The Planet's Sangha: Buddhist discussions, thought, etc.
I consider myself Buddhist. I haven't found a Sangha here in NY that I feel at home with so I've been self teaching and trying to understand. I am hoping that I might find something once i move to Los Angeles but until then, an online option would be the best way to go. I'll admit that it was Lama Surya Das' books that appealed to me and I'm hoping to get through the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
I was curious if there are others out there. |
Linus I am what is called a Nichiren Buddhist.. sadly I do not know much about the basic philosophy of the sect you are mentioning... I am still learning more about my practice... I would like to learn more about yours sometime.. and if you would like to learn about mine you can go to www.sgi.org or www.sgi-usa.org ... SGI stands for the Sokka Gakkai International... well have a wonderful day
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Cool. I'm going to look into the links you've posted. I've read a bit about Nichiren from E-Sangha Forums but will read more. I'll probably have questions for you about it specifically. (particular when I've finished my teach this week -- which will be today)
I am curious, however, as to why you choose this particular path over others and if you go to a Sangha in RT (Real Time; not online)? |
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So my story goes like this: My parents are Bahai, (http://info.bahai.org/) but never really practiced. We had some books lying around and they talked about it every now and again, but that was about it. I longed for some sort of sprituality. So as a child I would go to the Sunday bible study at the Christian church down the road. But I never felt quite right. I mostly kept going for the arts and crafts and snacks. As I go older the desire for sprituality still haunted me. I read books on Wicca, but that didnt really work for me. I talked to friends of other faiths, but never found anything that I could relate to. In my late teens I went pretty often to a Christian Megachurch in Alb. until the Pastor said that Homosexuality was causing the death the "American Family." When I moved here I started going to MCC and became an official member, but I still never felt quite right. It felt like a farce. I was going through the motions, bowing my head in prayer, taking communion, but it felt empty.
Then one day, my family and I were having a disscussion about religion and the subject of Buddhism came up and none of knew what Buddhism actually was. So being the little researcher that I am, I brought out my laptop and looked it up. I came across this article: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/intro_bud.htm All of a sudden I started to feel like I had found what I had been looking for. So I started reading and researching more. Never in my life have I felt more complete spiritually. Now I am still just reading, I haven't actually started meditating or further investigating the traditions, but it just feels so good to know that there is something out there for me. Some of the books that I have read are Buddhism for Beginners by Thubten Chodron and Introducing Buddhism by Chris Pauling and there is a great list of recommended books here: http://www.sfbuddhistcenter.org/dharma/books.shtml It's nice to see others on similar paths... |
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I have not known many practicing Buddhists...but the ones I have known always seemed so centered. (I know that word is almost cliche` any more....) I've been curious and intrigued about Buddhism, but never really took the time to see if it might suit me. This past year has been one of many changes...coming to grips with many things....having to give up control....and having now read this article, perhaps this way of life WOULD be the right way for me....it seems to speak to my soul and is reminding me of a compass of sorts..... Thank You Rainbow.....for posting this.....I am overwhelmed in the best of ways! |
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I am doing a research report for my religious studies class, and I decided to attend a temple and it was the most warm and welcoming place I could have gone. The "usher" sat me with this older woman who explained everything to me about what was going on in the service. She was very open to any and all my questions. They gave me books, pamphlets, just about anything that I could read on Buddhaism and Jodo Shinshu. This particular sect focuses on Shinran Shonin and his teachings that suffering is going to happen, but how you choose to deal with it is up to you.
I felt like my past didn't matter, and according to the Rev. it doesn't matter, it is gone just as quickly as it came. Everything is cause and effect. It was amazing. No one cared that I am queer. No one cared that I am a single parent. No one cared about all the stigmas that my life tends to bare. I was greeted with smiles, hardy handsakes, and a genuine niceness that is rare to find in Los Angeles. The 9:30 am service is geared towards family and the Rev was in the isle getting the children involved, getting the whole congregation involved. I have never been to a service of this sort. It has always been sit down, shut up, and hang on for dear life cause everyone in this joint is going to judge the fuck out of you. It was refreshing and heartwarming. I told my son we will be going back there next week. Today's service was a celebration day - Bodhi Day (Jodo-e). The whole experience left me warm and fuzzy inside. |
lilith, very similar to you I've experienced a very open look at individuals regardless of background, orientation, race, etc. It is refreshing that the message is generally the same between variations. I am curious as to where this particular temple is. I'll be moving to Los Angeles next year and need to look into finding a place.
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Lilith.....
Your description was so lovely and calming....I'm going to be checking on a temple here in Austin....thank You for sharing Your experience. :bouquet: |
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If you would like, I can do some research on a temple that is close to where you are moving to. Hope you are having a good day. lillith :praying: |
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I have a very very good friend in Denver who is Buddhist. He and I have had some of the most amazing conversations around what it is and isn't for him. When we first met, he was an athiest. His journey has been mind-blowing to watch. His wife and I share a Wiccan path. I find that Buddhist are some of the least judgmental folk. I admire that. It's something I really struggle with. Love you, Linus! |
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It is something that I struggle with at times (removing old habits) but I find that it lessens the more I spent time on Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Reminding myself of each reminds me that others do suffer as I do, even if that experience is different. And no one should suffer. For those unaware the Four Noble Truths are:
And the Noble Eightfold Path is:
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Hey Linus. Here is are some results I did on google: http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...uddhist+temple
Hope it helps. Lillith |
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Linus,
Thank you for this thread. I want you to know that I have quite a few friends who are practicing Buddhists. They too are very centered in what their priorities are. And it reflects in their lives. I also belong to a paranormal group. In this group are several Buddhists. They have taught me quite a bit about spirituality and inner peace. It is something that once you obtain, you never loose it. Love, Andrew |
hello to everyone
Buddhism is important to me. there are 3 basic schools of buddhism Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana a few nice web sites are: http://www.dalailama.com/ http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/19042/seminar |
I think an important draw for buddhism is that you can practice the philosophy with out practicing the religion. does that make sense? Like you can take wisdom from the bible ( like: take care of the beam in your own eye instead of worrying about the needle in your neighbors eye, type thing) without actually believing/being a christian.
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Yes, thank You.....this is what I am picking up in my readings. I'm loving the energy of this thread for the most part because it is inspirational in my quest. |
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I love the harmony of Buddhism. The concept that nothing exists in and of itself, that everything is related, that when you hurt I am hurt, the connection of it all is wonderful to ponder. And I love the music!!!! a song I love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbRHkhNXX_0 |
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