Will you at least try it out?

Question

Those of all faiths, but especially Christians, will you at least give Buddhism a try? So peaceful, so calm. Buddhism can help you find your true inner you. You will become enlightened from within. Will you try it out?

If not, why not?

In case you're wondering why I asked:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Agzx4KgPKsrYI_UWCLXRnFvsy6IX?qid=20070503130900AAYXdpu&show=7#profile-info-Lb8tsxnwaa

No, Squirrel, I'm not actually Buddhist.

Answer 1

Phoenix...I told someone I was a United Methodist one day and they said...oh you are one of the zen christians, lolol. I agree with you...you can adapt some very good practices from Buddhism and it does not mean you have to take God down off the high spot.

The Skeptical (Zen) Christian
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 2

I am a devout Christian, and have also been labeled a Mahayana Buddhist by the Buddhist friends that I regularly stay in contact with.

I believe in many of the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, and believe that he was a wonderful blessing upon this cold world. I do not, however, bow before his likeness because my God told me not to do such things. I can, however, take Buddhist teachings to heart and have found many excellent scriptures in the various Sutras that I've read.

As for Christians and Buddhists coexisting peacefully, they've been doing so for thousands of years...and I don't see any reason why it will stop any time soon. I've introduced several Christians to Buddhism, and most of them have fallen in love with the colorful history behind the religion. None of them converted to Buddhism, which was never my intention, but almost all of them found some aspect of Buddhist philosophy that they could take home and apply to their own lives. Maybe if more people (Christians and non-Christian alike) studied a little more into Buddhism, they'd find better ways to understand and deal with suffering... instead of just coming to Yahoo! Answers to bash someone else's religion, or God. Theological debates are fun and good for the soul, but you can't just take the stance that "I'm right, you're wrong..." and blindly defend it from there. It just leads to endless bickering and name calling.

Nice question, thanks for asking!

Answer 3

Sorry, no can do. When I was young, my father was in a Buddhist sect called Sokka Gakkai for about four years. Our family had this variety of Buddhism shoved down our throats during this time, and it's a very traumatic memory. So I can't really give Buddhism a "fair shake," due to my own personal history.

Answer 4

Oh yes. I have tried out a few parts of Buddhism. I have no problem with Buddhist practices, since all truth is part of God's religion.

I would really love to delve into Buddhism more deeply (and a great many other things, too) but I find I'm just too busy. I think if I had a close Buddhist friend who could show me the ropes, I might be able to focus on it more.

But thanks for asking. You are also welcome to try out the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You'll be surprised at the feelings and enlightenment you can get... probably very similar to your own. There is so much we can all learn from one another.

Answer 5

Many people say other religons do the same thing. so why don't you try another religion? Its the same arguement right? Some people want a God figure to be close to, and buddhism lacks that (at least for the most part). there are also some religions what have many concepts simliar to buddhism, but have that god people seek.

Answer 6

You're a Buddhist? Wow.

I have some specific objections to Buddhism. First, the sneaking kids off to monasteries at young ages. That's before they can make an informed decision to dedicate their lives to religion.

Second, karma from pastlives. It all sounds fine, until you hear of children being abused because they MUST have done something bad in a previous life to be born with a birth defect.

There is wisdom in Buddhism, but it is not for me. I think it's sugarcoated for American consumption.

Answer 7

Of all the religions, I like Buddhism the best. I've been reading Chodron, Hanh, Thurman, Kornfeld, and the Dalai Lama. I doubt that I'll ever become one, but because they have a non-violent history, compared to other religions, says a lot about their beliefs.

Answer 8

Open your heart (meditation) to the unknow and something else will take over mind without you knowing (inner peace). This is an express way to possession and your inner peace will only last for a short while.

The devil disguises as the Angel of Light to take away people...Run for your life and be in Control of your own mind or else something else will do. I recomend you pray with your heart and mouth.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. (Bible)

Answer 9

No, thank you. My faith has already done that for me- I am content and happy with my beliefs.

I lead a good life filled with love and friends and knowledge and purpose- what could be better than that?

I have a lot of respect for Buddhists for the reasons you mentioned, but I do not feel the need to "try it out" as if beliefs were nothing more than a pair of shoes to be slipped on and off as I see fit.

I found my ruby slippers- but thanks anyway!

:0)

Answer 10

Been there, done that. Buddism is the closest you can get to Atheism without being an Atheist. I have tried...Catholism, Mormonism, Episcopal, Buddhism, Sukyo Mahikari, Gnostic Christianity...and I have come back to Christianity every time...nothing else makes me feel more loved and closer to God. I KNOW this is the correct choice.