Buddhism

is anybody on the forums a buddhist?
if so how do you practice the religion, and do you find it effective spiritually?

i am very curious and want to become a buddhist

what are your ideas on buddhism?

 

I dont practice buddhism religiously, I Like taoism, and Nagualism too, and some others too...

But the Dharma, i think essentially is a most zen and profound way to expireince the knowledge that life offers

 

too many laws, too constrictive...
though I like some points of buddhism...
"man should seek freedom from greed, hatred and delusion"

Hedonism. ^_^

 

i follow some buddhist teachings, but i don't consider myself a buddhist, or a follower of any religion, but i do respect buddhism and the whole idea of not being attached to posessions and stuff like that, and the whole karma thing has brought me much happiness, it helps when bad things happen and you have the belief that things happen for a reason, and that something will come from the experience good or bad, it keeps you thinking about things

 

I believe in karma and in detachment from material goods...
but I don't consider myself buddhist in any way...

 

Buddhism isnt a religion

And there arent any laws in Buddhism. Just suggestions on how to live your life. The Buddha would have never commanded anyone what to do, I think.

 

He probably wouldn't have wanted all the temples, statues, and holidays in his honor, either.

 

Buddhism is a non-theistic religion.
And it does have certain "rules" you kind of live by if you really believe in the teachings...

They also have their own idea on virtuous behavior...

"Lay people generally undertake to live by the five precepts which are common to all Buddhist schools. If they wish, they can choose to undertake the eight precepts, which have some additional precepts of basic asceticism."

"The five precepts are not given in the form of commands such as "thou shalt not ...", but are training rules in order to live a better life in which one is happy, without worries, and can meditate well.
1. To refrain from taking life. (i.e. non-violence towards sentient life forms)
2. To refrain from taking that which is not given (i.e. not committing theft)
3. To refrain from sensual misconduct (abstinence from immoral sexual behavior)
4. To refrain from lying. (i.e. speaking truth always)
5. To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness (refrain from using drugs or alcohol)
In the eight precepts, the third precept on sexual misconduct is made more strict, and becomes a precept of celibacy.
The three additional rules of the eight precepts are:
6. To refrain from eating at the wrong time (only eat from sunrise to noon)
7. To refrain from dancing, using jewelery, going to shows, etc.
8. To refrain from using a high, luxurious bed."

 

Buddhism mainly consists of the 8 noble truth, i think those are the guidlines.. shaolin monks, and many other enlightened branches of buddhism offer areas of pleaure and materialism.. its not like meditating in a cave.. you can live a normal life.. fuck, any thing you want..

1.Right Understanding
2.Right Thoughts
3.Right Speech
4.Right Action
5.Right Livelihood
6.Right Effort
7.Right Mindfulness
8.Right Concentration

look these noble truths up, and it displays the basic concepts to the dharma's eight fold path to enlightenment

 

Every time I go to a Chinese restaurant I see his statue. You can tell he led a very sedentary life-style, and ate way too many fried pork dumplings. And what is it with those ears? He looks like a taxi cab going down the street with its front doors open...But that happy drooling-on-your-shirt look he always wears tells me he's been smokin' some of those pregnant Winstons...

 

I like Tibetan Buddhism, and ofcourse Zen. I would never ever call myself a "Buddhist" though. I think I'm closer to Taoism in my beliefs as it is...

I'm rambling, check out the Buddhism forum, lots of smart folk over there.

 

Here's the link to the Buddism forum. I have found it to be an excellent source of info.
http://www.hipforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=87

Peace,
poor_old_dad