2006-09-15 06:43:34 · 10 answers · asked by iwdni 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I became a Buddhist 12 years ago. It was the most liberating decision I have made in my life. Buddhism puts you in the driver's seat, you take responsibility for your life. Buddhism makes life meaningful, you don't need to swallow any dogmas and don't need to give up reason or logic. It is far more than a philosophy in that Buddha taught a path that can be taken and the focus is on your experience and development. You do not need to develop a relationship to a "higher being" or god. Buddha and your Buddhist teacher are spiritual friends who help you achieve the goal, namely to attain exactly the same state that Buddha himself has attained, the full development of mind, perfection of compassion and wisdom.
When I decided to leave church (I was in Germany where you actually have to go and de-register), my parents were worried. A few years later they became Buddhists themselves (in their late 60s). None of us has looked back feeling guilty. We look back thinking "How could we ever believe in this??".
2006-09-15 11:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by thepinm 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, Like many answers above, Buddhism is not a religion. Its a PHILOSOPHY. And Buddhism has an open door policy. You dont have to leave or change your religion to actually follow buddhist principles. Study, investigate, and question , if you disagree you may leave, but if you agree it will enlighten you, make you a peaceful and a better person. Be open minded, buddhism doesnt close the door for the followers of other religions, instead it respects other religions.
2006-09-15 14:02:02 · answer #2 · answered by Olderwiser 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is not a religion. There is no belief in a supernatural being that constructed this all. Buddhism concerns itself with searching for peace and the inner self. The Buddha never spoke about religion. He never said it wasn't allowed. In fact there are many christian Buddhists. I wasn't religious in the first place and still I follow buddhism.
2006-09-15 13:50:00 · answer #3 · answered by peter gunn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is a very disciplined religion. I have the highest regards for Buddist. I have met a woman who was interning me into a Shambala Chan Order. It is a very calming existance. I personally am not a Buddist but have studied principles. I would not feel guilty to be any religion that actually worked for me. I think this is often why people leave religions they were taught as children because that religion just didnt work for them. If you want to change and it is right for you. You will not feel guilty. If you are asking for yourself. Hope this helps!!
2006-09-15 13:49:08 · answer #4 · answered by Sophia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't religious before i started to practise Buddhism and I've not been religious since. Buddhism cannot be compared to religions as it does not require any theological belief although Buddhists pay homage to the Buddha and the sangha it is merely the intention to be grateful that they are practising.
2006-09-15 13:58:44 · answer #5 · answered by xx_connor_uk_xx 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you don't change to Buddhism or Hinduism, just spiritualism, no one gets converted.
Buddhism came from Hinduism about 3000 yrs ago, they both share same philosophy. Nirvana is Sanskrit word prominent in Buddhism as well as Hinduism.
2006-09-17 05:01:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is the one religion I feel I could become. Why would you feel guilty?
2006-09-15 13:45:23 · answer #7 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Buddhism is less a religion than it is a discipline.
2006-09-15 13:50:05 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not a buddhist (now), but I had found it to be a far more rational and useful religion then christianity.
2006-09-15 13:51:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I never really liked worshipping a false God.
2006-09-15 13:46:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋