Any Buddhists around?

[crispini]

I've glanced all the religious-based groups and I'm not entirely sure where the best place to post would be?

[wildflower]

1. I've been wondering this too. I'm interested in Taoism

and there's a UU minister who posts here who is also. I'm not aware of any Buddhists; but I would guess this forum would be the best place to post. Are you a Buddhist? I am interested in hearing from DUers who are.

-wildflower

[crispini]

3. Yes, I'm a Buddhist.

Don't have much to say in particular at the moment, just wondering where the best place to chat would be! :)

[sam sarrha]

16. i have heard that the UU's have a Buddhist franchise.. but i have never

talked to any o them.. I would really like to..

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I study all faiths

and do the Universal Worship. I'd be interested in hearing more about Buddhism and Taoism.

[crispini]

4. I know very little about Taoism.

And some days I think I know less about Buddhism. :) I was just wondering if we had some other Buddhists around, and if so what kind. What's the Universal worship?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Universal Worship

is a service where, on one altar, are placed the holy books of some of the world's spiritual traditions (these can vary, but almost always include Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic texts). Candles are placed by each of the texts, and are lit honoring the different faiths. Then selected readngs, usually on a theme, are done, with thanks given after each one. There is also a light kindled for "all those, whether known or unknown to the world, who have held aloft the light of Truth amidst the darkness of human ignorance". There are prayers and a period of meditation, and a short sermon. No offering plate is passed. There is singing (and sometimes dancing) honoring the different faiths.

At our wedding, an eagle feather was placed upon the altar (my husband is a pipe carrier in the Lakota tradition), and at other times there have been readings from ancient Goddess texts, Sihk, Tao, and even the Book of Mormon!

[crispini]

6. Neat!

Sounds very cool! :thumbsup:

[Maat]

7. I say this forum is the perfect place for Buddhists!

In my two churches (Church of Religious Science and Unitarian-Universalist), we study various faith traditions at various times.

I've decided that I'm a panentheist (I believe that God is within and without - in everything and eveyone) and that we are all equally divine. And that I believe in affirmative prayer and visualization.

Other than that, I'll admit I cherrypick. And Religious Science encourages one to read all of the books of wisdom and select what makes sense, for we each have a unique spiritual path.

I'll never be pure Christian, pure Buddhist, pure Taoist, or anything. But I buy religious statues and pieces, and have set up a home altar where I can meditate and pray.

I have a Buddha, a statue of Lord Ganesh (Hindu) and a statue of Maat, the Goddess of Justice, Truth and Law.

To me, these are symbols of concepts or ideas that I appreciate.

I guess it is similar to Universal Worship. I sure found that idea interesting.

Thanks for the posts.

Peace and Blessings,

[intheflow]

11. "Maat, the Goddess of Justice, Truth and Law"

Man, I'd like to learn more about that chick! What tradition is she from?

[Maat]

13. Egyptian.

My hubby found me a 'handle,' after I decided I didn't want to be LawStudentMom anymore.

This retired social worker, 46, recently graduated from law school (6/04) after four years (currently awaiting Bar Exam results - end of May).

The goddess stood at 'the Gate' with Osiris, and weighed one's heart against her Ostrich feather, to see about how fair and compassionate one was.

Oh, yeah, she was judgmental (not that I am - or that I loudly articulate my opinions).

Peace and Blessings,

[LWolf]

8. I'm the daughter of a Buddhist.

Does that count? ;-)

I generally just lurk here; I have no organized, recognized, structured path to talk about. Still, I enjoy checking in, because I am a seeker on a unique path, and find many wonderful connections with the paths of others here.

:hi:

[Maat]

9. Hi, LWolf!

I think I am a Spiritual Independent myself (but I do regularly attend UU and Church of Religious Science).

[housewolf]

12. Hi LWolf

I think we must be related (same last name)! :bounce:


Your path sounds like mine, too.

[LWolf]

15. Hmmm....the wolf clan.

;-)

Although my "L" stands for "Lone," to go with the user name.

I find this trail to be good; I hope you do, too!

:hi:

[intheflow]

10. I'm interested in Eastern thought and practice, but

I couldn't really call myself a Buddhist. I'm the UU minister that wildflowr spoke of, above. I've been influenced the most by Taoism, but I found Taoism by following a Buddhist path at first.

The Buddhist teachings I've had the most experience with are the writings of Thich N'hat Hanh. His peace work is extraordinary--it spans religion and individualism and international borders in deeply compassionate ways. His work has been pivitol to my call to ministry.

So all in all, this seems like as good a place for you to post as any. We'd sure appreciate any wisdom you'd have to share.

Are you a Buddhist, Crispini? Got any recommendations I should read?

[Maat]

14. Wow, one day (I've got a long reading list) ..

I am going to look up Hanh's work.

Always nice to talk to you, Intheflow.

[sam sarrha]

17. I am a Buddhist. Buddhism is simply based on the Four Noble Truths.

'everything else' in Buddhism is is trying to explain the Four Noble Truths.
the Four Noble Truths in a Nut Shell

1]All life involves suffering. there is the suffering of birth, the suffering of sickness, of death, the suffering of the transcendent nature of things, and the pervasive suffering of existence itself///..living involves unhappiness,dissatisfaction,desire for things to be a certain way or attachment, or to not be the way it is/aversion. fear,jealously, anger, hatred, depression, it is also physical and emotional pain, pain of change,etc Not just humans, but all beings share these sufferings.

2]suffering is caused by Karmic actions contaminated by delusions, and the delusions themselves,desire, anger, aversion, attachment, and our fundamental ignorance that leads us to these sufferings.

3]since there is a cause there is a solution/resolution

4]the solution is the Noble Eight Fold Path, the Middle Way

the Noble Eight Fold Path is a lot like the 10 commandments, but more like the 8 suggestions. Buddhism is n a religion based on Faith. it is a logical practice that is suggested for those who are interested. One is encouraged to try the Middle way and if it works then good, that alone is ones motivation.. if it does not work, then fine.. you don't burn in hell, you just go on your way.
the Eight fold path is essentially

1]right view, Understanding the interdependent and empty nature of phenomena, including the self.

2]Right intension, developing the right attitude and motivation

3]right speech, no lying, gossiping, harsh speech

4]right action,virtuous activity, avoiding nonvirtious activity

5]right livelihood, work that does not harm others, but helps aspects of the path

6]right effort, developing a level of perseverance that is maintained over time

7]right mindfulness. developing a conditional awareness of ones own state and one environment and the ability to overcome distractions

8]right concentration required to achieve mental stabilization in ones meditation practice

there is a lot of information at http://www.buddhanet.net and some information on meditation, which is a method for training the mind. and an essential aspect of Buddhist practice.

[Tux]

18. Sort of Buddhist

Not the religious kind but more the self-help type. I have intermittant explosive disorder and Buddhism, other than medication, is the best way to keep it under control. I like Zen Buddhism best and read the Thervasa sutras but I use it for self-help. Guess it depends how you see it.

[NMMNG]

19. I am studying Buddhism

I haven't decided to 'convert' yet but that's always a possibility...