

I think this is one of those issues that depends on the person and their lives, and God already knows their life and hearts. Above all continue to seek Him with all your heart, soul and mind and treat your brothers and sisters in Christ with respect. If you feel more suited for a loner role in general, that is not a sin itself - for some people with trauma history or even disabilities, that's even a necessity.

I don't associate it with buddhist elements, but common sense and human nature.

That said, I encourage you to keep working on finding positive people to bond with because that's always beneficial for everyone, even loners, especially when you are down and need encouragement from other Christians. I'm a loner myself who has discovered this over the years. I'm surprised at the growth I've experienced, and didn't think I needed or even realized, since I've broadened my circles to more Christian friends and this forum.

 

[NW82]

I'm not sure that Buddhism is a good long-term solution. That religion is made of the same fallen people as your disappointing church (with no hope of ever moving toward Christ-likeness; no Holy Spirit).

If I were in that place, I would keep trying different churches until I found a good fit. Especially, those with home groups or smaller men's groups.

This doesn't really answer the question. I never said I was going to convert. I simply want the pain to stop. If I can train myself to not want anything in life then I won't hurt anymore. Hence the question.

 

[NW82]

I think God understands that through trauma and bad experiences with others, that some may start getting numb to other people or distance themselves. We do that to protect ourselves, heal, or we become disillusioned with other people. Kind of the learning to avoid the hot stove by being burned by it.

We're meant for fellowship, encouragement and growth with other Christians, but some people do tend to seek solitary walks with God in contrast.

I think this is one of those issues that depends on the person and their lives, and God already knows their life and hearts. Above all continue to seek Him with all your heart, soul and mind and treat your brothers and sisters in Christ with respect. If you feel more suited for a loner role in general, that is not a sin itself - for some people with trauma history or even disabilities, that's even a necessity.

I don't associate it with buddhist elements, but common sense and human nature.

That said, I encourage you to keep working on finding positive people to bond with because that's always beneficial for everyone, even loners, especially when you are down and need encouragement from other Christians. I'm a loner myself who has discovered this over the years. I'm surprised at the growth I've experienced, and didn't think I needed or even realized, since I've broadened my circles to more Christian friends and this forum.

Clearly you're not understanding. I don't want to be alone, I'm not a loner, I want real connections and interpersonal contact. You're telling me to continue doing what makes it painful, which doesn't solve the issue. The question also wasn't really answered. Is it possible to be Christian and train yourself to want and feel nothing so you aren't in constant pain?

 

[JCFantasy23]

Clearly you're not understanding. I don't want to be alone, I'm not a loner, I want real connections and interpersonal contact. You're telling me to continue doing what makes it painful, which doesn't solve the issue. The question also wasn't really answered. Is it possible to be Christian and train yourself to want and feel nothing so you aren't in constant pain?

I thought when you said, "Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore." - that meant you would try to feel less and disconnect from people.

No, I don't think it's healthy (or Christian) to try to train yourself to feel less emotion and attachment to people. I think people get numb and detached through bad experiences, but to force it? Not a goal I'd encourage, I don't see how that will benefit you.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

The question also wasn't really answered. Is it possible to be Christian and train yourself to want and feel nothing so you aren't in constant pain?

No.

Yet Jesus says (to disciples): ' I know you don't know how (to live).... Come to Me, and Learn From Me, and I Will Show you How. '

There's really no other way....

 

[Sketcher]

Detachment is a tempting aspect of Buddhism, but we shouldn't pursue the Buddhist way. We should detach when necessary according to Christian limits instead. Perhaps more helpful advice would be given if you were to specify which desires you want to detach from.

 

[edrogati]

As someone who has struggled with symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and other associated diagnoses for around 20 years, I understand the desire to be set free from emotional pain. Also, several years ago, I went through a time after a car accident with severe sciatica and other related pain. I wanted to be free of that pain as well and the Bipolar symptoms compounded that.

Disassociating ourselves from painful realities is tempting. Asking God to take the pain away and heal us is OK, but how do we handle it when God doesn't do what we ask? That sounds like what you're dealing with here.

I'm no theologian or do I have the ability to cite Biblical verses from memory. Scripture does indicate in various places that there are purposes for physical and emotional pain, but, admittedly, those don't feel like much comfort when you're in the middle of it. I admit that I'm back on Christian Forums after a long absence to seek help with and relief from my own emotional pain and struggle.

All I can do is to encourage you that I have experienced times and events in my life where the emotional and physical pain has proven to have a purpose, sometimes just so that I can understand what someone else is dealing with. I have dealt with loneliness and depression, sometimes for years. Maybe my pain is to help you. Maybe yours is so that you can help and understand someone else.

As I sit here, I am praying for you, that God reveals what this time for you is for and brings you into a situation where it can be of help, for you and someone else.

 

[“Paisios”]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Basically I'm tired of being in emotional pain all the time. I'm quite certain no one wants to hear the story again, but simply put I'm sick of hurting and I want it to stop!!!

I know Christ is real and alive; I believe....but I can't accept that Christ/God/Holy Spirit wants me in a pain for the rest of my life, but it's 10 years on with no hope in sight. So the question is can I train myself to have zero attachment and still be a Christian? Because suicide isn't an option, for obvious reasons, but I'm really just at my wits on living with torment that no one cares, no one wants me, and I'm alone all the time. Before anyone gripes at me, yes I've tried going to church for fellowship and all I get is fake people and no real connection. Yes, I know Christ said He would be with us even to the end of the age....but He....there is no conversation there, no back and forth....and, well...yeah I'm just done. So, thoughts? Can I actually do this or will it end up failing and I'll just have to be in pain until I die?

I once tried to do something similar, but found that it didn’t really work out.

A book I found interesting was Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Tran. I don’t know if it would be helpful, but I found it interesting and raised questions to think about in my search for things.

Have you considered looking at some of the early Christian ascetics and their practices, which were also in part used to detach themselves from the world, to focus more closely on Christ? It may provide a Christian solution for what you seek. I might recommend Tito Colliander’s Way of the Ascetics as a starting point (and actually did to my son, who was just recently looking into Buddhist practices after meeting some Buddhist monks in a comparative religion class and being impressed with their ascetism).

 

[truefiction1]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Basically I'm tired of being in emotional pain all the time. I'm quite certain no one wants to hear the story again, but simply put I'm sick of hurting and I want it to stop!!!

I know Christ is real and alive; I believe....but I can't accept that Christ/God/Holy Spirit wants me in a pain for the rest of my life, but it's 10 years on with no hope in sight. So the question is can I train myself to have zero attachment and still be a Christian? Because suicide isn't an option, for obvious reasons, but I'm really just at my wits on living with torment that no one cares, no one wants me, and I'm alone all the time. Before anyone gripes at me, yes I've tried going to church for fellowship and all I get is fake people and no real connection. Yes, I know Christ said He would be with us even to the end of the age....but He....there is no conversation there, no back and forth....and, well...yeah I'm just done. So, thoughts? Can I actually do this or will it end up failing and I'll just have to be in pain until I die?

The ancient Orthodox Christian practice of "hesychia" has similarities with the "mindfulness" practice within Buddhist tradition. But hesychasm is prayerful silence and can serve to establish genuine communion with God, in the Holy Spirit. Buddhist practice is different than this.

 

[Albion]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Offhand, I would say that the answer is no in the case of the detachment you refer to, yet in Christian history there have been hermits, monks, and recluses who are/were on that wavelength. They did not consciously imitate Buddhism, however.

The bottom line is that something like this might be possible in an academic or theoretical sense but it’s probably not a realistic course of action for you.

 

[Johnny4ChristJesus]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Basically I'm tired of being in emotional pain all the time. I'm quite certain no one wants to hear the story again, but simply put I'm sick of hurting and I want it to stop!!!

I know Christ is real and alive; I believe....but I can't accept that Christ/God/Holy Spirit wants me in a pain for the rest of my life, but it's 10 years on with no hope in sight. So the question is can I train myself to have zero attachment and still be a Christian? Because suicide isn't an option, for obvious reasons, but I'm really just at my wits on living with torment that no one cares, no one wants me, and I'm alone all the time. Before anyone gripes at me, yes I've tried going to church for fellowship and all I get is fake people and no real connection. Yes, I know Christ said He would be with us even to the end of the age....but He....there is no conversation there, no back and forth....and, well...yeah I'm just done. So, thoughts? Can I actually do this or will it end up failing and I'll just have to be in pain until I die?

I just typed a whole thing and poof it was gone. I think empathy is important, but so is Truth. I have suffered through divorce. I have lost two kids when I had every right to expect the opposite to happen.

I would encourage you to ask God to bring a woman after His own heart into your life and friends after His own heart into your life. Based on my experience, I would suggest that you invest some time in various internet "Christian-dating" sites. I loved Christiancafe.com, because people had to write enough that I could get a sense of who would be an equal-yoking for me and who appear superficially "Christian". I wouldn't go there expecting that the first person you talk to will be the one. Just get to know people and start conversations. This is just a way to find companionship through a lonely time.

I don't think God wants any of His children to remain in pain, but like Edrogati said, I think when He allows pain, there is a reason behind it--which often won't be clear until long after you are no longer in the midst of it. Emotional pain is much more common in this fallen world than people would have you believe. Some are just better at wearing masks.

 

[bcbsr]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Basically I'm tired of being in emotional pain all the time. I'm quite certain no one wants to hear the story again, but simply put I'm sick of hurting and I want it to stop!!!

I know Christ is real and alive; I believe....but I can't accept that Christ/God/Holy Spirit wants me in a pain for the rest of my life, but it's 10 years on with no hope in sight. So the question is can I train myself to have zero attachment and still be a Christian? Because suicide isn't an option, for obvious reasons, but I'm really just at my wits on living with torment that no one cares, no one wants me, and I'm alone all the time. Before anyone gripes at me, yes I've tried going to church for fellowship and all I get is fake people and no real connection. Yes, I know Christ said He would be with us even to the end of the age....but He....there is no conversation there, no back and forth....and, well...yeah I'm just done. So, thoughts? Can I actually do this or will it end up failing and I'll just have to be in pain until I die?

Not zero attachment, but rather setting our hopes above. God has promised very little regarding this life, and most of the godly in the Bible, like Jesus' apostles, suffered and died violent deaths. So temper your expectations. Buddhism tends to be inward looking. Christianity is to be upward looking.

 

[SolomonVII]

I am pretty sure that Buddhists still feel pain.
I appreciate what Dennis Prager has to say on the subject. In Buddhism, suffering is the fruit of desire. If desire is eliminated, you will no longer suffer theoretically at least.
Dennis,to paraphrase wildly, sees desire as integral to living. Living passionately is above all gratitude to God himself for the gift of life. It is not desire itself that is the source of unnecessary suffering, but our expectations that our desires will be fulfilled that sets us up to suffer.
There is no reason to expect that just because we desire something that ou desires will be fulfilled. Life is mostly unfair. As often as not, the reality falls short of the desire.
Live more and expect less. That way each time our desire is actually fulfilled it comes as a pleasant surprise.

 

[NW82]

I just typed a whole thing and poof it was gone. I think empathy is important, but so is Truth. I have suffered through divorce. I have lost two kids when I had every right to expect the opposite to happen.

I would encourage you to ask God to bring a woman after His own heart into your life and friends after His own heart into your life. Based on my experience, I would suggest that you invest some time in various internet "Christian-dating" sites. I loved Christiancafe.com, because people had to write enough that I could get a sense of who would be an equal-yoking for me and who appear superficially "Christian". I wouldn't go there expecting that the first person you talk to will be the one. Just get to know people and start conversations. This is just a way to find companionship through a lonely time.

I don't think God wants any of His children to remain in pain, but like Edrogati said, I think when He allows pain, there is a reason behind it--which often won't be clear until long after you are no longer in the midst of it. Emotional pain is much more common in this fallen world than people would have you believe. Some are just better at wearing masks.

Not zero attachment, but rather setting our hopes above. God has promised very little regarding this life, and most of the godly in the Bible, like Jesus' apostles, suffered and died violent deaths. So temper your expectations. Buddhism tends to be inward looking. Christianity is to be upward looking.

I am pretty sure that Buddhists still feel pain.
I appreciate what Dennis Prager has to say on the subject. In Buddhism, suffering is the fruit of desire. If desire is eliminated, you will no longer suffer theoretically at least.
Dennis,to paraphrase wildly, sees desire as integral to living. Living passionately is above all gratitude to God himself for the gift of life. It is not desire itself that is the source of unnecessary suffering, but our expectations that our desires will be fulfilled that sets us up to suffer.
There is no reason to expect that just because we desire something that ou desires will be fulfilled. Life is mostly unfair. As often as not, the reality falls short of the desire.
Live more and expect less. That way each time our desire is actually fulfilled it comes as a pleasant surprise.

Maybe I can't really get past the pain and what's why I'm saying this, but are you all telling me that my only option is to just shut up, deal with the pain and loneliness and forget about not hurting? That's how I'm taking it, and after 10 years....it's too much, so what am I supposed to do? If anyone says give it to God....I've been praying for 10 years, I've made effort and nothing has worked. Keep in mind 10 years of trying multiple things, so if you suggest it I've most likely tried it; this is why I want to just lose all attachment and desire, so I don't hurt anymore.

 

[truefiction1]

Maybe I can't really get past the pain and what's why I'm saying this, but are you all telling me that my only option is to just shut up, deal with the pain and loneliness and forget about not hurting? That's how I'm taking it, and after 10 years....it's too much, so what am I supposed to do? If anyone says give it to God....I've been praying for 10 years, I've made effort and nothing has worked. Keep in mind 10 years of trying multiple things, so if you suggest it I've most likely tried it; this is why I want to just lose all attachment and desire, so I don't hurt anymore.

Well, that's actually what the "Life in Christ" (as we like to say) is: that is, the eventual losing, by God's grace, of all attachment and evil passion/desire.

So, I guess I don't see what's preventing you, if this is what you truly want to do. Is it because you're not receiving Godly instruction in the spiritual life? I don't understand.

 

[dqhall]

Like the question says, is it possible to be a Christian and really want to have an aspect of Buddhism? Specifically, to train yourself to want to have zero attachment so that you do not feel pain anymore.

Basically I'm tired of being in emotional pain all the time. I'm quite certain no one wants to hear the story again, but simply put I'm sick of hurting and I want it to stop!!!

I know Christ is real and alive; I believe....but I can't accept that Christ/God/Holy Spirit wants me in a pain for the rest of my life, but it's 10 years on with no hope in sight. So the question is can I train myself to have zero attachment and still be a Christian? Because suicide isn't an option, for obvious reasons, but I'm really just at my wits on living with torment that no one cares, no one wants me, and I'm alone all the time. Before anyone gripes at me, yes I've tried going to church for fellowship and all I get is fake people and no real connection. Yes, I know Christ said He would be with us even to the end of the age....but He....there is no conversation there, no back and forth....and, well...yeah I'm just done. So, thoughts? Can I actually do this or will it end up failing and I'll just have to be in pain until I die?

Paul stated some Christians are vegetarian. After I studied nutrition a long time, I started to eat more whole grains, vegetables, tubers, seeds, nuts and fruits. I know I must get vitamin b-12 from capsules as a vegetarian diet is deficient in B-12. I am not sure my one fish a week has B-12 in it. I know Buddhists and Hindu are vegetarian. I do not think it is necessarily bad, if they can find the right supplements and balance.

I remember Jesus taught his people they should be harmless as doves. Buddha taught people should not harm a person.

Christianity may lead someone to knowledge of an omnipotent being. I have not seen that as much in Buddhism.

One who carries much weight on his shoulder, might break his back. Such pain is not worth so little gain. Some useful back therapy healed many, others continue to suffer.

 

[1213]

Christianity with traits of Buddhism, is it possible?

How would Buddhism help you in this case?

I think Christianity is also about rejecting attachment to earthly things. But I think it doesn’t mean that one stops loving. And I believe greatest thing that one can do is to love others as himself. If you love like Jesus loved, it will bring happiness to you. But perhaps it is wrong way to think, how to get something for you. If you start by thinking, how could you make life of others better and focus on that, instead of you, I believe you will find happiness and, in the end, treasure in heaven.

Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:33-34

(And remember, not all treasures are silver and gold).

 

[Lost4words]

Maybe I can't really get past the pain and what's why I'm saying this, but are you all telling me that my only option is to just shut up, deal with the pain and loneliness and forget about not hurting? That's how I'm taking it, and after 10 years....it's too much, so what am I supposed to do? If anyone says give it to God....I've been praying for 10 years, I've made effort and nothing has worked. Keep in mind 10 years of trying multiple things, so if you suggest it I've most likely tried it; this is why I want to just lose all attachment and desire, so I don't hurt anymore.

I empathise with you.

I myself have had many years of pain. Physical and mental. Prayer has been a big part of my life but so has sin. My friend is a Buddhist and she also loves God. She truly loves God yet she was born a Buddhist.

Buddhism is a way of life. Its not about worship. I cant see why Christianity and Buddhism cant co exist. As long as you put God first and foremost in hour life.

Suicide has always been on my mind as i have a painful life, both physically and mentally. But, i wouldnt go that route because i love God so much.

Let God's will be done i say. Ask God to help you in your suffering. Offer up your suffering for others. For sinners etc. Try and be strong and confident in God. It is hard. I understand 100%.