Should I convert to Zen Buddhism?

Question

ex-catholic, now agnostic

Answer 1

buddhism is depends more on understanding , than blind faith.

you don't have to 'BE' a buddhist to practise compassion, love, wisdom. these qualities are in all of us, be they christians, catholics, muslims, jews, hindus, wiccans, atheists, etc.

So do not impulsively rush into Buddhism. Take your time, ask questions, consider carefully, and then make your decision.
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The school of zen/ ch'an stressed experience rather than learning. It appealed because of its emphasis on the uselessness of words and the insistence of action without thought.
Zen teaches the possibility of enlightenment in the here and now, unlike the tendency that have developed in other strands of Buddhism as far off goals. It teaches that enlightenment is a spontaneous event, totally independent of concepts, techniques or rituals. Zen Monks are based on doing things, learning through experience.
Esoterically regarded, Zen is not a religion but rather an indefinable, incommunicable (fukasetsu) root, free from all names, descriptions, and concepts, that can only be experienced by each individual for him- or herself. From expressed forms of this, all religions have sprung. In this sense Zen is not bound to any religion, including Buddhism. It is the primordial perfection of everything existing, designated by the most various names, experienced by all great sages, saints, and founders of religions of all cultures and times. Buddhism has referred to it as the "identity of samsara and nirvana." From this point of view zazen is not a "method" that brings people living in ignorance (avidya) to the "goal" of liberation; rather it is the immediate expression and actualization of the perfection present in every person at every moment.

Answer 2

What if I said "Yes"?
What if I said "No"?

If your asking people to decide your faith for you, you might as well stay catholic.

When you know the answer to your own question, then you are on the road to Zen thinking, even if you decide your not into Zen. Seriously.

I've read Zen is full of paradox. that's one thing that I've read that I have found is true, many times, including here. In fact, there is no Zen really. So what. No big deal. Do what you think is right.

Answer 3

Few things u should think before you convert is how much you know about Zen Buddhism? Do you think that you should study in depth enough before doing such convertion? how do you think it can change you life if you have study enough? Do you convert for the sake of coverting, peer's pressure or it because somehow or rather you know you have the connection with it?

It easy to convert from one religion to another, but it definitely not a wise choice for one's to make a quick decision before consider every factors from every angle. After all, you are the one who need to make the decision and face the consequences, we are here just to give suggestion and our view.

Answer 4

Zen is peace of God.
You will find serenity in your search for a higher understanding.
Study Zen but don't give up on Christianity as I don't think you should judge all Christian religions on the Catholic faith.
I know people who are both Christian and study Zen..yoga..etc
seek ye first the kingdom of God

Answer 5

in the previous replacing to Buddhism, you should do your study and verify out it for awhile. bypass to some community Buddhist centers for some instructions or talks and how in which to meditate. Get some books and skim up on it. Do various of meditation. See, you'll properly study and practice Buddhism plenty in the previous having to go back to a call even if you go with to really grow to be a Buddhist. yet once you're making that determination, do not take it gently. I ought to communicate about that formally turning out to be a Buddhist signifies that you're taking area in a "threat-free haven vow" ceremony. Many instructors will enable each and anyone to take the threat-free haven vow, and then a number of those people only shrug it off even as they lose interest or imagine there is a few thing else more desirable eye-catching. In my custom, scholars refer to their own meditation instructor who provides them preparation and preparation concerning their determination. i imagine it is a better attitude, because someone who makes a range to grow to be a Buddhist is then better counseled about what they're transferring into. All that being reported, in case you imagine you're waiting and are particular about your determination, then i ought to assert grow to be a Buddhist. And, you would not ought to renounce some thing. i have not given up some thing except my ego (as a lot as i ought to), and it would not even exist!

Answer 6

You should be Gnostic...

Basically, be yourself. Don't convert to anything. Read everything and pick and choose what fits in your life from all religions and philosophies. Don't box yourself in! You may want to cut your way out one day again!

Answer 7

Have you looked at other christian denominations.

As a christian I say no, but free will is a great gift. If you don't find what you are looking for just remember, people & churches are not perfect but Jesus Christ died for you & He is perfect in every way. He loves you.

Answer 8

It's a really cool belief system. If it interests you go for it.

Answer 9

I'm an atheist, but if I had to pick one that would be it. May you find truth.

Answer 10

No!
Read Acts 2 if you are interested in knowing God. That is the beginning of the New Testament church. It still applies!