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 |
Daily Quote
A Buddist friend of mine posts these daily quotes, so I thought I would repost them here until I find my own through reading.
For today: Present effects are due to karmic causes from the past. Future effects arise from the causes we make in the present. It is always the present that counts. It is what we do in the present moment that decides our future. Nichiren Buddhism emphasizes that no matter what kind of karmic causes we have made in the past, thro...ugh the causes we make in the present we can achieve a brilliant future. ~Ikeda |
I need to ask a question that has been on my mind. I am Roman Catholic. I have been away from organized religion for years (20+). I only recently went back to Church when my sister was dying from cancer.
I have taken on Buddhist principles. Is there a problem or issue with someone taking on both religious belief systems? Andrew |
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Hey Andrew, AFAIK, from a buddhist point of view no. In fact, I've seen this quite a lot. Buddhism, in the Western world, is more of a philosophy or guide while something like the RC is more about faith and belief. They can work in tandem -- and, IMO, compliment each other. :praying: |
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I found this comforting because; as attracted as I was to buddhism I could not break my ties or my beleifs which are considered christian..so for the past almost 11 years I have labeled my religiousity as a Christian Buddhist. I practice buddhism but have in my priavate practice comgbined it with those christian beleifs that are deep within me and are the foundation of my life, my faith, and guide my footsteps on this planet.. |
For Today:
Courage, is not to fear or deny difference; but to respect and strive to understand people of different cultures, and to grow from encounters with them. ~Ikeda |
For today and the holidays when people need to be reminded of the need to listen and be listened to, to be respectful, to love:
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These two quotes resonated with me and I wanted to share them. To me, this makes so much sense and is logical...
Believe nothing on the faith of traditions, even though they have been held in honor for many generations and in diverse places. Do not believe a thing because many people speak of it. Do not believe on the faith of the sages of the past. Do not believe what you yourself have imagined, persuading yourself that a God inspires you. Believe nothing on the sole authority of your masters and priests. After examination, believe what you yourself have tested and found to be reasonable, and conform your conduct thereto. Buddha ******************************************* One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the messiah?" "No", answered Buddha. "Then are you a healer?" "No", Buddha replied. "Then are you a teacher?" the student persisted. "No, I am not a teacher." "Then what are you?" asked the student, exasperated. "I am awake", Buddha replied. |
I'm more along the lines of Taoist but a lot of taoist philosophy matches up with buddhism. I do enjoy a bit of banter with a buddhist ;)
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I have enjoyed sitting
But have to admit I don't have that kind of long term discipline. And the Buddhists that I have known are very centered indeed. Love me some Pema Chodron. http://www.pemachodron.org/ However, I get some mixed messages about Buddhism's acceptance (or lack thereof) of homosexuality. Some places I read that we fall under "sexual misconduct" laws of their religion and other places I read that they do not judge us. As someone who grew up under the boot of "hate the sin, love the sinner" Xtianity, this kind of gives me the willies.
Certainly don't want to discourage anyone from walking the path of their choosing, but worry that all religion, even ones without God's can be a minefield of do's and don'ts that is bound to leave someone out. I guess any door through which we enter, can snag us on it's splinters, we must walk on through to get to (what I believe) is our shared destination. Sacred communion with all. |
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I think it's a matter of finding one that is open and speaks to your heart and soul. Namaste. :praying: |
If I am in no way able to bear the pains of the hells, why then don't I give up anger, which is the cause of all that pain? -- Shantideva in The Three Levels of Perception (from More Daily Wisdom)
I have to admit (and perhaps it's an age thing or perhaps its because of the studying I've been doing) but I am getting better about letting anger go. I just started reading Thubten Chodron's Buddhism for Beginners and I was reminded how letting go of "things" (physical or otherwise) lessened suffering and with it, I believe, anger. Has anyone else found that as well in their path? :praying: |
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Thanks Linus!! |
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I was thinking it was my age.....as it has been easier and easier for me to purge.....I have too many THINGS....I've been going through Rubbermaid TUBS of stuff, asking myself.....HOW many times have I moved this? Never looking inside to see what it WAS.....and....um...>WHY did I keep this 1994 bill? I know, right? But since I've moved to Austin....and I'm [hopfully] not going anywhere until my ashes are floating in the Seine......I have found it empowering to 'let go' of all KINDS of stuff....physical stuff....toxic people.....anger.... regrets.... guilt.... And it has really been empowering, and, at the same time giving me a great deal of peace. |
Thanks to those who added to the conversation.
Diva, I wanted to ask: Quote:
To all: I've been reading slowly so I can absorb it all. I'm into Chapter 8: Karma: The Functioning of Cause and Effect. Quote:
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So as I continue down this path, I decided to finally get through The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Within the 2nd Chapter something hit home:
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This made me think of the times we're in and how many people feel angry and loss when they lose their house, job, etc. We have such strong attachments to them because we associate them to our identity, which really they are not. They are things that are part of our daily activities but they are not "us". I think of myself, as an example, often as Linus the Teacher, Linus the FTM, Linus the Partner of K, Linus the Canadian in the US, Linus the Acadian-by-descent rather than Linus, me. I think I need to work on finding the "me" of all those "beings". |
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As I read this, I pondered the recent events surrounding the Health Care bill. As shocking as the behaviour was, I couldn't help but feel compassion for these individuals. Their lives, defined in some part by the world as interpreted by themselves, family and friends, has it's own hardships. Often, many I wouldn't necessarily understand and the pain associated with it by being clouded by hate, classness and bigotry. I can only hope that something or someone will shine a light on them at some point and show them the compassion that they should show to others. Perhaps by showing them compassion they may understand what they need to show, in turn, to others. |
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Linus, forgive me for just now seeing this!! I think the 'letting go' process began when I realized what I had been doing wasn't working. Yes..part of it was the place. But part of it was the need for my spirit to be fed with more of the positive. Thank You for this thread.....it makes me breathe deeper for some reason..... |
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For me, after a life time of being challenged on almost everything that I am, the wounds, the damage done makes it almost impossible to move past the baggage. I want to but each time "they" take yet another underhanded action against me and others like me.... well my best intentions and compassion seem to vanish in a moment. I then go into self preservation mode. I'm rambling. I still hold out hope that I will take the high road. |
I get Tricycle Magazine's Dailly Dharma email and I really loved today's:
June 5 , 2010 Tricycle Daily Dharma Right and True A famous sutra tells of a group of villagers who came to visit the Buddha. They said to him, “Many teachers come through here. Each has his own doctrine. Each claims that his particular philosophy and practice is the truth, but they all contradict each other. Now we’re totally confused. What do we do?” Doesn’t this story sound modern? Yet this was twenty-five hundred years ago. Same problems. The Buddha replied, “You have a right to be confused. This is a confusing situation. Do not take anything on trust merely because it has passed down through tradition, or because your teachers say it, or because your elders have taught you, or because it’s written in some famous scripture. When you have seen it and experienced it for yourself to be right and true, then you can accept it.” -Ani Tenzin Palmo, "Necessary Doubt" (Summer 2002) |
Very excellent reference. I do like that quote, Oblivia.
I've noticed on Huffington Post Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has been writing (I'm actually waiting for his Rebel Buddha book to be released). His article on Emotions and accepting them is interesting: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dzogch..._b_598417.html |
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