The Hesitant Buddhist

[Jundo]

Re: The Hesitant Buddhist

Hi Again Malcolm (if I may put that label on you temporarily ... it is just another mask and label too) ..

Boy, so many lovely, wise responses on this thread! What a bunch of complimentary characters we are, who stumbled upon each other here in this Sangha (I am a bit biased, but it is true).

So perhaps I was only part Buddhist or merely practiced as a hobby.I pondered on this for a week or so and some stuff seems clearer but it looks like a work in progress.I think the answers to the Buddhist or not question may hinge on how I have invited Buddhism,particularly the paramitas,to inform my life and in turn how I engage with the world.I would invite your thought if this topic interests you
Two Palms Together
Malcolm

I would say that, if you are living, as you can, so as not to do harm, and sitting Zazen ... learning from Buddhist perspectives and teachings to guide you in that ... then it does not matter what you call yourself. On the other hand, if you call yourself "Buddhist" but are not living your life in such way ... well, that may be a problem.

Someone once asked me the best way to teach friends and family about one's Buddhist beliefs. I said not to try.

Instead, if you live your life as a good friend/son/husband, honest and caring ... and when the folks around you see the balance and stillness that manifests within you spontaneously while the rest of the world is going all to extremes ... that will be more than enough. My own mother (who at first was not so crazy about my interest in Buddhism) took to practicing herself late in life, in her sick bed, as she said she had seen the changes it had made for me.

So, don't worry about the name. Just be a truly "human" human being. I think.

Gassho, J

[Dainin]

Re: The Hesitant Buddhist

Hey Jundo,

I would say that, if you are living, as you can, so as not to do harm, and sitting Zazen ... learning from Buddhist perspectives and teachings to guide you in that ... then it does not matter what you call yourself. On the other hand, if you call yourself "Buddhist" but are not living your life in such way ... well, that may be a problem.

Someone once asked me the best way to teach friends and family about one's Buddhist beliefs. I said not to try.

Instead, if you live your life as a good friend/son/husband, honest and caring ... and when the folks around you see the balance and stillness that manifests within you spontaneously while the rest of the world is going all to extremes ... that will be more than enough. My own mother (who at first was not so crazy about my interest in Buddhism) took to practicing herself late in life, in her sick bed, as she said she had seen the changes it had made for me.

So, don't worry about the name. Just be a truly "human" human being. I think.

Gassho, J

Thank you. This is beautiful. I actually teared-up a bit while reading this. I'm such an emotional slob. But what should I expect with a background in drama and the fact that I work with 5 and 6-year-olds? :roll:

Gassho,
Keith

[Martin]

Malcolm

In his book, The Empty Mirror, Jan Willem van der Wettering describes his year in a Zen Monastery. At the end of the year, Jan goes to see the Abbot, and asks if there is a ceremony for him to become a Buddhist. The Abbott replies that there is a ceremony, that he would put on the heavy robe with the brocade on, which he finds itchy, and the monks would chant. Jan says he would like to undergo that ceremony, but as he is leaving the Abbott calls out "Will it help, do you think?" Jan returns to see the Abbott and says that no, he doesn't imagine it will help with anything, as such, but, well, isn't the Abbott a Buddhist? The Abbott replies that he has no idea, and adds (apparently in an imitation of a Chicago gangster's voice, whatever that means) "Who is this Buddha fellow anyway?". Perplexed, Jan leaves and goes to talk to the monk who has befriended him. He asks him "Are you a Buddhist?". His friend replies: "Is a cloud a part of the sky?". Jan says that the issue of him "Becoming a Buddhist" was never raised again.

Gassho

Martin

[Justin]

Friends,

My practice has suffered (read: I have not sat zazen) over the last month or so because of my debilitating schedule (40 hr workweek + full time student + moving into a new apartment + a new car payment etc etc). Just this morning I found myself wondering "I haven't sat zazen in so long. Am I still a Buddhist? Is there a point at which one is no longer a Buddhist?"

It's wonderful and serendipitous that I found this thread today. Thanks to all for their wonderful answers. Back to the cushion!

Justin