Buddhism and GODthingy?

[Shohei]

Re: Buddhism and GODthingy?

Hi all,

I don't have anything profound to say here, but as someone who didn't grow up with a particular faith I find many of the stories told here to be heartbreaking. I am very fortunate to have a wife who completely supports me in learning about buddhism and zen and I'm realizing how rare that can be. So many of you persist in "going against the grain" to further your knowledge and practice of buddhism and I do find much inspiration in your struggle.

Gassho,
Dosho

damn near word for word what i was going to post... Dosho... quit reading my mind! :lol:

I wasn't raised with any faith, although I think my parents believed in a "god" they never went to church with us as kids or really ever discussed the ideas. I always assumed there was none and it was "useful stories and teachings to keep thinking beasts being nice to each other" As a teen i really got fired up if some one suggested I needed to join their "Crew" so I could be one of the 100,000+ to reserve a spot in heaven as an angel or let Jesus in my heart or Id burn in a fiery hell!!?? (perhaps a tad more work on brochure and ad package would help their cause with me! :roll

Here is the kicker that I didn't really see then. Those people were not trying to be mean. They were doing what the thought was right - and it is Right for them so it must be Good for all! Thing is I was mean in response for sure. They may have been "disrespecting" my choice not to choose but they were just trying to offer their help. They want me to be as comfy cozy, safe and headed to what ever heaven /free from hell that they were going too, and believed to be true. My tune has changed significantly since then ops: The teachings may be different to a degree but most are aimed to help, I think. All of em can be twisted to suit the greedy, hateful and power hungry -Buddhism too. The Human factor can fudge even the purest teachings. And even the fudgiest (yeah - i made it up :P) human can find refuge in those teachings so we have to try to be the acceptance we seek from others too. If it works for them WICKED COOL as long as it doesn't cause harm to others I'm perfectly fine with it (broad statement and I'm aware there is myriad of possible situations where my logic there breaks down)

Any who I have a wonderfully open and accepting, often teasing light-hearted tormenting, kind wife who actually gave "just sitting" a try. My parents and my inlaws are very accepting. I really don't talk alot about it with them. My mom came to our Jukai ceremony as did my wife and little one. I am doing this for them as much as me and as mentioned I really am lucky to be able to practice openly.

I really appreciate all the post here, lots to Think on. excuse my rambling post ops:
Gassho, Shohei

[chicanobudista]

Re: Buddhism and GODthingy?

A bit late.
A bit off topic.

When reading this thread I am reminded of that word that shows the blurriness of the "lines" that demark faiths: Religious syncretism

From wiki

Religious syncretism exhibits blending of two or more religious belief systems into a new system, or the incorporation into a religious tradition of beliefs from unrelated traditions. This can occur for many reasons, and the latter scenario happens quite commonly in areas where multiple religious traditions exist in proximity and function actively in the culture, or when a culture is conquered, and the conquerors bring their religious beliefs with them, but do not succeed in entirely eradicating the old beliefs or, especially, practices.

Here. In McAllen, Texas. There is a small store owned by Pure Land Chinese immigrants that is divided in half. One half is "regular" merchandise. Knickknacks of all types. The other half is dedicated to selling Pure Land Buddhist/Feng Shui materials. Good luck ornaments. Scrolls. Kwan Yi's. Maitreya ("Fat Buddha"), etc. They also sell items that are meant as good luck w/i the Mexican community. The store gets good business around christmas and new year's day. So they sell a lot of good luck soap, red underwear, red candles, and good luck ornaments from China.

A couple of days before New Year's Day, I happened to go into store while it was packed with my pips. I caught a conversation that made think about syncretism

Customer - Which Buddha's are good?
Store Owner- All Buddha's are good.
C- I need something for love and good luck.
SO-These scrolls are for love. $3.00. Put them in your door. They will call Love to you.
C- OK. Give me two. Also, I'll take the underwear and the soap. How about this "budita" (small Budda)? Is he good?
SO--All Buddha's are good. That one for good luck. Very strong.
C--Ah. OK. I'll take this one. How about this one? Who is this.

So. I looked and noticed she had picked a Kwan Yin like this one:



SO--That's another Buddha. Strong Buddha. Kwan Yi. Good Buddha.
C-What's does he do?
SO--Buddha brings compassion.
C-- :?:
SO--She is like mother. Compassion. She is same as Virgen de Guadalupe. Same thing. Both very good. Both same.

I can see the customer visualize the Virgin Mary...Mexican style:



C--OK. OK. Good. I'll take one.
SO--Yes. All Buddha's good!

[Dosho]

Re: Buddhism and GODthingy?

Shohei - I may have read your mind and posted first, but you elaborated much more on those thoughts than I was able to. I guess great minds think alike!

[Tobiishi]

Re: Buddhism and GODthingy?

what was here was so pathetic, it shames me. sorry if you got to read it.

[Tb]

Re: Buddhism and GODthingy?

Hi.

Don't feel bad about it.
I've been studying Buddhism for about 15 years, and still some of my friends don't know (or do know but doesn't realise it...).

It's a tricky thing sometimes what to tell and what not to tell.
If they ask, i tell.
If not, i usually let it slip...
But it is somewhat vital in all "social relations" to "know" when to speak and when not.

Mtfbwy
Fugen