I'm here because I like finding out as much as I can about different religions. Almost every one has something to offer, and I use bits and pieces from here and there to help me piece together the picture of who I am and where I stand in the world.
So far I have found I have far more affinity for the Buddhist schools of thought than any other religion, so I am currently under the impression that I was always a buddhist, I just never had a word for it. As I'm sure some people discover that they were always christian, but never had a word for it.
In general, I have to say that I find All-Powerful God-based religions to be somewhat distasteful, especially when those Gods are vindictive and choose to "play God" (no pun intended) with people's lives by setting rules which must be followed on pain of eternal damnation... I realise that Mahayana Buddhisim also has rules, but here they are far less rigid... and those who break them are offered chances at redemption in their next lives. a far more positive outlook than being sent to Hell for something as (debateably) trivial as disbelief in a God.
Anyway, hi.
So far I have found I have far more affinity for the Buddhist schools of thought than any other religion, so I am currently under the impression that I was always a buddhist, I just never had a word for it. As I'm sure some people discover that they were always christian, but never had a word for it.
In general, I have to say that I find All-Powerful God-based religions to be somewhat distasteful, especially when those Gods are vindictive and choose to "play God" (no pun intended) with people's lives by setting rules which must be followed on pain of eternal damnation... I realise that Mahayana Buddhisim also has rules, but here they are far less rigid... and those who break them are offered chances at redemption in their next lives. a far more positive outlook than being sent to Hell for something as (debateably) trivial as disbelief in a God.
Anyway, hi.