The Planet's Sangha: Buddhist discussions, thought, etc.

[lillith]

Hey Linus. Here is are some results I did on google: http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...uddhist+temple

Hope it helps.

Lillith

[Linus]

Originally Posted by lillith

Hey Linus. Here is are some results I did on google: http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...uddhist+temple

Hope it helps.

Lillith

Ya. It did. Took me to here: http://www.urbandharma.org/wilshire/.../buddhist.html which lists the variety of temples and the Buddhist lineage that it comes from. That should give me an idea of where I'd want to look for a temple (I prefer more of a Tibetan buddhism to the Japanese buddhism but then again.. the concepts are the same). And who knows? Perhaps I may find more of what I'm looking for at a temple near me because of the people involved.

[Andrew, Jr.]

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

[amiyesiam]

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

[amiyesiam]

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.

[Diva]

Originally Posted by amiyesiam

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.

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.

[amiyesiam]

Originally Posted by Diva

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.

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

[Dean Thoreau]

Originally Posted by amiyesiam

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.

The Dalai Lama in his book in which he discusses the gospels and the book of matthew.(think it is called matthew, cant remember) .said..do not turn away form your chrisitianity....as it has been with you since you were born.
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..

[SFFemmePrincess]

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

[imperfect_cupcake]

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

[key]

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.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by key

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.

The same is true of many religions: depending on the church, temple or group they may be more or less accepting. I have found, personally, Lama Surya Das (Western Lama of the Nyingmapa Dzogchen lineage) teachings and those around to be very accepting and open. I had attended a session with one group and they were very open and had no issue with me being trans.

I think it's a matter of finding one that is open and speaks to your heart and soul.

Namaste.

[Linus]

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?

[T D]

Originally Posted by Linus

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?

I like this, going to look this book up now.

Thanks Linus!!

[Diva]

Originally Posted by Linus

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?

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.

[Linus]

Thanks to those who added to the conversation.

Diva, I wanted to ask:

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.

Was it the place that helped you let go or a inner decision to let go?


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.

What is karma? How does it work?

Karma means action, and refers to intentional physical, verbal, or mental actions. These actions leave imprints or seeds upon our mindstreams, and the imprints ripen into our experiences when appropriate conditions come together.

page 59, Buddhism for Beginners

I think that one of the things that is often misunderstood is karma. It is neither good nor bad, it just is. Have you ever considered an action before doing it and what the resultant response will be (either short term or long term), and upon realizing that it may cause more suffering than not decided against it? I try hard and it's my one daily challenge as I tend to think -- too often -- on my feet and not long term from my head.