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

[Camo Eagle]

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.

I think it all depends where you visit. Much like in any path. ITs not so much the doctrines in play, but the human element.
I studied Wicca for yrs., everything was ok until I transitioned. All of a sudden as a Male I was no longer welcomed. I have since found a local grp ran by a Military Psychologist of all things, that have no problems with me at all.
When I talked to my Temple Abbott about changing my Buddhist female name to a Male one, he had no prob.. He even explained the dual nature of the Buddha.

Originally Posted by Diva

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.

I am doing the purging, letting go, thing with "stuff" lately. Its hard for me as well, but I gotta admit it felt good to get rid of some things. I use the free pg on Craigslist, and my local branch of Freecycle a lot. I recently had an op to give some much needed items to a Cancer survivor in treatment. He was so happy & said it was his best xmas gift of all. That totally made my day. Letting go is good. Keep up the good work Diva.

Originally Posted by Linus

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:

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".

[/RIGHT]

One thing I did when I started giving away items lately, was look inside to see why I needed to hold on to those things. I think some liberation surfaced when I found those answers. Yes sometimes we need to find the "me".

Originally Posted by Greyson

Linus, I am in agreement with this notion. However, I find it almost impossible to keep responding and seeing them with an open heart and compassion.
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 think you are missing a lil something. You forgot to see your progress. No, maybe you are not where you want to be on this journey, but the fact that you are aware and trying, is a big step. Buddhist call it "Mindfulness". You are present in that thought, and you are aware of your needs, thus you progress. Look inside, I'll bet you think before you speak/act more often. How many times do you walk away instead of fight? See you have grown.

[Glenn]

I have recently been studying the Way Of The Samurai (Great Courage), and have found this to be a great help to me. I have been doing severe austeries for the past fifteen years such as seclusion, celibacy, poverty, renouncing family, worldly pleasures, caring for the sick without pay, study, meditation, etc. I try to live each day as though I could die, without attachment, and freedom from rebirth. The only thing I am having a real problem with now is leaving my furkids without a home. I have become super attached to caring for them all.

i have posted this is several other places but wished to post it in the sangha as well! after 10 years on intense study, meditation, tai cji, qi qong and other spiritual work, i have finally been officially ttansmitted in the lineage of Gao-Tazi and the Hombu of Hanshi Swansey and the IMAOaOM, the title of
Roshi (Taoist and Ch'an Zen Priest) with Inka
I am Dharma Successor Soke Roshi Shihan Jordan Weiss and Taoist Priest Xian Wu Chang Dao-Ling, among Others. i humbly bow to All who have taught me with much wisdom, kindness, compassion, and patience. may i prove to be a worthy successor and Chen Jen! i, pres, am now officially known as
Roshi Kellee Wu-Xian Lin Gao
in addition, i, a disabled person, achieved my black belt (1st dan) in Shin Sin Do Kung Fu! i showed my learning by successfully fending off real-time (not just by forms or in the ring) a 6 ft, 300 lb man who was not taking NO! for no and attempting to rape me. i am 5 ft and weigh 90 lbs and am disabled. i showed him that if he did not back off that he would be severely injured, killed if necessary,and got him away from me without having to do so! i think he was so shocked that i did not submit that that alone scared him, lol. he has not been seen in these parts again. so i used my training to show that i can now apply what i learned! "little weedhopper" did it!
i am setting up first a virtual zendo for Taoists and Buddhists, and all who for whatever reason lack a spiritual home. there will be Taoists/Buddhists services offered, meditation sessions, and any other help needed. all will be open to any who wish to come. in addition, i can perform interfaith services such as weddings, commitment ceremonies, etc. i am also offering Taoist/Buddhist counseling to any in need. online and by phone. again these services are free of charge. the only time i will ever charge for my services is, when i am well enough to do so, i set up a real time Pastoral Counseling Service authorized by the state in which i reside. the fees then would be minimal, based upon ability to pay, enough to subsidize those who cannot. i really do not believe that a Roshi should charge for anything. but that is just my opinion.
ok. enough. when the zendo is up and functioning. i will make a postin about it. in the meantime, i offer my services to the sangha, should anyone need or want a Roshi.
namaste

[atomiczombie]

I think I need to read this thread over and over. I am seeking a new Truth, a new path for my life. I have been stuck in this PTSD hell for 3 and 1/2 years now. I am tired of being gripped with anxiety and fear. I think a paradigm shift is in order for me.

[DamselFly]

this upcoming Sunday (April 16th), i have the chance to attend a new class session of Cha'n Buddhism and meditation. please light a candle, burn incense, whatever your personal practice, that i will feel well enough to attend for the two hours. this is first formal Cha'n sangha i've had a chance to become a part of and am needing the support very much! also i ask for a way to find a ride there and back for those times when my generous housemate cannot take me.
namaste and gassho,
DamselFly

[DamselFly]

Buddhism can certainly offer you a new paradigm! There are several good sites online to introduce you to the basics:
E-Sangha, Buddhanet, the Buddhist Channel, Buddhist Depot, etc. you also might want to look into finding a local sangha (Buddhist community) that would offer classes and an intro to meditation. i am a roshi (Taoist/Zen Buddhist Master), so if you wish to ask any questions privately, i will gladly offer my services!
namaste,
DamselFly

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I think I need to read this thread over and over. I am seeking a new Truth, a new path for my life. I have been stuck in this PTSD hell for 3 and 1/2 years now. I am tired of being gripped with anxiety and fear. I think a paradigm shift is in order for me.

[DamselFly]

last saturday i attended my first class at Buddha Mind Monastery in Ch'an Buddhism! i enjoyed it very much though find its teaching most different from the Tibetan Buddhism i am used to. they seem to be a combination of Taoism and Buddhism. since i am both Taoist and Buddhist, i think i have found a good spiritual home. the Jian Dharma Masters or Shifus were all women! THAT most refreshing. They understood that i could only come to every other class and seemed impressed that i was coming two hours (each way) for class. interesting juxtaposition-while i was at the monastery, my housemate went to a casino, lol! the first meditation They teach is shunyatha (emptiness) meditation. They speak of "going to the Pure Land". i am going to look into taking a course from Ashoka University (ashokaedu.com) in Ch'an Buddhism plus learn everything available from Buddha Mind Monastery's website.
namaste,
DamselFly

[Linus]

Oh.. that does sound interesting. I find it hard to find Tibetan Buddhist temples here (short of going 50 miles from here to one in downtown L.A.). I may have to renew my search again.