What is the best way to inform ones parents of a major shift in philosophical and religious beliefs?

Question

I.E. converting from Christianity to Bhuddhism.

Thanks to greatwhite...for being a typical white american, way to go buddy

Answer 1

Must you?
Why not just live the best life you can, and if they remark on your improved character, behavior, serenity, or whatever, you can then let them know it's the result of your belief system.
I always think your religious beliefs are very personal, and see no need to tell others about them.

Answer 2

It is always best, when dealing with parents, to come to the discussion prepared with very valid, thoughtful reasoning. You have thought about this long and hard - here's what you've done to learn more, here's why you think it works best for you - have all these answers at the ready and ABOVE all, don't lose your temper. There is no need to get upset and there is no better display of a good spiritual decision than calm certainty.

Also, try to see their point of view and make it clear to them that you are not doing this to hurt or upset them. Remind them also that you have done the christian rituals until now, so you are "safe" in a way, and that you know you can always come back to christianity in the future and pick up again on those rituals and that path, if you find you have made a mistake (not that I think you have made a mistake, but parents like to hear a back up plan very often).

Take care - Peace!

Answer 3

Honesty is always the best policy. I'm sure that they instilled that in you since you were a child. So use it to your advantage and be frank enough to have a serious talk with them.

Tell them that you will always respect them for their religious views --and mean it, too!-- with the hope that they will respect your own spiritual views as well. Be prepared to answer any and all questions that they will need answers to and be patient with them since you are coming at them from way left field. This will be the first of a series of tests for you... Let's see if you can really become the Buddhist that you want to be by practising Patience and Calmness.

As time goes on, your best ally will be your own actions and whatever noticeable changes they will see in you. And don't ever cross that line of Respect and Honesty with them and your siblings. Ever.

Of course there's one MAJOR PROVISO here: It all depends on how openly you communicate with your parents to begin with and how receptive they will be. Only you know that. Otherwise, all bets are off! And in that case, mum's the word until after you move out... LOL.

Peace be with you!

Answer 4

I've been down that road.

You may well end up going to hell, to save all those poor answerers.

When I thought about it, I thought I'd just keep it short and sweet, by telling them I no longer agreed with the principles of christianity and I've found a new spiritual practice in buddhism. Then I asked them if they had any questions. That I kept pretty simple as well, until I was ready to reopen the issue for discussion, when is a good option too if you're not ready to talk about it, just take a breather.

Answer 5

The best thing is that all the religions preach almost the same good things. Of course if you find buddhist philosophy and religious beliefs more suitable for you...it's fair enough. As for parents, when you'll tell them about the best of the buddhist philosophy, they won't mind...I hope. In the end it doesn't count whether you're a christian or a Buddhist....the only thing that'll count that how good a man you have been.

Answer 6

Oh boy that is a good one! Timing is everything. Be at total peace with your choice. It depends on how open your parents are to change of the magnitude. The best way is to approach it from a position of love. No matter what they say they can not argue about how you "feel". I would suggest that you state your position and tell them it is not up for debate or scrutiny.

Answer 7

First, How important are their views if they are so important you feel they will apply to much pressure for change that will negatively affect your life simply live your life without explaining or going into detail about it. If you feel they have open mind enough to accept if not support, simply tell them you've found a path of beliefs that helps you live your life in a fuller, happier and healthier way and you wish for them to respect that. Though, I'm not sure how helpful my advice will be, my parents support whatever I choose to believe even if they don't agree. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Religious beliefs are a personal choice. YOU most certainly are free to convert to Buddhism if you so wish. Your parents will be disappointed but because they love you they will accept your decision.The best way to break the news would be to tell it to the emotionally stronger parent first, even if you are closer to the other parent. Don't beat about the bush and tell them straight forward to their face. be ready to answer the question WHY??

Answer 9

The bestest way is to drag it out for a few years..taunting them with philosophical rhetoric that is much more extreme than what you actually believe, and then when they hear what you really DO believe they won't be surprised, but relieved.

Answer 10

Dress in your best for dinner and say you have an important announcement to make. Say something like, ' some people are from Mars, and some people are from Venus, and never shall the Twain meet'