turning to buddhism?

Question

Would a christian be accepted turning to buddhism? Would I feel out of place in a temple?

Also, can I just show up at a temple and say "teach me about buddhism"? or is there some other way I have to do to learn more about turning to buddhism?

Answer 1

Simply speaking, this is to avoid harming others and to help them as much as possible. Another way of expressing this is, Abandon negative action; create perfect virtue; subdue your own mind. This is the teaching of the Buddha. By abandoning negative actions (killing, etc.) and destructive motivations (anger, attachment, close-mindedness, etc.), we stop harming ourselves and others. By creating perfect virtue, we develop beneficial attitudes, like impartial love and compassion, and do actions motivated by these thoughts. By subduing our mind, we cut away all false projections, thus making ourselves calm and peaceful by understanding reality.

The essence of Buddha’s teachings is also contained in the three principles of the path: definite emergence, the dedicated heart and wisdom realizing emptiness. Initially, we seek definitely to emerge from the confusion of our problems and their causes. Then, we see that other people also have problems, and with love and compassion, we dedicate our heart to becoming a Buddha so that we are capable of helping others extensively. In order to do this, we develop the wisdom understanding the real nature of ourselves and other phenomena.

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Buddhism can be called a philosophy in a practical sense of the word. However, the Buddha repeatedly emphasised that his teachings were not intended as a doctrine, but should be considered as guidelines along the path of spiritual development, based on his own experience.
One could even call Buddhism a system of psychology as well. The main object of interest in Buddhism is how we can observe, analyse and change our own mind.
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Buddhism is incredibly conscious not only about human welfare in terms of promoting anti-sexism, anti-racism, anti-casteism, anti-speciesism, anti-dogmatism, anti-religious intolerance... it is also mindful of ecological and animal welfare. Thus is the first impression of the Buddha for many that of the embodiment of all-rounded compassion and wisdom.
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As most higher religions promote values like honesty, kindness, generosity, courage and integrity, Buddhism sees them not as dangerous competitors but as allies in man's quest for liberation.

Answer 2

You cannot be Christian and Buddhist. This is a new age, feel good, everyone is okay, all religions are the same type mentality. Buddhism is all about self and inner strength. Buddhists are generally a peaceful people, but I can guarantee you cannot find what you need in Buddhism.

As Christians, we believe that we need God. As a Buddhist, you would believe there is no such thing as God. You cannot be both. If you claim to be a Christian, you are about to take a journey on very thin ice looking into Buddhism.

If you want to know about Buddhism, read a book, or talk with a Buddhist, but don't decide to become one because is sounds nice, that is unless you don't think you really need God and Jesus was just a nice man. If you are just curious, read about Buddhism from some book by a Christian author to get a perspective.

Here is a link that has some basic comparisons of Christianity to Buddhism. If you can see all the different beliefs, you might reconsider. Buddhists are not Christians and vise versa.http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism4.htm

Good luck and God bless.

Answer 3

The structure of Buddhism is different than Christianity. It's more of a philosophy than a religion. The Buddha didn't believe in dogma, so you don't have to worry about some rituals or prayers that you will feel left out of. Go to Temple, according to Buddhism any discomfort you have will be created by your own attachments. Maybe you should start to read some books if you haven't already or do some research on-line. I once was a baptist, then agnostic, and once I started to involve myself in the Buddhist practice everything seemed to make sense, it's not for everyone, but it doesn't need to be.

Answer 4

Being Buddhist is about being whoever or whatever you are, even if you're Catholic.
Oh yeah, I should mention that there are lots of paradoxes to discover.

Just go. I'm sure that whatever your beliefs are, it won't matter. If, for some reason, it does just leave.

You should know that learning about Buddhism isn't nearly as important as practicing Buddhism. Buddhism is not concerned with beliefs. So don't ask the people there to teach you about Buddhism, ask them to show you how to practice. Remember, not to take any of it too seriously, and also keep in mind that the monks there are just people to, and are not perfect Buddhas. Have fun.

Answer 5

You could always turn to books for some knowledge, but Buddhists are some of the most open-minded, loving people you could ever want to know. And I am sure they would welcome you with open arms. You may feel a bit awkward at first, but I don't think it would be much different that walking in to a new church.

Addendum: Can I give winslave 2 thumbs up?
And I would like to give RedE1 2 down for being so close minded to think that philosophy and religion cannot mix. After all Jesus was a philosopher as well and many Buddhists are aware that Jesus went to India to study Buddhism. He is known as Yesu.

Answer 6

Buddhists in temple should be generous, accepting, understanding and gentle to everyone - so don't worry! You must not come to the temple to learn Buddhism since temple's version may not fit you. I advice you to buy books and read the parts you can understand and be comfortable. For the normal person, they learn Buddha's teaching so that they may live as better person and can live in harmony with everything so that they may rest in peace and may go to heaven! For Buddhists in temple, they learn a higher version of the sultra so they can go to Nirvana to train under Buddha and bless the world!

Answer 7

I would recommend going to a temple or meditation center before anything else. It is there that the Dharma is practiced, and you are also likely to find a Teacher, maybe an ordained monk or nun who can help you avoid the delusion of trying to fugure it out for yourself. Establishing a relationship with a Teacher is paramount to your understanding. I would just show up and say "teach me about buddhism."

Answer 8

I would recommend reading a book or two about Buddhism first. However, going to a temple and asking is not a bad idea. They will accept you readily.

Answer 9

Of course you'd be accepted... and you shouldn't feel out of place... just be respectful if you want to visit one. We don't judge people like that... just tell someone you have no idea what's going on, you want to learn, or somesuch and you'll probably be loved to bits.

Try checking out books at your major bookstores or online ones, or snowlionpub.com, wisdompubs.org, etc. if you want books on it... there are basic titles for the beginner.

Also online you can peek at www.buddhanet.net which teaches basic meditation, just about anything your heart desires on the subject and links to temples, meditation centers and such nearby where you live. You'll get an idea of the various "flavors" of Buddhist thought, Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, Theravadan, etc. and you can figure out where you wanna go from there.

Don't be afraid to ask questions here though, there are quite a few of us Buddhists lurking about... Mirage, Samadhi... and others... you can link to one of us if you want to also and this way we'll be on the lookout for further questions from you for clarification.

I was once Byzantine Catholic myself, studied quite a few religions and the history thereof, along with a lot of other studies before I arrived at Buddhism, so like Samadhi, I dare say we can nurse you along. I don't know much about Mirage's background but she's knowledgeable too.

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Answer 10

Go to this site, it contains comprehensive buddhist sutras:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org

Becoming a buddhist does not require initiation rites. The most important thing is sincerity of heart, an inquiring mind that wants to seek the truth, and continuous efforts in the spiritual path.

You have to get familiar and understand the 4 noble truths in your heart. You have to follow the 8 noble paths as outlined by the Gautama Buddha.