Just recently began my study in buddhist philosophy and I'm wondering if there are any buddhist meeting places close by? I know of a Temple in Montery but thought there might be smaller group meetings for begginers somewhere? Anyway any help on the subject would be great from anyone as I'm new to the whole thing but feel a connection there for some reason??? Time will tell...
Hey, I don't really know much about Tenessee, but there is a Buddhist forum here that pretty good. I don't really do the whole reincarntaion thing, but I do claim I'm a buddhist for tax purposes. Anyway, good luck finding something in TN. http://www.hipforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=87
Here's a link I found. There are several groups on there. Hope it helped a bit sweetie, and good luck. http://www.buddhanet.net/americas/usa_tn.htm
Hey SurgarMaggie? Do you remember me? I got you confused with another maggie I knew about 6 months ago on here who worked at a store I shop at in Cookeville we talked on here for a little bit then realized the mistake....
Curious Jane, WHat are your interests in Buddhism? Are you interested in it as a medium for mental enlightenment or for spiritual reasons, etc.?
Both!! Going through the some of the things I have in my life and being exposed to the christian church at young age ( by my own accord!) I have through what little exposer I've had to buddhism felt like that it's ok to make mistakes in life as long as you learn from them. In christianity you are told "pray" and "give it to God" and if it doesn't work then your not sincere or your not living the right life.... I find it all that very dogmatic and one sided... Jesus was human and I belive through my own research that if he could come back in the flesh and see what the christain church has become he would look at that cross and say " Are you kidding me?!?" So I like the way Buddhism excepts you and teaches you to own up to your life not give it to someone else. I have dealt with alot of anger in my life and I like what it teaches about that as well..... I just think it's for me! although I still belive in God I belive more than anything Jesus was buddhist...
Doing good just got done with school not to long ago and am looking for a job !!! Which is not easy.... Yourself?
I mean I'm an atheist but I kinda dig the buddhist philosophy. The parts that aren't gomatic and involve reincarnation and stuff. It was a joke... fell flat, but like I always tell the girls, it's the thought that counts.
Jane, I am a Christian, but I also believe in many of the buddhist philosophies. Historically, Buddhism was not a religion and not even really spiritual. I guess I would agree with you that Jesus teachings did have a lot in common with buddhist philosophies. As a Christian interested in Buddhism, I always make sure that I don't ever use the buddha as an idol or let its philosophies interfere with my spiritual religion. I have a T-shirt with a picture of Buddha that says "Inquire whithin". I think that is of utmost importance for anyone to fully develope as an enlightened individual whether spiritual or not. Unlike you, I feel that as a Christian it is also ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them, and in doing so you are giving yourself to God by continuing to strive to live the best life you can in the eyes of God. The Christian Church as an institution and being a unique and individual Christian are two very different things.
still don't get the tax purpose bit though and what does gomatic mean either way, the humour wasn't lost on me, no worries
