What do you think about Buddhism?
Is it a lifestyle or a religion?
Buddhists, any advice or tips? I'm thinking about converting.
2007-04-30 09:55:06 · 9 answers · asked by Tania La Güera 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's more of a philosophy, but there is ritual if you want it- meditation while focusing on Bodhisatva's that represent certain concepts, like health, or loving kindness. It's really cool, and can be Atheistic if you aren't into religion really.
2007-04-30 10:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi Tania,
Buddhism is a way out of suffering. Life is full of suffering and frustration and according to the Buddhists and the Hindus we take birth again after death in another form. The only way to come out of this vicious cycle of birth, sickness, old age death and rebirth is to be enlightened and then you sort of merge with the Universe. The dewdrop merges with the Ocean.
I think Buddhist psychology and Buddhist meditation are excellent methods to learn to live a happier life. I have myself used the concepts and tools of Buddhism to make changes in my life and I am much the happier because of it.
Please explore the links below for interesting information which will serve as an introduction to Buddhism.
I do not know if it is necessary for you to convert to practice Buddhism. I am a Hindu myself but am more interested in Buddhism and have used itto make changes in my life without converting. Buddhism does not actively seek converts but welcomes those who wish to convert on their own.
You can learn Buddhist meditation like Vipassana or the Finding Peace program taught by the Rigpa foundation without having to convert. Pleas explore both the links below. Of the two I would recommend the Finding Peace program. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition in my view has many more skillful means - upayas - to progress towards enlightenment as compared to the Theravada tradition. Vipassana belongs to the Theravada tradition.
In the end I would say that you can learn and practice Buddhism in your life without having to convert. So it is up to you.
There are many books which will teach you Buddhist phiilosophy. I would recommend The Heart of Buddha's teaching and The Miracle of Mindfulness both by Thich Nhat Hanh. It will serve as a good introduction to both Buddhist philosophy and also the meditation and mindfulness practice.
regards
Nikhil
2007-05-03 03:48:42 · answer #2 · answered by ngangoli2003 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is a peaceful and tolerant religion. You can take Buddhism and Buddha's teaching as a philosophy for your life if you don't believe in other thing in Buddhism. The first step for a beginner is to live in harmony with everything.
For ex. when you see a lost bug or spider - please do not try to remember where you can find a bug-killer / try to think how to save and free it!
2007-05-01 06:59:49 · answer #3 · answered by holyfire 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The whole point of Buddhism is not argue whether it is a religion or not. It is to see the 4 noble truths and come to the noble eightfold path. That’s all it matters for real Buddhists.
2007-04-30 10:09:45 · answer #4 · answered by Tim 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Since your nickname is in Spanish, I presume this opinion about Buddhism could be of use to you
http://www.danza-arabe.8m.com/budismo.htm
you don't even need to convert, since it is more a life philosophy than a religion. i can guarantee you it will help you live a happier life.
2007-04-30 10:56:27 · answer #5 · answered by G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi ! I have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism.
It teaches that faith and daily life is not separate.
Through Buddhist practice, we can polish our character. It definitely affect our thoughts, words and actions. We call this ''Human Revolution ''
And this Human Revolution make positive changes, positive values in our lifestyle --- Including our work , school, family life..etc.
Please check this website too !!
2007-05-01 10:07:09 · answer #6 · answered by Happy Smile 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm Buddhist, I consider it more of a philosophy that you can apply to your life, or not. www.buddhanet.net is a decent beginning website... study, question the answers like the Buddha teaches us to and come to your own conclusions, or not, and decide from there.
_()_
2007-04-30 10:22:56 · answer #7 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IT IS THE TRUTH.
I think it is a peacefulway of living to achieve ultimate freedom NIRVANA.
Try these web sites two of the very best about Buddhism.
http://www.metta.lk/
http://www.bswa.org/
Good Luck !!!!!!!!
2007-05-01 17:27:27 · answer #8 · answered by Shehan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's pretty neat.
Kind of like free style philosophy.
Spread compassion and you can call urself Buddhist!
2007-04-30 09:59:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋