I am currently a Catholic, but I can't find anymore logic in a man walking on water than the whole scientology story. I do believe in God and have researched Buddhism and was wondering how do I go about converting.
2007-08-04 09:45:30 · 10 answers · asked by shortyboardr1820 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
based on some of the answers i feel like i have to sday that I have researched this religion extensivvely and am not making the choice lightly. I just cannont believe in Catholocism anymore because their message is about accepting outcasts and they have the hardest time doing so. The whole religion is a giant hypocracy and I want no part of it.
2007-08-04 10:26:16 · update #1
Don't worry what you call yourself. Try some meditation, try some books, go to a class. If it works for you good. If you discover something else suits you better, also good.
EDIT:
From your additional info, your problem isn't about converting TO Buddhism or whatever. It seems to be more about LEAVING the RC church. Perhaps you have an internal conflict going on about this. It can be a bit scary to walk away from the familiar (of the family). Maybe you feel guilty too?
2007-08-04 10:15:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to remember that Jesus is God and if He can talk this universe into its existence, then the walking on the water is a piece of cake.
However, if you do not love the Lord and you do not want Savior in your life, then Buddhism or any other belief system is fine. You have a free will. Use it wisely. Eternity is a long time.
2007-08-04 17:23:20 · answer #2 · answered by The Daughter of the King, BaC 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Study, anything that interests you about basic Buddhism and then choose a path from there... conversion is something that happens in your mind. If you choose the Eightfold Path in some way, going for refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, whether you just do it in your mind or formally before a lama, you're Buddhist.
www.buddhanet.net
www.fpmt.org
www.thubtenchodron.org
Just 3 of my favorite sites.
_()_
2007-08-04 17:11:29 · answer #3 · answered by vinslave 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it were me, I'd not worry about "converting." That's more a Western sort of approach to religiousness. By and large, Buddhism is all about practices and experiences. There are different styles of Buddhist practice, but that is very much where I would start -- namely, by doing some meditation exercises, including loving-kindness meditations towards yourself and others.
In all honesty, I learned a great deal about the vital heart of my own Christian upbringing after immersing myself in sincere meditation and compassion practices taught in Buddhist facilities.
So, again, I'd not worry too much about "converting" or not, and would instead just focus on what feels wholesome and nourishing at the level of direct experience and personal engagement.
.
2007-08-04 17:06:49 · answer #4 · answered by bodhidave 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
panglosswasright pretty much said it all. Just say "I'm a Buddhist" and practice as a Buddhist does. Only this time, decide what's right for you, rather than having some belief system shoved onto you. Keep in mind that not all Buddhists believe the same things, that there are sects just like in Christianity.
2007-08-04 16:57:21 · answer #5 · answered by rabid_scientist 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Actually one does not need to convert to Buddhism. Many do choose to recite the vow "I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Sangha."
All that is required is that you keep the eightfold path and 5 precepts in mind and you study the beliefs of Buddhism. You should only apply what you learn if it makes sense to you after contemplation and appears to be helpful in your studies. You should never practice a belief which appears unhelpful, harmful or incorrect after you have contemplated it. Buddhism for Beginners are the Dhammapada are excellent books as are many of the Dalai Lama's and Thich Nhat Hahn's books. If there are any Buddhist temples or groups in your area, do not be afraid to ask them questions. They will not take offense and will be more than happy to tell you what they have found helpful to you. They will not try to force you to convert (it is not the Buddhist way) or belittle you. It is very possible for a Catholic to become a Buddhist- I did it.
Good luck on your search and do not be dissuaded from deciding for yourself by those who try to force their beliefs on you.
2007-08-04 16:53:22 · answer #6 · answered by Pangloss (Ancora Imparo) AFA 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
The great thing about Buddhism is that you don't have to convert to benefit from it. (Not that I'm trying to dissuade you).
I am a Christian, but I don't belong to any church because I am cynical of those who want to control others instead of dedicating their lives to following Jesus's teachings. I have noticed many parrallels with Christianity and Buddhism: loving kindness, forgiving, right living, refraining from harmful sexual conduct, just to name a few. I have also found that by comparing the two beliefs gives me a sense of how other cultures actually have a stronger commitment to practicing positive values than many Christians do.
I once thought of abandoning Christianity for Buddhism, but later noticed that I didn't have to. I have combined both beliefs and have found that there is enormous harmony and joy by doing so.
2007-08-04 17:03:49 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's not like that. It's about realising the truth of yourself. I kinda like Awakening 101 by the wanderling on the web.
2007-08-04 16:54:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Study buddhism and if it fits for you, tell whoever you want to that you're buddhist. It's that easy.
2007-08-04 17:07:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I agree with all the above.
Buddhism is a verb - it's something you DO.
2007-08-04 17:17:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋