NON CHRISTIANS

Smilin · Jan 15, 2004

Routerider said:
What's more amazing is 130 postings and no bigotry. It's so awesome to see people share their beliefs and people with DIFFERING viewpoints encourage and praise them

Utterly amazing...huh?

Mylinkay Asdara · Jan 15, 2004

I think it's something to be quite proud of

gaijin178 · Jan 15, 2004

I haven't read the whole thread but I wanted to introduce myself to those that I haven't talked with. I am a baby-steps practicing Buddhist who was raised a Christian. I am really enjoying all of the topics that people have posted. I am surprised that I have only seen one Buddhist on this site...but hey, I am learning from everyone and happy to see so many wonderful people.

Routerider · Jan 16, 2004

gaijin178 said:
I haven't read the whole thread but I wanted to introduce myself to those that I haven't talked with. I am a baby-steps practicing Buddhist who was raised a Christian. I am really enjoying all of the topics that people have posted. I am surprised that I have only seen one Buddhist on this site...but hey, I am learning from everyone and happy to see so many wonderful people.

I don't know much about Buddhism...what is it like, do you worship a God? Sorry to sound like an idiot, I should really do some more reading

Mylinkay Asdara · Jan 16, 2004

My boyfriend's little brother is just beggining to discover his spirituatlity and he's studying Buddhism now. I dabbled in it a bit back when I was searching and I love the philosophy, but although I incorporate some aspects of it, I found that it didn't quite fit me completely

vajradhara · Jan 16, 2004

Routerider said:
I don't know much about Buddhism...what is it like, do you worship a God? Sorry to sound like an idiot, I should really do some more reading

Namaste routerider,

thanks for the post.

nope.. no god worship in the least

now.. it can be fairly said that, depending on one's school, the various enlightened beings are venerated and offered respect and so forth, and this quite often consfuses those with a god belief already.

if you have an interest in learning about the Buddhist tradition, i would suggest that you investigate this site: www.buddhanet.net for the basics of Buddhist thought and praxis. this site presents a good overview of the first Two Vehicles or schools of Buddhism.

Routerider · Jan 16, 2004

vajradhara said:
Namaste routerider,

thanks for the post.

nope.. no god worship in the least

now.. it can be fairly said that, depending on one's school, the various enlightened beings are venerated and offered respect and so forth, and this quite often consfuses those with a god belief already.

if you have an interest in learning about the Buddhist tradition, i would suggest that you investigate this site: www.buddhanet.net for the basics of Buddhist thought and praxis. this site presents a good overview of the first Two Vehicles or schools of Buddhism.

I'm going to check this out tonight, who knows, maybe there's some sliver of spirituality left in me.

vajradhara · Jan 16, 2004

Routerider said:
I'm going to check this out tonight, who knows, maybe there's some sliver of spirituality left in me.

Namaste,

one of the great things about us is that we are capable of change.. sometimes quite rapidily and in ways that we never expected.

good luck in your searching! i hope you find what you are looking for, either here or elsewhere

Smilin · Jan 19, 2004

vajradhara said:
Namaste routerider,

thanks for the post.

nope.. no god worship in the least

now.. it can be fairly said that, depending on one's school, the various enlightened beings are venerated and offered respect and so forth, and this quite often consfuses those with a god belief already.

if you have an interest in learning about the Buddhist tradition, i would suggest that you investigate this site: www.buddhanet.net for the basics of Buddhist thought and praxis. this site presents a good overview of the first Two Vehicles or schools of Buddhism.

A thought that came to mind today.
Would that make Buddhist atheist then?
Just curious.....

gaijin178 · Jan 20, 2004

Here is some info on Buddhism and Athiesm from Ven. Nyanaponika Thera:

Buddhism has sometimes been called an atheistic teaching, either in an approving sense by freethinkers and rationalists, or in a derogatory sense by people of theistic persuasion. Only in one way can Buddhism be described as atheistic, namely in so for as it denies the existence of an eternal, omnipotent God or godhead who is the creator and ordainer of the world.

Those who use the word 'atheism' often associate it with a materialistic doctrine that knows nothing higher than this world of the senses and the slight happiness it can bestow. Buddhism is nothing of that sort. In this respect it agrees with the teachings of other religions, that true lasting happiness cannot be found in this world; nor, the Buddha adds, can it be found on any higher plane of existence, conceived as a heavenly or divine world, since all planes of existence are impermanent and thus incapable of giving lasting bliss. The spiritual values advocated by Buddhism are directed, not towards a new life in some higher world, but towards a state utterly transcending the world, namely, Nibbana. In making this statement, however, we must point out that Buddhist spiritual values do not draw an absolute separation between the beyond and the here and now. They have firm roots in the world itself for they aim at the highest realization in this present existence. Along with such spiritual aspirations, Buddhism encourages earnest endeavour to make this world a better place to live in.

vajradhara · Jan 20, 2004

Namaste,

just to expound on what gaijin has posted..

it is properly said that Buddhism is not atheistic because the Sutras clearly teach that Buddha taught both gods and men. some of this becomes a bit esoteric and you'll have to bear with me

gods, in the Buddhist tradition, are not permentantly existing, independent entities. they are, in essence, no different than you and i; yet they exist on a different plane of existence. they are also bound by karma and when the karmic energy is depleted, they will take rebirth.. usually in a lower plane of existence due to their inability for spiritual practice. the gods, in Buddhism, are of two types... devas and pleasure gods which roughly correspond with the 5th and 6th stage of rebirth.

by way of reference.. .humans are the 4th stage of rebirth.. and it is considered to be the best existence since we can practice our spiritual path. the lower stages, animals, hungry ghosts and hell beings cannot practice due to the lack of opportunity and the lack of free time, same thing for the devas and pleasure gods. only the human rebirth has the unique combination of suffering to spur one's practice and leisure time to allow one to engage in the practice.

Smilin · Jan 20, 2004

Very interesting reading on Buddhism.
I'm honored to have met you all and begin
the study of your teachings...

gaijin178 · Jan 20, 2004

Smilin,

I am new to what you believe as well so thank you and I look forward to learning from you as well!

Lifesaver · Jan 20, 2004

In Reply to vajradhara:

.....protestant?

gaijin178 · Jan 20, 2004

I asked him the same thing, in regards to another thread, where one suggested that they change their icons. He can tell you more.

vajradhara · Jan 21, 2004

Smilin said:
Very interesting reading on Buddhism.
I'm honored to have met you all and begin
the study of your teachings...

Namaste Smilin,

thank you for the post.

the pleasure is mine

there are a few websites that explain the basic praxis and theology and philosphy behind our tradition... there are two, in particular, that i think are pretty good for beginners

www.buddhanet.net

www.yakrider.com

they are very different types of sites... hopefully, you'll find something of interest.

vajradhara · Jan 21, 2004

Lifesaver said:
In Reply to vajradhara:

.....protestant?

Yep... i'm protesting against lables!

Annabel Lee suggested that lables were shackles... and i agree with that sentiment... she suggested that we change our icons and so forth... which i've done in solidarity with my Klingon friends... besides... you don't want to anger a Klingon female!

Mylinkay Asdara · Jan 21, 2004

Truer word have not been spoken

Smilin · Jan 21, 2004

vajradhara said:
Yep... i'm protesting against lables!

Annabel Lee suggested that lables were shackles... and i agree with that sentiment... she suggested that we change our icons and so forth... which i've done in solidarity with my Klingon friends... besides... you don't want to anger a Klingon female!

I agree totally. and it's never anger a Klingon female
or have sex with one (they devour their mates)...
Another useless trivia fact...

Lables are insults...yet I love the Earth...so that
is the one I chose. Some cannot be labled and
take great pride in that fact.

Smilin · Jan 21, 2004

vajradhara said:
Namaste Smilin,

thank you for the post.

the pleasure is mine

there are a few websites that explain the basic praxis and theology and philosphy behind our tradition... there are two, in particular, that i think are pretty good for beginners

www.buddhanet.net

www.yakrider.com

they are very different types of sites... hopefully, you'll find something of interest.

Thank you my new friend. I'll try to study them
this weekend (SNOW IS ON THE WAY...HOORAY..HOORAY)

I usually don't quote Biblical scripture anymore...but one
of my favorites does come to mind here:

Proverbs 25
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

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