amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

Momof6 · 07-29-2002, 01:21 PM

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,

Michelle

SketchyRecipe · 07-29-2002, 03:40 PM

Quote:

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.

SketchyRecipe · 07-29-2002, 04:01 PM

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.