Being a Buddhist

[disastermouse]

Re: Being a Buddhist

I can relate to some of what you say, Unity...

For a VERY long time, I resisted even buying a zafu. I was very resistant to having any statues or anything either. But eventually, I realized you can try WAY too hard not to 'look Buddhist'. What's wrong with 'looking Buddhist'?

I have two statues now, given me by my Catholic mother - and they remind me and inspire me. I bought a zafu about two months before I stopped sitting regularly, but I have a bench now.

About the 'Buddhist identity'....it helps you to find like-minded people. Much of Buddhism is counter-cultural to consumerist society, and when you meet someone else who is Buddhist, or Zen Buddhist, you know a few things about them that are similar to your intentions. Zen is a religion for 'losers' in that it doesn't teach you how to get better at life. It doesn't offer comfort for the part of us that doesn't want to die. It doesn't allow us to practice consumerism without also forcing us to recognize that, deep down, we already KNOW that no lasting comfort comes from accumulation. Soto especially doesn't even offer you ANY 'payoff' if practiced correctly. It does not promise enlightenment. It does not promise that it will 'perfect' you or even make you a better person.

To say that this is a very unique religion is a monumental understatement! It is not just contrary to Western culture, it's contrary to what religion has been attempting to offer since its inception. When you say, 'I am a Soto Zen Buddhist' you are signaling that you are a friendly compatriot in group that has a very unique intention.

I'm paraphrasing here, but once Ananda said that good friends were half of the practice. The Buddha corrected him and said, "Ananda, don't say that. Good Friends are the whole of the practice. Without good friends, you would have no hope." It is why the Sangha is one of the three jewels.

[Taigu]

Re: Being a Buddhist

Keishin wrote:"The map is not the territory.
A map is useful when it is understood for what it is.

I started to write a lot more, but really this is unnecessary, just really consider maps and how they are made"

In a way, here there is the map and there the territory, here the word and there the real thing, here the painted cake and there the real one. Once you stop operating in this dualistic way, it seems to me that you cannot say that anymore. You can also taste a painted cake, make a real Buddha with your body-mind, have a walk on the map...And yet, map is map, land is land. It rings the heart sutra bell in a way, doesn t it? Just a thought...really.

Taigu

[robert]

Re: Being a Buddhist

Hi everyone,

I've puzzled over this issue too, and my sense right now is that there are pros and cons. As Chet suggested, self-description has practical, shorthand value. By naming yourself "x" you identify yourself as sharing a set of concerns and values, and this can be helpful in community-building -- when you meet other "x-ers", you will probably be more or less on the same page. Also, calling oneself a Buddhist could be a way of declaring serious commitment to a practice and way of life. And it can also be a subtle, non-invasive form of promoting interest in Buddhism -- people are naturally interested and may investigate further. All this seems valuable to me.

On the other hand, there's the risk of self-aggrandizing, "bumper sticker" behavior, which too easily meshes with the values and practices of consumer society.
Also, having declared oneself a Buddhist, one may feel the need to shore up that identity and exclude things that seem to conflict with it.

I'd imagine the key here is awareness...isn't it always?

Just my ha'penny's worth...

Rob

[Jundo]

Re: Being a Buddhist

Ok well Im gonna call it an end. I cant handle the negative responses im getting in the forum. I deal with eneugh in my life as it is. I was hoping for fellowship in a sangha not ridicule. so can someone tell me how to remove my nickname and delete me from this ? I want nothing to do with this forum . I will still watch occasionally the archieves but I realize I dont need a religion or do I need anyones teachings. Im gonna go practice what I know in my heart and let the rest fall where it will. you guy seek enlightenment Im gonna go bask in the light myself. Im tired of seeking. blessing .. om.. I go in peace

Hi Unity,

I am very sorry you feel that way.

You are welcome back any time. (I thought some folks challenged each other's beliefs, but I didn't think at the time anyone was being too aggressive in doing so. It is a fine line. I am sorry if the line was crossed).

Here is practiced what is practiced here. I am sorry that it did not meet your hopes and needs. Be well, and keep on! Keep on basking in the light.

Gassho, Jundo

[Aswini]

Re: Being a Buddhist

ppls been digging into unityspirit too much.

u this.......u that.

as the rabbi in fiddle on the roof says

"Rabbi, say something.
I say...
I say, let's sit down.
Yes, yes.
We all heard the words of the rabbi.
Let's sit down!"

[will]

Re: Being a Buddhist

Is that so?

Let them talk. Let them preach. Let them call you a liar. Continue chopping wood.

All the best

Hands palm to palm