I have a Buddhist friend who is Vietnamese. I am very interested in learning about the Buddhist religion but he always seems unwilling to answer my questions, as if he is embarassed of his culture or beliefs. I'd like very much to be able to discuss it with him but I'm not sure exactly why he is so unwilling. I don't want to press him or make him feel disrespected or invaded.
Is this common for his culture or religion or could it be that he is simply shy or embarassed?
2007-08-27 08:12:45 · 6 answers · asked by Christy ☪☮e✡is✝ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Buddhism is a rather personal journey.
However, you must remember many people born in Asia, state they are buddhists (without truly knowing about the religion) the same as some christians in America.
He may just not have the necessary knowledge or capacity to teach you.
Try http://www.buddhanet.net/
2007-08-27 08:18:57 · answer #1 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In Buddhist tradition, it's more about finding answers for yourself than asking others to answer your questions. He's being a good Buddhist. The answers to any question you have are already in yourself, and it's important that you figure them out for yourself. Read a few books, they'll tell you how. I like Zen: Simply Sitting by Coupey.
2007-08-27 08:17:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Chances are your friend doesn't know enough (or he doesn't think he does or he does but doesn't have enough English) to explain to you about Buddhism. I suggest you attend a few sessions at a local Buddhist temple. Nowadays they have English sessions. The majority of Viets are Buddhist but they hardly go to the temple or study the faith. What they know is usually what they have heard from others or picked up from a few readings.
2007-08-27 20:21:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be he is shy, the Buddhist religion isn't forceful like Christian cults at converting people. True enlightenment has to be personally found. Many of them wait to be asked out of politeness, unlike the screaming Holy Rollers that come to our doors.
2007-08-27 08:16:52 · answer #4 · answered by Steve C 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I pick to not view my faith as a way of having into Heaven, as a substitute I view it as a way of residing my existence on Earth, of handling the demanding situations I face in existence and handling the questions like why am I right here? I believe placing such a lot emphasis on coming into Heaven is what has ruined faith for such a lot of individuals- sure the present of everlasting existence is a huge factor to attempt for, however existence itself as we realize it may be a present. Nobody is aware of what the afterlife will deliver for definite. The suggestion that different religions are an additional strategy to Heaven does not hassle me, correctly it makes me desire to think what I think much more, considering the fact that it emphasizes that it is my option for the gift. I might care much less what different individuals think. I do think special contributors will pass immediately to Hell even though.
2016-09-05 16:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by blumenkrantz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably shy or embarassed. Many Buddhists are more than willing to share their beliefs if you ask.
2007-08-27 08:15:57 · answer #6 · answered by Professor Farnsworth 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋