buddhist.He says you should not leave the religion of your traditional culture. Is this true, and if so why?
2007-05-31 12:26:05 · 8 answers · asked by Lorenzo de' Medici 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I think the Dalai Lama said that you CANNOT leave the religion of your culture...
I think he meant that the kind of religion you were raised on will always resonate with you and will always be a part of you precisely BECAUSE you learned at such a young age...
Its like your first language of "spirituality" and its influence will always be with you...
You CANNOT "leave" the religion you experienced growing up...
I think the Dalai Lama also said that we CAN incorporate the "gems" of wisom found in many religions into our spirituality, and that this will help us realize the Truth about reality and our spiritual selves....
But if you're not BORN into Buddhism, its near IMPOSSIBLE to become an actual Buddhist...
But it is not MORALLY wrong to try...
2007-05-31 12:32:52 · answer #1 · answered by The cat 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is an incorrect view. Buddhism can help you be a better whatever you are. If you are NOT SATISFIED with your current religious perspectives then you should seek elsewhere. I am a Tibetan Buddhist and am familiar with the Dalai Lama's perspectives though I don't speak for him. Evidently Werner Herzog interpreted this incorrectly or perhaps His Holiness didn't make it clear enough as His English isn't the best. Buddhism doesn't seek converts but wishes happiness for all sentient beings. It is a religion of Compassion and meditation to calm the mind and subdue the passions that cause us grief.
2007-05-31 19:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by Don W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then what if you don't have a religion? Or the one that you raised in no longer makes any sense?
This statement may be true in Tibet, but in the West I'd like to think that we have reached a stage of development that enables to explore alternative ideas from those we are familiar with. I believe it is important for everyone to have a credo for life, but that does not mean that it has to continually be the same one.
Most peoples life stances continually mutate and evolve with knowledge and expirience. This has to be a good thing. The best thing that could happen to humanity would be for God to reveal himself to all people and put an end to the debate. As we don't even know for sure that God even exists, this is conjecture. So the best thing to do is find a position that works for you personally - difficult to do unless you explore the options.
2007-05-31 21:05:27 · answer #3 · answered by Malcolm D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I read his book on the Heart Sutra and he said that Buddhism is often in conflict with Western spiritual beliefs. He also feels strongly that a person's spirituality should be taken seriously. For someone to convert from one spiritual path to another should not be done lightly.
I wish I could quote a page for you but I gave my copy away. You can very likely find a copy in your library or in a bookstore. You may not want to buy the entire book but you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the section in which he discusses faith and Buddhism in the west.
2007-05-31 19:31:20 · answer #4 · answered by Satia 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, It's alright to listen to what he (The Dalai Lama) says, and should you choose, then it's ok. But, should you choose otherwise, (Meaning Christianity in this case.) that is fine too. Both Religions preach the same meaning, but in different styles.
2007-05-31 20:25:21 · answer #5 · answered by Da Mick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, well, it makes sense. Think about it. The main religion in the U.S. (besides Islam now) is Christianity. If someone who was raised with Christian beliefs decides to pick up another religion--that's fine if they go someplace else, but there would be little joy for them if they returned "home"--i.e. friends, family, etc.
There would always be conflict between the newly-converted Buddhist and their old family and friends, because their views wouldn't be similar AT ALL. And the thing with Buddhism is that harmony behooves all.
2007-05-31 19:35:43 · answer #6 · answered by forlaniz3 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
simple, for worst or good, u must hold on to beliefs, those are what makes you, u cant be a flipper, and if u are, it means - u luck spirit, meaning, ur spirit is lost!
and a few words he is telling u, cut through the sh!t of ur life, and whatever u belief is the truth-for bad or worse!
2007-05-31 19:48:49 · answer #7 · answered by cua13 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Corey Tenboom said "Grow where you are planted." there are draw-backs to filling your mind with conflicting philosophies.
2007-05-31 20:02:41 · answer #8 · answered by jsardi56 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋