What's the attraction?
2006-10-18 09:11:25 · 13 answers · asked by Angie 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It suits me well philosophically. The buddha said don't believe anything just because some wise man or who or whatever said so, find out for yourself because that's the only way to really know truth.
I liked that one but what really kept me coming back is the practice we as buddhist partake in. I find the universe to be in continual flux, constantly moving, like water. Our clinging to our desires,notions and identities keep us in a solid state not really at one with this thing. The practice of meditation assists me in transcending these things that hold me back and allowing me to embrace everything as it is in both its dual and absolute realms. The release from suffering is quite nice but what's awsome is the embracing of all things and from this state wisdom, compassion, and acceptance really start to bloom into fruition. Buddhism helps to liberate me from suffering as well as making me a nice person to be around.
That said, it's not for everybody.
2006-10-18 09:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
When you understand that our country is famous for the break-up of the family and very little, if any, spiritual health, it is quite easy to see that many would be attracted to something which offers some type of peace, organization, and a sense of belonging. Buddhism offers this. It is a world philosophy with not much eternal value since it doesn't offer you a relationship with the one true God and it doesn't deal with the fact that mankind is by nature evil and in dire need of spiritual help. Nevertheless, it is better than what the secular world at large has to offer. The fact that he is American, specially, encourages people to seek some sense of sanity in these United States.
Mr. M on "American Buddhist."
2006-10-18 16:18:08 · answer #2 · answered by Humberto M 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, technically I am not a Buddhist, but I sincerely follow Buddhist teachings. The attraction for me is simple: its a practice dedictated to the liberation from human suffering where the central vehicle to accomplish this is through the practice of compassion and tolerance.
Different schools of Buddhism approach this practice differently, some are more dogmatic than others. Thats why I have always appreciated Zen, because its so "unorthodox".
2006-10-18 16:17:14 · answer #3 · answered by KenshoDude 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever studied Buddhism? It's a nice belief system. It's more attractive to me than any other I've looked at. What would keep an American from being a Buddhist if he decided it was right for him?
2006-10-18 16:16:37 · answer #4 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well, it can be viewed at one level as simply a form of psychology. A way to control ones'self & ones relationship with the world around us.
As a non-theistic religion, it is far more tolerant than the theistic faiths.
Rather than classifying things as a sin, it tends to classify things more simply as harmful or beneficial. e.g. I found the folowing statement in line with my beliefs - Sexual practices which harm, manipulate, or exploit others is forbidden (e.g. sex with children, with persons who are engaged or married to others, with persons unable to give informed consent, etc.). Zen Buddhism does not "make a distinction between heterosexual and homosexual" sex. It encourages sexual relationships that are "mutually loving and supportive."
I'm not a buddhist - but I've found the religion a help in developing inner strength & character.
2006-10-18 16:22:55 · answer #5 · answered by dryheatdave 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It might provide the path to inner peace and contentment rather than offering some imaginary salvation. I've never known a Buddhist master to suffer from a stress related illness.
2006-10-18 16:13:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Why does anyone choose their religion? It's a matter of personal taste and the elements of a religion that attracts a particular person and does something personal for them.
2006-10-18 16:14:51 · answer #7 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you are in control of your own salvation in buddhism... not an organization... it is up to you to find the answers by actively reflecting on the realities within yourself and the world... nothing exists because each thing is made of everything... the entire universe can be found in a flower... there is no birth, no death... no one to worry about punishing you after you die, because if you live the kind of life that would be punished while you are alive... chances are you have punished yourself already on earth... download the audio dharma podcast on itunes... gil frothensal explaing buddhism in a way that makes it so clear... (unlike myself)... good luck...
2006-10-18 16:18:05 · answer #8 · answered by legoyoego 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Moral philosophy that embraces kindness towards all and gives a spiritual goal. In short -- it teaches one way to lead a good and sincere life in the here-and-now, without worries about what cannot be proven one way or another.
2006-10-18 16:13:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Because it put into words what I have believed my whole life, and because it does not require blind faith. I am an american.
“There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies.
My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness”
- The Dalai Lama -
"Believe nothing.
No matter where you read it,
Or who said it,
Even if I have said it,
Unless it agrees with your own reason
And your own common sense"
- Buddha -
2006-10-18 16:16:43 · answer #10 · answered by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋