The Buddhist basics.

[Geishawhelk]

Just to let you all know...

I shall be away from 4th July until 19th inclusive.

Don't anybody panic, (ha ha!) I will be back...

But then (she said, levitating in OM.....) have I ever really left....?

 

Oh good grief.....

 

Take no notice of me. I'm in holiday mood.....

 

See you all soon!

[knaveman]

Hope you come back soon. I'm missing this thread already.

[dropdeadlegs]

Hope you come back soon. I'm missing this thread already.

 

It's the 19th, already, please come home!

 

Hope your holiday was blissful!

[Geishawhelk]

Had a wonderful time, and really had difficulty getting my head round the "all things are impermanent" stuff at the airport homeward bound....!

 

How is everyone? I did miss coming in, asithappenz.....!

[knaveman]

so, I have a question. I don't know if it's off topic or not and I don't really care, flag me if you like I can add it in with the others.

 

Next week I am going to give the buddhist lifestyle a try, if that makes any sense. I have found that I have believed in a lot of the ideas for a long time, but now I am going to go without alcohol, caffine, etc and work on my meditating. I know there is a lot more to it than that but this is the hardest part for me to do. I really like my coffee and beer and it's a start.

 

Aside from finding a group, does anyone have any advice? I will be doing this by my self as I cannot find a group within a reasonable distance and I need something everyday. I have some books to help out but would like some advice as well.

 

Thanks in advance.:p

[redfathom]

I did not read the entire thread so I apologize in advance if I ask something that has already been answered.

 

I was wondering if those who are or those who are becoming Buddhist find it offensive that (in some circle) has become a kind of "pop culture" phenomenon. I am stating this from a specific example. What I am about to say and where I am getting my information will make you wonder why I am even asking this. My friend has posted on her Myspace that she is a Buddhist. Of course most of what people write there is not true (that there breaks one of the moral codes of Buddhism). Back on my friend, she does the whole yoga, eating soy I am enlighted karma sutra loving facade. Yet, she drinks all the time, lies and sleeps with many people which breaks three of the four moral codes. I am not judging her for the choices she makes, I am just wondering why people see fit to claim to be of a certain religion or spiritual group like they are entitled to it without earning it.

 

I hope what I just said does not offend anyone. I think people now see Buddhist as these superior beings and want to benefit from the stigma that surrounds them. But they are "benefiting" without any sacrifice or loyalty. I know little about Buddhism but what I do know I respect. So this is not meant to offend anyone.

 

I guess I want to tell my friend that it's not fair to take such a morally good and enlightened religion and claim to belong to it with out actually respecting it's teachings.

[Geishawhelk]

Redfathom, thank you for your input. You have obviously thought long and hard about this, and are conscientious and thoughtful in your speech....so you must be a Buddhist yourself !! ( )

 

I take on board what you mean about people announcing or declaring themselves to be Buddhist, when in fact, it clearly seems to be a fad, and phase they're going through. I blame Absolutely Fabulous and Edina, myself....!!

In short, time will tell. Many people who declare themselves to be something, when it's patently obvious to others that their commitment may be - shall we say - half-hearted, soon 'drop off the edge' and move on.

I guess, knowing little about the situation, you have to decide one of two things;

Is she saying this to engender attention to herself and build herself up in the eyes of others, or -

Do you perceive it might be a desire of hers, and that in a way it's a cry for help? That is, "I'd like to be Buddhist, I would love to do the necessary and follow what it entails, but I have issues I need help in sorting out...."

It could of course, be a mix of the two....

 

Buddhism requires no conversion, or departure from your primary religion, should you have one, and should you be a practising member of that religion...

You can practise a religion and implement Buddhist aspects, but it's difficult for those commiting to Buddhism as their primary calling, to practise a theistic religion alongside it....

has she "Taken Refuge"? If not, she cannot really in heart call herself a committed Buddhist, but she may still wish to practise.

In one of her more clear-minded moments, open the discussion on how she became interested in Buddhism, where she learnt about it...

If she begins to feel uncomfortable, then you'll know it's pie-in-the-sky, and just leave it be. There's no point being judgemental or critical. It's human nature to want to belong to something one perceives as being good or better than you are right now... That's fine. She's may be just feeling her way.

But if she opens up and starts talking about things, then feel your way, and get to the eightfold path and five precepts... There may be a lot she doesn't know, and a helping hand is welcome, at times!

 

As Buddhists, generally speaking it's considered 'bad form' to proselytise, or to press ourselves on to people, but when folks is making an ass of themselves, sometimes, a nudge now and then may be useful....

Follow your heart, and do what you view to be skillful.

Hope this has helped. others may give different opinions, but good luck.

 

And it's very nice to meet you!

If there is anything else you'd like to touch on, feel free to always ask. We'll all do whatever we can to help out.