So what do you mamas want to know? I need a bit of a starting place so I can figure out which way to begin explaining, lol.

I'll start with some of the basics, though.

1) The Buddha was a man, just like Jesus or Mohammed. The difference between Buddhism and Christianity is that we don't worship or pray to the Buddha.

2) The dharma is the teachings of the Buddha.

3) The sangha is the name for either the entire Buddhist community or the community that you are involved with, much like the term "church" for Christians.

4) Karma does not equal sin for Buddhists. It's a much bigger thing and it encompasses both "good" and "bad" works. It is also not exactly equivalent to the Rule of Three in earth based religions. I'll explain more if anyone wants to know.;)

5) Not all Buddhists believe in reincarnation, but I do.


The basis of Buddhism is simple. They are the Four Noble Truths:

1) All man suffers.
2) Man causes his own suffering.
3) Man can cease to suffer.
4) The cessation of suffering is enlightenment.

To cease suffering, Buddhists walk the eightfold path. This consists of:

right understanding
right thinking
right speech
right conduct
right livelihood
right effort
right mindfulness
right concentration

That's the gist of it. Now fire away with your questions.:thumbsup:

Now are there a number of different types of Buddhism, Becky? I have heard of Mahayana Buddhism -- right? What are other kinds? Do they differ tremendously in belief or more in practice? Does Buddhism teach One Divine... more than one? Does Buddhism view the Buddha as similar to what Christians might consider a Prophet?

Thanks for replying mama!

(((hugs)))

Originally posted by MamaMeo
Now are there a number of different types of Buddhism, Becky? I have heard of Mahayana Buddhism -- right? What are other kinds? Do they differ tremendously in belief or more in practice? Does Buddhism teach One Divine... more than one? Does Buddhism view the Buddha as similar to what Christians might consider a Prophet?

Thanks for replying mama!

(((hugs)))

There are tons of different sects of Buddhism. The Buddha reached enlightenment and began teaching in 535 BCE so we've had a long time to divide and fight with each other about dogma.:rolleyes: The sects basically only agree with each other about the four noble truths and the eightfold path.

Buddhists don't believe in a "god". I'm sure that there are plenty that would disagree with me about that, though.

The Buddha is considered to be the first man to reach enlightenment who could adequately teach about the experience. He remanined alive for many years after he reached enlightenment to pass his knowledge along. Any person who reaches enlightenment is considered to be a Buddha.

Here's some info that I got from www.religioustolerance.org that should answer the rest of your question:

Buddhist Sects:
Buddhism is not a single monolithic religion. Many of its adherents have combined the teachings of the Buddha with local religious rituals, beliefs and customs. Little conflict occurs, because Buddhism at its core is a philosophical system to which such additions can be easily grafted.

After the Buddha's death, splits occurred. There are now three main systems of thought within Buddhism which are geographically and philosophically separate. Each tradition in turn has many sects. One source (J.R. Hinnels, A Handbook of Living Religions, Penguin, 1991) divides the religion into three main groups by their location:

Southern Buddhism (known as Therevada Buddhism) has 100 million followers, mainly in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and parts of Vietnam. It started in Sri Lanka when Buddhist missionaries arrived from India. They promoted the Vibhajjavada school (Separative Teaching). By the 15th century, this form of the religion reached almost its present extent.
Concepts and practices include:

Dana - thoughtful, ceremonial giving
Sila - accepting Buddhist teaching and following it in practice; refraining from killing, stealing, wrong behavior, use of drugs. On special days, three additional precepts may be added, restricting adornment, entertainment and comfort.
Karma - the balance of accumulated sin and merit, which will determine one's future in the present life, and the nature of the next life to come.
The Cosmos - consists of billions of worlds grouped into clusters; clusters are grouped into galaxies, which are themselves grouped into super-galaxies. The universe also has many levels: four underworlds and 21 heavenly realms.
Paritta - ritual chanting
Worship - of relics of a Buddha, of items made by a Buddha, or of symbolic relics.
Festivals - days of the full moon, and three other days during the lunar cycle are celebrated. There is a new year's festival, and celebrations tied to the agricultural year.
Pilgrimages - particularly to Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and India.

Eastern Buddhism is the predominant religion in China, Japan, Korea and much of Vietnam. Buddhism's Mahayana tradition entered China during the Han dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). It found initial acceptance there among the workers; later, it gradually penetrated the ruling class. Buddhism reached Japan in the 6th century. It underwent severe repression during the 1960's in China during the Cultural Revolution.
Eastern Buddhism contains many distinct schools: T'ein-t'ai, Hua-yen, Pure Land teachings, and the Meditation school. They celebrate New Years, harvest festivals, and five anniversaries from the lives of Buddha and of the Bodhissattva Kuan-yin. They also engage in Dana, Sila, Chanting, Worship and Pilgrimage.

Northern Buddhism has perhaps 10 million adherents in parts of China, Mongolia, Russia and Tibet. It entered Tibet circa 640 CE. Conflict with the native Tibetan religion of Bon caused it to go largely underground until its revival in the 11th century. The head of the Gelu school of Buddhist teaching became the Dalai Lama, and ruled Tibet. It has been, until recently, wrongly dismissed as a degenerate form of Buddhism.
Ceremony and ritual are emphasized. They also engage in Dana, Sila, Chanting, Worship and Pilgrimage. They developed the practice of searching out a young child at the time of death of an important teacher. The child is believed to be the successor to the deceased teacher. They celebrate New Years, harvest festivals and anniversaries of five important events in the life of the Buddha. Buddhist and Tibetan culture suffered greatly during the Cultural Revolution when an attempt was made to destroy all religious belief.




Buddhism in the West:
Southern Buddhism became established in Europe early in the 20th century.

Buddhism came to the U.S. in the early 19th century, with the arrival of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in Hawaii and in the west coast of the U.S. mainland. The Zen Buddhist tradition of Eastern Buddhism has developed a large following, particularly after the "Beat" generation, which began in the 1950's. Today, there are racial and cultural divides in American Buddhism, between nationalities of new immigrants, and between whites and Asians. They exist largely as two solitudes, with little interaction.

For Asian-American Buddhists, the temple "has more congregational importance, playing a key religious, social and cultural role in the community." Many have come to America recently, escaping wars in the Far East.
White Buddhists focus on meditation. Their groups tend to be "more lay orientated, with more women in positions of leadership. For some converts, Buddhism is more a philosophy than a religion."


I study with a Vietnamese buddhist sect primarily, but most align myself with the Mahayanan tradition.

OKay -- nuther ? (LOL -- put up with me :D )

You personally believe in reincarnation. According to reincarnation, and karma, you return to earth in a form which reflects your level of having attained enlightenment, right? Once you reach full enlightenment, are you reincarnated?

This is fascinating -- I am off to read up and will be back to see your reply -- thanks Becky!


edited typos

Originally posted by MamaMeo
Once you reach full enlightenment, are you reincarnated?



You have a few choices. 1) You can stay and teach until your physical body gives out which leads to choice #2. 2) You can go ahead and physically die and then you basically become something akin to energy. 3) You can choose to become a bodisattava, which is the spiritual embodiment of compassion.

All of these choices do stop the wheel of reincarnation, though. You are correct about that.

Edited to add: Ask away! I'm glad to have the discussion, lol.

Originally posted by genevasmum
To cease suffering, Buddhists walk the eightfold path. This consists of:

right understanding
right thinking
right speech
right conduct
right livelihood
right effort
right mindfulness
right concentration

That's the gist of it. Now fire away with your questions.:thumbsup:

I think this is awesome. I assume there are many ways and teachings which help one to put these things into practice. Any online? I am in a very isolated city nowadays and no Buddhists anywhere near me that I know of.

This is so interesting! Much better than that world religions class I took in college. ;)

Wow! HOw cool....I love that eightfold path...

I'm always amazed at how similar all religions are in their "purest" forms, kwim? Those sound like Solomon's stuff in Proverbs.

Thanks for sharing Becky. I"ll rack my brain for an intelligent question later on.....:D

Thanks for sharing that! I never really understood much about Buddhism and tht cleared things up for me!

-Melissa

thank you so much for starting this thread....i love it!!
i get a daily email with words of the Buddha....im sure there are lots out there but here's the link if anyone wants a once a day email.

http://www.pariyatti.com


you'll have to look on that page for email lists i cant find the direct part grrrr

Originally posted by MamaMeo


I think this is awesome. I assume there are many ways and teachings which help one to put these things into practice. Any online? I am in a very isolated city nowadays and no Buddhists anywhere near me that I know of.

I usually suggest that the best way to follow the eightfold path is to constantly reflect on the basis of Buddhism which is compassion and lovingkindness. In this way, the mindfulness of Buddhism can be grafted into any spiritual path. I find myself using these tenets most while driving, lol!

My online suggestions for more information are:

www.dharmanet.org
http://buddhism.about.com/library/blbud101.htm?PM=ss11_buddhism

Here is About.com's info on the Eightfold Path:

What is the Noble Eightfold Path?

This is the path to Nibbana as outlined by the Buddha. It offers a framework for the development of wisdom, morality and concentration, all of which are essential for spiritual progress:

1. Right Understanding

This entails an understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the other teachings of the Buddha.

2. Right Thought

To have right thought is to be free of sense desire, ill-will or cruelty and to possess thoughts of detachment, loving-kindness and compassion.

3. Right Speech

Right Speech comprises abstaining from lying, gossiping, and using harsh language.

4. Right Action

Right Action is abstaining from killing, stealing and from unlawful sexual intercourse.

5. Right Livelihood

Occupations that necessitate the breaking the five precepts are prohibited. For example, occupations that involve killing (whether animals or humans), sexual misconduct, deceit, taking intoxicating drinks or drugs. For example, trading in arms or prostitution.

6. Right Effort

There are four aspects to this: the effort to avoid the arising of evil, the effort to overcome evil, the effort to develop wholesome states and the effort to maintain wholesome states.

7. Right Mindfulness

This encompasses The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This involves being mindful of 1. the body and bodily processes 2. feelings 3. states of mind 4. thoughts, ideas, Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths

8. Right Concentration

The final factor focuses on developing meditative concentration leading to the eradication of the five hindrances and the experience of the four jhanas.
Right Understanding and Right Thought aim to cultivate wisdom, Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood relate to morality, and Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration are conducive to Concentration.

Originally posted by harvey6
I'm always amazed at how similar all religions are in their "purest" forms, kwim? Those sound like Solomon's stuff in Proverbs.



Hey Cindy, I was really struck by how similar the Eightfold Path was to the Ten Commandments. Many Buddhist scholars believe that Jesus was at some point a student of the dharma. Not that he was Buddhist, but due to his travels he was most likely exposed to Buddhism. They also believe that he was a Buddha (obviously he was pretty darned enlightened, lol!)

Also, I know that many Christian congregations are using meditation to help them center themselves for a more spiritual relationship with Christ. Maybe your church would be interested? It sounds like you guys are pretty progressive.;)

Becky,

I am sooooo glad you are doing this! I have to say that I truly belive that many teachings found in Buddhism would be a blessing for folks from all religions to read and meditate on as I really believe that many transcend "religion". Did that make sense?

I do see Buddha and Jesus as enlightened and as examples of master teachers. I enjoy reading teachings from both as they are soooo very much alike to me.

Is His Holiness is of the Mahayanan tradition?

One thing that I can't grasp in Buddhist teaching is regarding attachments. Especially with my children and husband. Also how all things are illusion?? How do you see these things?

My husband has not shown any interest in any religion or spiritual thought since leaving Mormonism...until he started to pick up my stuff laying around on Buddhism and he asks me questions from time to time, which I have a hard time answering.

Like we were talking about how all things are connected. I explained how the wooden stool in the kitchen is full of energy from many sources...the earth that nourished the seed, the tree that grew, the sun, water, air, the craftsman who made the chair. How would you better explain this within a Buddhist viewpoint?

I really really look forward to a day when we live (hopefully we will) in a more diverse area where I can find a teacher to study under. If you want to share, how did you come to Buddhism? How did you find your mentor/teacher?

I think for me personally, (from what I have read so far...which is a wee little bit) Buddhism has helped me the most in dealing with anger and in developing more compassion for others. More so than any other spiritual tradition. (well, I see a lot of that in earth based paths but the teachings are not organized)

Becky, thank you for doing this. This thread has given me a huge reason to come out of lurkdom :) I better stop here....you are going to get overwhelmed! *lol*

Much love to you,

:waving:

Originally posted by Momof6
Is His Holiness is of the Mahayanan tradition?

One thing that I can't grasp in Buddhist teaching is regarding attachments. Especially with my children and husband. Also how all things are illusion?? How do you see these things?

Like we were talking about how all things are connected. I explained how the wooden stool in the kitchen is full of energy from many sources...the earth that nourished the seed, the tree that grew, the sun, water, air, the craftsman who made the chair. How would you better explain this within a Buddhist viewpoint?

If you want to share, how did you come to Buddhism? How did you find your mentor/teacher?



Ok, in order of questions asked:

1) His Holiness the Dalai Lama is neither Theravada or Mahayana. Tibetan Buddhism differs subtly from both of these.

2) Buddhism does state that your relationships with loved ones can become attachments and you must rid yourself of those to eliminate suffering. The Buddhists believe that children are given to you to care for, but they are not "yours", kwim. Same with DH and all of your loved ones. No person, relationship or thing belongs to us.

3) One Monk that I studied with told us that as long as we had a flower or a river or a puddle or the sky, we were able to see the Buddha. There was no need to go and buy statues of Buddha or Kwan Yin as long as we were able to see the perfection of nature.

4) I started to go to the Temple at the invitation of some of my Vietnamese friends. I had always wanted to go, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. There was a new, young Thay (monk) who had wanted to begin teaching some non-Vietnamese. His English was pretty bad so I helped him learn that while he taught me the dharma. I had him to myself for about six months before other non-Vietnamese folks started coming to the Temple.

I have been so lucky to have met as many wonderful Buddhist teachers and monks from many different paths through my work with the Thay.

Hope that helped answer some of your questions? LMK if it didn't!

Dh's mother is Vietnamese and Buddhist. It is nice to have a better understanding of her religion.

I had a question. DH talks about she and her friends getting together. They would make a ton of food and always make the 1st plate as an offering to Buddha. Is making an offering an every day thing or just for celebrations or get togethers? Or is it something you can choose to do or not to do? She also has an altar to Buddha, is this common?

Thanks. :)

New icons! Cute!!

Becky,

I know so little about your tradition, but I have to say that every book I have read really touches me and I have really been blessed from what I have read. I really think that reading Buddhist books has helped me so much in being more mindful of those around me, being more patient with my children and others, enjoying this very moment in life, and just being more calm and compassionate. There just seems to be deep yet simple wisdom there that transcends all religions. I agree with the 4 Noble Truths and the eightfold path and they fit nicely into my other beliefs...Much like the Wiccan Rede, which I 100% agree with. I hope that is not offensive to one who is Buddhist. Not sure if that made sense, but my very limited book study has been a blessing to my life. I wish I had a "real time" person to study with....this is on my list of things to do someday, along with a couple of other religions that I feel I need to be "in-person" to study.

Thank you for your explanation of attachments. I appreciated that. I also really enjoyed reading about how you started your study. I never tire of hearing personal stories...there is always something to learn within. I am reading the most amazing book that is helping me to understand (and heal) Christianity and amazingly it is written by a Buddhist Monk. "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh (who is one of my favorite to read)

Anyway....

1. Do you see Buddhism changing a bit as it hits western society? Is this where some are not believing in reincarnation?

2. Do you have any "scriptures". If so, what are they?

3. Prodestants go to church on Sunday. Do you have a special day of the week where you meet as a group?

4. How does ones study go? I mean...Do you study for a number of years and then take Buddhist vows? Aren't there separate vows for those who are going to be Monks and then vows for those who just choose to follow the Buddhist path for their life? Any insight here?

5. Aren't there female Monks too?

6. Would you know it if you were near one who has reached enlightenment and has made the decision to stay and teach others? Can someone from other religions reach enlightenment too?

Please take your time in answering my questions....I don't want you to get too bogged down.

Hugs,

:waving:

Michelle

Originally posted by Mommyof2
I had a question. DH talks about she and her friends getting together. They would make a ton of food and always make the 1st plate as an offering to Buddha. Is making an offering an every day thing or just for celebrations or get togethers? Or is it something you can choose to do or not to do? She also has an altar to Buddha, is this common?

Thanks. :)

Well, it's a bit different for each person or family, but most of the folks in my Temple had altars and would put a daily offering there. Sometimes it was from the meal, sometimes fruit and sometimes sweets. They try to give the best of what they have, but it also depends on what kind of karma they're looking for. Mostly this tradition goes back to ancestor worship. It's more of a general Eastern practice then a Buddhist practice.

Originally posted by Momof6

1. Do you see Buddhism changing a bit as it hits western society? Is this where some are not believing in reincarnation?

Yes, Buddhism is totally different to Westerners than to Easterners. We can't help but compare to Judaism or Christianity and I think that's why so many folks don't believe in reincarnation. Also, Westerners often take the compassion and meditation teachings of Buddhism and apply them to their existing belief system (sound familiar, Michelle ;).

2. Do you have any "scriptures". If so, what are they?

I was studying the Sutras before I took my child-imposed sabbatical. We had gone over Om Mani Padme Hum, which is a long study in and of itself, and we had just begun the Heart Sutra. There are many different bits and pieces of Buddhism that you can study at any time, but each tradition usually sticks with certain prayer books. It's much like Catholicism in this way.

Zen Buddhists have a tendency to study stories and poems more then traditional "Book of the Dead" type things.

3. Prodestants go to church on Sunday. Do you have a special day of the week where you meet as a group?

We meet on Sunday because most folks are off work then. Meditation is offered every night.

4. How does ones study go? I mean...Do you study for a number of years and then take Buddhist vows? Aren't there separate vows for those who are going to be Monks and then vows for those who just choose to follow the Buddhist path for their life? Any insight here?

Some traditions ask folks to take their vows immediately. My Thay told me that he would let me know when I was ready, lol. Monks and nuns take different vows, but we all take the same inital vows.

5. Aren't there female Monks too?

Yup, there are Buddhist nuns. Unfortunately, Buddhism has been a fairly misogynistic religion in the past and nuns weren't always treated well.

6. Would you know it if you were near one who has reached enlightenment and has made the decision to stay and teach others? Can someone from other religions reach enlightenment too?

You can definitely feel the power of a great teacher. It's like an electric hum in the room. I have seen some Rimpoches who barely speak because they are so fervently engaged in meditation. I have known another monk who could just look at you and fill you with love.

I believe that any truly spiritual person can reach enlightenment because basically, it's just having the blinders fall from your eyes to see life for what it truly is. Buddhists do not believe that this is only something that happens to us, kwim? You would definitely know if you were in the presence of an enlightened one.