Essential Buddhism

[Bansho]

Hi,

I think we all know in our hearts whether we're Buddhists or not. It's not something that can be given to you, and it's nothing that anyone -- apart from yourself -- can take away.

I like what Suzuki Roshi has to say about this as well:

If you're not Buddhists, you believe that there are Buddhists and non-Buddhists. If you're Buddhists, you recognize that all are Buddhists -- even the insects.

Gassho
Ken

[Komoku]

...
Here is a picture of a shirt not unlike my old one ...

http://www.wordlesssongsvintageclothing ... rmous5.jpg

Gassho, Jundo

I can dig it!

[paige]

I used to get annoyed at New Agers who claimed that they were Buddhists and went around mis-quoting Buddha and the patriarchs. And going on about that What the Bleep movie. But then I realised that the real reason I was annoyed was that I didn't like being mistaken for one of them. I wanted people (especially Asians) to recognise me for a "real Buddhist" and take me seriously. I felt very disappointed in myself for that, I'm trying to be less of an egomaniacal prude now.