this may be strange... i want to become a buddist?

Question

i am learning about buddism in school. i try to be christian but its just not happening!
they said having no desires shall lead to happiness, because ur desire may tempt you to do harmful things. as the movie went on, i felt myself nodding and there was a very strong feeling that this may help me. and wen u have no desires, u shall reach "enlightment" or nirvana. not the rock band.
everytime i want to do something bad, like get revenge, i stop myself. and say "no desires". and i find that works. i feel better and not evil or guilty, i feel controlled.
however, now i am having trouble deciding which ones are desires and which ones are needs.
would wanting to go eat at resturants and getting some books to read and stuff be desires, or needs?
im having trouble drawing the fine line between those two.
can anyone assist me?

and by the way, im only twelve and an asian.

Answer 1

I don't think it's strange at all. As you explore various faiths, you will very likely come across one that suits you and your way of thinking and perceiving the world. When that occurs - whatever the faith - I believe that's what you should do. In time, your concepts and perceptions may change (given that you are only 12, they are almost CERTAIN to change); I believe that you should never feel locked in to any system of belief.

Answer 2

Desire and necessity are different things. You need to eat to survive, and read to gain knowledge. You should start a meditative practice. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and concentrate only on the feeling of your breathe, inhaling and exhaling through your nose. Feel it in your nostrils, in and out. As you start to have thoughts try to only observe the thought, do not follow it. Every time you start to follow a thought, pull yourself back to you breathing. Eventually you will become more practiced and it will be much easier. Do this at least 2 times a day, 5 minutes a pop. After you feel more confident in your practice, add 5 min. Then another 5 min. Eventually, after a few weeks, get up to 45 min a session or so. This reflective time will help you sort through your mind and you will gain wisdom from it.

It helps me to think of things in terms of compassion. How will each act I do benefit others. Buying a fancy new hummer probably won't help others, but buying more economic car means there is more space on the road for others, there is more gas not used up for others, and you won't do as much damage to someone's vehicle if you hit them. This sort of practice may help you decide what is needed and what is desire. Read up on wikipedia for more on Buddhism and meditation.

Answer 3

Wow. You're a quick one to pick things up.

There are several different ways to study Buddhism. There may be a Buddhist meditation center near you. You can telephone them and find out what they offer for 12 year olds.

Books can also be helpful. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Buddhist teacher and social activist, has written extensively on Buddhism. You may find his book "Living Buddha, Living Christ" a good introduction, particularly since you have Christian roots.

On-line, http://buddhanet.net has a number of resources, including introductions and more detailed information on topics that interest you.

Since you're only 12, your parents may have a reaction to your pursuit of another religion or philosophy. Buddhism does not require you to give up any other religions. The 4 Nobel Truths and the 8-Fold Path are applicable within most other religions. It will not be necessary for you to leave Christianity entirely behind. You may find, however, that over time your thinking is less and less Christian.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

Different people draw that line in different places. Monks and nuns draw it very, very far down.

But... I have a question for you. Don't you think we should have passions and desires -- desires for justice, for truth, for beauty, for peace? Buddhism says the world is an illusion and we should escape from it. Nirvana is not enlightenment, it means "extinction" (literally, what happens when you blow out a candle). Christianity says the world is the beloved creation of a loving God, who suffers with his creation so that some day it can come to perfection... I practiced Buddhism through high school, but I later became a Christian. I discovered thoughtful, peaceful, open-minded Christians. I discovered that there are Christian mystics who talk about prayer and meditation...

Just my 2 cents.

Answer 5

Wow, what is with all the weird Christian converts here?!?!

As an atheist, I generally do not affiliate myself with religious people of any kind. However, I had a friend who knew a Buddhist monk, and let me say, he was the kindest, gentlest person I have ever met. Not once de he bring up his religion, and when my friend said I was an atheist he had no problems with it and took it no further.

If you are seeking to be spiritual, I highly reccomend Buddhism. I gather you are in asia, where Buddhism is highly practiced. Talk to a monk about it, they are the most lovely people.

Wanting to eat at a restaurant and reading books are not against Buddhist culture. Only Buddhist monks need to give up desire, and I know one who loves soccer adn attends ever game his team plays. So the lines are a little blurred.

Basically, in Buddhism, as long as you are not hurting yourself or others in any way (mentally , physically) you are doing perfectly.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Thank you for being honest. I am an old man. I have lived for Christ many years there have been good an bad times, that is just life. Don't be fooled as good as the Buddhist sound they also are tempted they too are men. Jesus said he is the light! You can walk where John, Paul, and James walked by obeying Acts 2:38. Remember this, please, there are a lot of people who claim to know the true path to peace. The fact is however that Jesus is the only one who can shine the light, on that true path. That's way there are so many so called Christians, because they are walking paths not lighted by the true light.

Answer 7

you are 12 years,so now your thinking or thoughts are starting
to be concreted,how ever reading and feeding are external and internal actions,you need to eat for the obvious reasons,and you
want to read to have more knowledge,and it would be a repression act ,not to do so,because supposedly it will lead you to sin,well,let me tell you a figurative example,;
1-God is compassion-(and love at it fullest expression)and its
said "do to any one as you want any one do to you"-therefore
"God loves more compassion than cult"
and,;
2-your are provided with a book ,(that its not the Bible-),that it
"teaches" you how to be a christian,
so ,can you understand this,i think so,and i would say ,if God have give you the 'gift' of intelligence,you have to use it,the sin
would then be,not to do so.
your background culture is Asian,i don't think is an evil thing
if you want to become a Buddhist,God has many ways and
paths ,that at the end of the road always they will lead to Him,
and besides,who am i,to tell you ,you are going to hell,
because you want to do so?and let the Spirit guide you...........

Answer 8

Well, don't give up. You have been given some bad information. At your age, if you are not living in a serious Christian environment, you will only get bad information. Just wait a couple of years. In the mean while-just pray to God as ofter as you can. In time he will bnring someone in contact with you that can help. Try to fine some serious (real) Christians your age if possible. Make friends with them. God knows where you are.

Answer 9

Find some books written by Thich Nhat Hanh
they will help you to understand yourself.

Answer 10

Buddhism is a wonderful path. I recommend studying further before making a choice of such a magnitude..The Buddha recommended people test his teachings before following them.

http://www.sacred-texts.com is a great site that could help you.

Good luck!