Must do a profile...Want to learn more about buddhism...Any volunteers?

This is going to sound strange, and it is asking alot..i know but I have something to ask.​

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I attened college and for my english class we have to write a profile on an individual we dont know very well. We are supposed to use this to gain knowlege about something we dont already know and are supposed to write a full paper about the individual, including important life events. Essentially we interview someone new and write a profile.​

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Well I want to profile someone who practicies buddhism because I personally have been exploring it and think this would be an amazing oppertunity to gain more knowledge, not to mention to maybe open a few peoples minds about buddhism in general. ​

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I do not know ANYONE personally with even the most remote knowelge on the subject, let alone someone who follows it. To complicate things even more is the fact that our professor told us we have to turn in a rough draft by friday the 24th! ​

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I know this is a gigantic favor to ask of anyone but is there anyone here who would be willing to fill out a survey I send them and allow me to do the profile on them? No one would see the paper except myself, you and the instructor and you would have final approval.​

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I would greatly appreciate this, as I know it would be a learning experience.​

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If you are interested please PM me or e-mail me at Marijuanagirlgreen@hotmail.com​

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Again, any response is so greatly appreciated!!​

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Thank you!​

 

The following was originally posted on my xanga, and it should help you
I suppose that I'll start that here with a really brief explanation of buddhism.
to begin with, the four noble truths.
Ok,
The first Noble Truth:
All existance will lead to suffering in some form, either yours or anothers.
The second Noble Truth:
This suffering is caused by desire.
The third Noble Truth:
The state where this suffering will cease is known as Nirvana.
The fourth Noble Truth:
The way to reach Nirvana is by following the Noble Eightfold Path.


Which is this:
Right Understanding:
Knowing how the world works, and what Buddhism encompasses
Righ Emotion:
Knowing that actions led by greed will cause suffering
Right Speech:
Not lying, spreading rumors, etc.
Right Action:
Not doing things that will bring harm to people.
Right Livelihood:
Making your living without bringing harm to other beings.
Right Effort:
Cultivating mindfullness and eliminating harm to others
Right Mindfulness,:
Being aware of what happens around you.
and finally Right Meditation:
Contemplation of emptiness, and loving-kindness for other beings.

So that's the two main facets of Buddhism. What really defines a Buddhist to me though, is what is known as taking refuge. When a Buddhist takes refuge it means that he trusts himself completely to the beings in which this refuge is taken. We take refuge in the:
1. Buddha
2. Dharma
3. Sangha.
Meaning I implicitly trust the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha's teachings and path) and the Sangha (the spiritual community of Buddhist practitioners) as a Christian would trust his or herself over to God.
To conclude my "brief" eplanation of my faith, the 5 precepts. These are vows which Buddhists are encouraged to take, and could easily be taken by a non-Buddhist:
1. To abstain from taking life
2. To not take what is not freely given
3. To abstain from the misuse of the senses
4. To abstain from speaking falsely
5. To abstain from the intoxicants.

In addition to these are 5 positive commitments
1. To cultivate loving-kindness for all beings
2. To cultivate generosity for all beings
3. To live simply
4. To speak truly
5. To cultivate clarity of the mind.

 

well thank you,i appreciate any information i can gain
but my problem is i have to interview someone i dont know, and was hoping to interviw a buddhist....

 

I'd love to help you, but I unfortunately, I can't travel that far
sorry

 

How intensive is the participation, what degree of anonymity can we be assured?