S ince I started practicing Buddhism and meditation my perspective of the world had completely change. For instance I am more relaxed, happy, and energetic. But the significant improvement I have seen is that; I am more conscious about the decision I make I am rational. Also meditating had helped my mind to be clear and luminous. My mind used to be occupied with so much negative thoughts.
Western religion seems unconcern about the mind and they concentrate on higher being to solve our problem like Jesus. I completely disagree with this philosophy I believe true peace and enlightenment can be accomplished through us through our mind.
Does anyone disagree?
2007-05-11 16:10:52 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Prayer equals meditation
2007-05-11 16:13:28 · answer #1 · answered by Johnny w 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Meditation is the process that is used to still the mind.
Buddha's sole purpose was to help man clear his mind.
An awesome task to say the least.That is why Buddhism is not considered a religion. Meditation is a practice that Buddha passed on to his followers to still there minds. This was necessary because Buddha wanted to talk of God but he became aware that his devotees minds were so active and full of clutter that it was pointless to talk of God. Can you Imagine what he must have been going through, being in God Consciousness, with no one to talk to about it.
Prayer on the other hand is the process that is used to cleanse the heart. Only when the heart has been cleansed and has been opened is it possible for man to come to an understanding of who God is and the beautiful qualities that
God is willing to share with man.
2007-05-11 16:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by WillRogerswannabe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. I disagree with your conclusion.
I believe meditation is important, and Christianity calls for meditation - but not meditation on emptiness. That would not really involve the mind much. Meditation on the Word of God; meditation on the person of God. Meditation on the state of our own hearts. Are there people we have wronged? Are there people we have not forgiven? Psalm 26:2 - asking God to examine us.
Then we need action. Action in obedience to what God has shown us through our meditation.
One thing that is only too common in Western society, is self sufficiency. And what you are talking about sounds like an extreme version of self sufficiency. Very western. Not oriental at all.
So, my differences with your reasoning would be:
1. Meditation must be on something external to ourselves if we are to grow. And I would suggest the Word of God and God Himself.
2. Acting on what God shows us.
3. Recognizing that we are not sufficient in ourselves, that we need God to act, but that does not get us off the hook: we have our responsibility.
2007-05-11 16:25:54 · answer #3 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dear sir,you are very right on the first part,regarding the second part you are comparing and that is not the middle path,in the universe there are no accident,it is a matter of cause and effect,by your comparison you are about to start a serious debate and to more misunderstanding,it is wise to respect others religion,Buddha had taught us to live in harmony,Buddhism is about affinity,in order to came across the Dharma,we are very lucky and it is our duty to unite not to divide,i agree and disagree.
All the sufferings in the world arises out of wanting happiness for oneself.
All happiness in the world arises out of wanting happiness for others. [Shantideva]
2007-05-12 05:54:07 · answer #4 · answered by tan e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that meditation can always be good for you. It helps you center yourself, find out what is really bothering you. Cleanse yourself. It is a way of solving problems. But is it a substitute for religion, that I don't really see. I don't see any need for religion at all to be honest, so I don't see the need to use anything as a substitute. If you want to meditate, do it because you want to, not as a replacement, if you are Christian, for following Jesus. meditation is it's own end, it just shouldn't be compared to western religion, I find that like comparing apples and oranges. But, for you, you have accepted another religion, so It's not that you are telling people to just meditate, you are telling them to give up Jesus as their savior and to look to Buddah as their savior. You are still in the religious mode, you haven't changed anything, you are still looking to someone to save you, not looking to yourself as your own savior.
2007-05-11 16:20:49 · answer #5 · answered by lochmessy 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When you have a belief, it is wrong. To believe that another system is wrong, is a wrong belief. To believe your system is correct is wrong. You need to get to a place where you neither believe nor disbelieve. Equanimity. Don't believe and don't disbelive. The only way to reach equanimity, wisdom and compassion is through meditation.
2007-05-11 16:15:16 · answer #6 · answered by Jim San Antonio 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
God yes,......I've experienced both myself and adore Buddhism, actually wanna take a zen or buddhist weekend meditation retreat. Congratulations on BUddhism my friend, you chose a very very peaceful and spiritually HEALTHY path
2007-05-11 16:15:30 · answer #7 · answered by deirdrefaith 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was just passing along these 2 websites to another person searching for meditation retreats, you may find them to be good resources for information as well:
http://www.tricycle.com/
and
http://www.shambhalasun.com/
Wishing you peace.
2007-05-14 14:17:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
PRAYER IS WHEN WE SPEAK TO OUR HIGHER POWER, MEDITATION IS WHEN WE ARE ABLE TO STILL OUR MINDS AND LISTEN FOR THE RIGHT THOUGHTS AND GUIDANCE FROM THE DIVINE....
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE IS THE ANSWER! BE GRATEFUL FOR THE GOOD TIMES AND GRACEFUL IN THE DIFFICULT TIMES
Blessed Be!
2007-05-11 16:24:13 · answer #9 · answered by trinity 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. But I still commune with God each day between 4-6 am at least for 15 minutes too.......
2007-05-11 16:19:17 · answer #10 · answered by Theban 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋