Is there some sort of practiced regimen you follow? If Buddhism is a philosophy, how do you get to the point where you call yourself a Buddhist?
2006-12-03 18:28:31 · 6 answers · asked by This Virus Called Language 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't practice any regimen. Buddhism is merely an alternative (a very good one) to liberation from bondage and illusion. Simply by believing that Buddhism is true makes you a Buddhist. A person who studied Buddhism but doesn't believe in it is not a Buddhist.
2006-12-03 22:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is not a religion because there is no belief in a supreme being. It's more like a path to the end of suffering. To be a Buddhist you must actively pursue release from the bindings of your own consciousness.
Besides, the Buddha didn't call himself a Buddhist, so why would you care?
2006-12-04 03:28:50 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not call myself Buddhist but I have studied it some. For Buddhism as in any other religion, there is little value in claiming membership save possibly that you might need or expect some customary accommodation (say, a prayer room for Muslims or Vegetarian food on an airline for Hindu or Buddhist travelers). Beyond that, your ritual observances and practice are your own and for your benefit only.
I think the only real outward proof that you are a certain religion is that you raised your kids in that religion. Everything else, Mala beads, crosses, fish emblems, stars of David is all surface affectation.
2006-12-06 16:57:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism has been misinterpreted in the west (and elsewhere) as a philosophy. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's a religion and the ONLY way to 'get it' is to do the mind training that will eventually result in the same experience the Buddha had. I was listening to a Dharma talk by one of the monks at Zen Mountain Monastery and he's always been perplexed by the term 'buddhist philosophy', citing the fact that only direct individual realization is transformative. Unfortunately, 'Bompu Zen' is what many in the west have made of it. Many in the east have made it crappy, too, with their integration of superstitions and ancestor worship. I don't know about the other sects (Pure Land, etc.) but the only true way to be a Zen Buddhist is to realize that Buddha's teaching were NEVER meant to be taken as truth or philosophy but, instead, to be used as 'expedient means' (as tools) to get to the same experience he had ('rafts to get to the other shore').
2006-12-04 02:40:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, it doesn't work like that. If you are practicing that is all there is to it. If you have learning others might want to know some of what you know but there is not a scale. You meditate or you don't. You practice or you don't. Your way, your path is your way and your path alone. Maybe you should go visit a few shrines. I find them to be very open about what they are doing. I am not a fan of the pureland school because it tries to treat Buddha more like the Christians treat Jesus , but that is just my opinion.
The one who studies and practices is likely more like buddha than the one who calls himself a Buddhist.
If you meet the Buddha on the road, Kill him.
2006-12-04 02:36:06 · answer #5 · answered by Barabas 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Doing zazen is being Buddhist.
To me, Buddhism is NOT being anything (including Buddhist). It IS about being anything.*
*Note-This is a good time to scratch your head, shrug your shoulders, and move on.
2006-12-10 12:16:29 · answer #6 · answered by Teaim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋