~*~Converting To Buddhism~*~?

Question

Hello :-)
I was just kinda curious as to what made people want to convert from what religion they were, to Buddhism. What made me get into Buddhism was the fact that it is so peaceful and non-judgemental :-) and i was just curious what interested others into this religion :-)

thanks you all your views and have a great day! =)

~*~catie~*~

Answer 1

My Dear Friends,

Everything in the above that you have mentioned is totally valid and I commend you by placing my palms together in a prayer action; this is the way that Buddhists greet each other - it represents the utmost respect and trust to the recipient. However, if I was a non-Buddhist and read these comments, I would feel very critical and believe that Buddhism is about belittling other religions. Please permit me to give you some of my humble insight on what makes Buddhism a much favoured religion. But please keep in mind that the points made below are all made in different points of view; due to the different lineages and traditions, different schools focus on different teachings. I will present you a mix.

When introducing a religion we must speak of both the positive and negatives aspects; as most of you know there are few of the latter in this religion, but nonetheless I am obliged to raise them. In Buddhism there are no disagreements, but rather I would like to call it a problem with viewpoint. For example, a student in Grade 1 says "1+1=2, but we cannot have 0-1=?" It is not they are lesser or inferior, but merely they do not have the teaching, and only when we get to Grade 4, we can say "1+1=2, 0-1=-1, but you cannot have letters like 2xy". Now, in Grade 8 the students will think that those students below are foolish, but once again it is not because they are incapable, but merely they do not have the textbook - in this case sutra. So the main arguments or disharmony in this religion are usually due to difference in teaching.

WAIT! STOP! HALT! I can hear people calling me "LIAR" and at the same time ask "how can they be different teachings if they are all from the Lord Buddha? That must mean there are fake Buddhisms out there." Cleverly spoken, I would reply. However, remember that the Lord Buddha taught us, "disseminate the Dharma according to the circumstances." Although Buddha's disciples were all of great caliber, I can say after 2550 years (after His birth), that no single person is identical; thus the understanding of the Dharma and the actual Dharma taught would obviously be different. If I have made this too complex, just look at the above example about Maths in School - see what I mean now? After the Lord Buddha pir-nirvana, His disciples congregated to write out the Sutras, which would become part of the Tripitaka (three ways that the Lord Buddha's teachings were recorded - if interested in the other two, and then some ASK about it. I'll answer separately.) Of course, the followers were of great achievements, but none of the present had actually attained Buddhahood (this is in the perspective of the Theravada); hence some arguments occurred, even the expulsion of the Lord Buddha's closest aide - Ananda.

BUT - this is a big BUT - there is the unanimous opinion that Buddhism, in all, is about the Universe. Due to this Universal attitude to all things, Buddhism also respects all other religions; even acknowledging the founder of each religion a holy deity. The Lord Buddha Himself even proclaimed that Buddhist Dharma is about the Universe and not about Him - He is merely a tool used by the Universe to show how one should behave, speak and think when on the path to liberation. Once again, depending on tradition you can find different methods to walk the Bodhi path; for some reason everyone has the stereotypical theory that all Buddhist live in mountains, away from the populous and only hope to save themselves - this is Theravada (Hinayana). Just for the interest of you my friends, in Mahayana they mingle with the populous with the aim of saving others before fully attaining Buddhahood themselves; then of course there comes the Tantrayana (Vajrayana).

To do justice to the religion, I will not go on any further, because in the end of the day we must have the attitude of a 1:9 ratio. What would that be? 1 helping of theory and 9 helpings of practice. We must put what we learn into practice, or else we would not be called Buddha's followers, but merely scholars of Buddhism. After all, from what I gather everyone is out here to gain peace, happiness, joy, non-violence and love.

In Dharma,
vhy

Answer 2

Buddhism has more wisdom than christianity can ever offer.



Do not believe something simply because you have heard it. Do not believe anything simply because it has been handed down for many generations. Do not believe anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of teachers, elders, or wise men. Believe only after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all. Then accept it, and live up to it.

~The Buddha~

Answer 3

you know i started geting into buddhism last year, and i started reading books on it. i thought the first part about the meditation was pretty cool, and i like how they are so relaxed. The thing that stopped me is there was too much relaxing. not enough of what to believe in. it just seemed kinda meaniless. I am all for peace and serenity, but unless you are a monk up in the hills everyday, you have to face life and the problems associated with it. i just don't see how meditating everyday can make a difference in this world. feel free to criticize but thats how i feel

Answer 4

I'm interested in Buddhism. I'm not sure if I would convert. I don't like the whole life is suffering thing, but they say the word is not translated properly. I have to do more research.

Answer 5

I would say that if you fear pain and wants to hide from the real world you would convert to Buddhism. It is nonthreatening and does demand anything. That is what i gather from what you said. But truly, the world only needs the peace that Jesus gives.

Answer 6

I had no choice I was born in to it .. He he

& also .. if u want an opinion of a Theravada Buddhist from Sri Lanka on any Dhamma matter.. I'm here … :)

( I think I already IM you understanding yr q incorrectly earlier… … sorry….)

& MM I thought u died years ago.. where ARE you ? in HEAVEN ??? he he heeeeeeeeee

Answer 7

good for you! the only religion i will ever condone is buddhism. the only true religion of peace.

awesome!

Answer 8

That's interesting because I've been considering converting myself. I'll have to look into it.

Answer 9

Budda was cool. He was a laid back fat guy whose name sounds like bubba. A friend of mine from Viet Nam and was a buddist said you could sum up buddism as "don't worry, be happy".