Buddhist Tribe :) - Page 3

[seasiren]

 All religions have mysticism in common. We are all connected.

Buddhism is the opposite of dogma. Granted there are dogmatic Buddhists, but they are missing the point of  Buddhism. It is more about deconstructing beliefs than it is about creating them. 

I once had a wise woman in the Sangha laugh at me when I told her I was a pagan. I was taken aback ad she offered no explanation. I later asked my husband what it meant and he told me she probably thought it was funny because all Buddhists are essentially pagans. Goddess worshipers and earth lovers. Om Tara Tu Tare!

This conversation also reminds me of some things I heard the Dalhi lama say once. He said that if people find refuge in Christianity it is still a step towards knowing inner peace. (Something like that). This makes me think and from my experience in different Sanghas that real Buddhists are quite tolerant and compassionate to all paths. People are not simple and neither are their beliefs. And most western Buddhists have a pagan, Christian, or Jewish background. Hard to separate it out when its that ingrained don't you think? Ever heard of a JewBoo?

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by seasiren 

 All religions have mysticism in common. We are all connected.

Buddhism is the opposite of dogma. Granted there are dogmatic Buddhists, but they are missing the point of  Buddhism. It is more about deconstructing beliefs than it is about creating them. 

I once had a wise woman in the Sangha laugh at me when I told her I was a pagan. I was taken aback ad she offered no explanation. I later asked my husband what it meant and he told me she probably thought it was funny because all Buddhists are essentially pagans. Goddess worshipers and earth lovers. Om Tara Tu Tare!

This conversation also reminds me of some things I heard the Dalhi lama say once. He said that if people find refuge in Christianity it is still a step towards knowing inner peace. (Something like that). This makes me think and from my experience in different Sanghas that real Buddhists are quite tolerant and compassionate to all paths. People are not simple and neither are their beliefs. And most western Buddhists have a pagan, Christian, or Jewish background. Hard to separate it out when its that ingrained don't you think? Ever heard of a JewBoo?

Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective. That is essentially how I feel about it. I first started researching Buddhism due to being very drawn to Kwan Yin, and feeling an unexplainable connection to Her.

[Buddhamom]

See the beauty of Buddhism is it is non judgemental such as some Christian followers are. We are lay Buddhist and have been for many years.  We follow the Mahayana path.   It is defrinitely more of philosophy for us.  My daughter is 5 and has meditated and done yoga for a few years now.  Buddhism is a big part of our veganism.  I have been vegan for 20 years.

[vydalea]

I FOUND YOU!! 

I began my path to Buddhism when I took a religions class my freshman year of college.  I went through some radical changes in life and stumbled upon the Lama Surya Das book "Awakening the Buddha Within" when I was working at a bookstore and was organizing books one day.  That was it.  I had finally found a way of looking at the path of life that I connected with.  I just keep exploring deeper and deeper.  I listen to Zencast which I find very insightful and am re-reading "the heart of the buddha's teaching" again for the new year. 

In our household Love is our religion and Buddhism is our way of practicing it. 

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by Buddhamom 

See the beauty of Buddhism is it is non judgemental such as some Christian followers are. We are lay Buddhist and have been for many years.  We follow the Mahayana path.   It is defrinitely more of philosophy for us.  My daughter is 5 and has meditated and done yoga for a few years now.  Buddhism is a big part of our veganism.  I have been vegan for 20 years.

How do you teach your child to meditate? I think my oldest might benefit from this, but I'm not sure where to start with her.
 

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by vydalea 

I FOUND YOU!! 

I began my path to Buddhism when I took a religions class my freshman year of college.  I went through some radical changes in life and stumbled upon the Lama Surya Das book "Awakening the Buddha Within" when I was working at a bookstore and was organizing books one day.  That was it.  I had finally found a way of looking at the path of life that I connected with.  I just keep exploring deeper and deeper.  I listen to Zencast which I find very insightful and am re-reading "the heart of the buddha's teaching" again for the new year. 

In our household Love is our religion and Buddhism is our way of practicing it. 

    I like that last bit.  :)

[vydalea]

Thanks, enjoythesilence.  I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone brings Buddhist practices to their lives, including parenting. 

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by vydalea 

Thanks, enjoythesilence.  I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone brings Buddhist practices to their lives, including parenting. 

I am pretty new to Buddhism, and just trying to learn and read a lot as I can. One way that I have incorporated Buddhism into my life that was very positive, was doing mantras in my head while getting some dental work done (I have dental anxiety) and it helped me to not jump out of the chair in the middle of the procedure.

[seasiren]

Originally Posted by enjoythesilence 

I am pretty new to Buddhism, and just trying to learn and read a lot as I can. One way that I have incorporated Buddhism into my life that was very positive, was doing mantras in my head while getting some dental work done (I have dental anxiety) and it helped me to not jump out of the chair in the middle of the procedure.

This is one reason I am drawn to Buddhism. I love practical tools that work for us in our daily lives. Do you do the mantras at other times of anxiety? I have noticed that with practice over time your mind changes and then the anxiety changes. Some things are pretty stubborn in our minds, but other things do change.
 

[nathansmum]

Another buddhist pagan here too! I don't belong to any organised groups for either, but have done a lot of reading over the years. Buddhism spoke to me first, and then a few years ago I added paganism. I too see the two paths walking side by side - and it comes easy to me I think because I practice in a solitary way, so I take from the readings/rituals what I want. Within my pagan beliefs I don't believe in the gods/goddesses as such - I am a panthiest - so nature/earth is my god/dess. I also don't see either of these as religion - but more a lifestyle/philosophy.

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by seasiren 

This is one reason I am drawn to Buddhism. I love practical tools that work for us in our daily lives. Do you do the mantras at other times of anxiety? I have noticed that with practice over time your mind changes and then the anxiety changes. Some things are pretty stubborn in our minds, but other things do change.
 

Yes, but only in my head. Not sure if that is as good, but I live in close quarters, so not much privacy or space for chanting mantras.  I have found some success in combatting panic attacks with the mantras, and have started trying them when I am having a hard time sleeping.

   How about everyone else?
 

[TheSlingMama]

Come to think of it, I suppose I do have a mantra when I'm scared.  I concentrate on repeating it and then I don't have time to be scared of whatever it is! 

Does anyone use prayer beads?  I find myself very curious about them.

[vydalea]

Originally Posted by enjoythesilence 

I am pretty new to Buddhism, and just trying to learn and read a lot as I can. One way that I have incorporated Buddhism into my life that was very positive, was doing mantras in my head while getting some dental work done (I have dental anxiety) and it helped me to not jump out of the chair in the middle of the procedure.

enjoythesilence: I have found myself a similar situation... I would be very annoyed by waiting - at a red light, while driving behind slow drivers, while waiting in long lines.  Now I center myself by finding my breath and repeating "practice patience" over and over and enjoying just ''being'' for the moment in time.

TheSlingMama: I am also curious about prayer beads and was thinking of making myself some or finding some for myself soon but don't know enough about them... although, I'm assuming, like everything I've found with Buddhism you just make it your own.    I hope someone has some experience to share. 
 

[remijo]

Thank you for all the wisdom shared on this thread, its very helpful for someone just dipping into and trying to decide their path. I have recently come to buddhism and am still studying. It resonates with me and makes so much sense, I'm surprised I haven't done it sooner. After a couple days, I am already able to easier tap into my inner peace - especially in stressful situations. 

I was raised an atheist but felt like something was missing recently, I longed for more answers. I have a very bad tendency to want to control and know the future at every minute and this causes me great suffering - this itself is one of the main reasons I am drawn to buddhism.  I was wishing one day that I could just say "Let go and let God" and feel peace like some of my Christian friends do. But I kept tripping over the god part.  Finally I've found something that makes sense.

I intend on studying more and seeing where it leads me. I am close to a couple buddhist centers but I am not ready for that yet. In two months I might be moving to Korea which is exciting because I might get to experience Buddhism at its core and closer to the foundation but I think I will definitly feel like an outsider there so I don't know that I will attend any centers.

Oh and in addition, to the PP who said that she would wish her 15 month old could just be still - I am right there with you. My 14 month old is crazy active and somewhat high needs. I love her boundless curiosity and energy but I too wish she could just "be" at times.  I suppose that will come later. :)

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by TheSlingMama 

Come to think of it, I suppose I do have a mantra when I'm scared.  I concentrate on repeating it and then I don't have time to be scared of whatever it is! 

Does anyone use prayer beads?  I find myself very curious about them.

I found a website where you can design your own mala from many different materials. It is www.custommalashop.com   I have not ordered from them, but they seem to have a lot of good customer feedback on their Facebook page. I will probably get one at some point when I can spare the cash.

[enjoythesilence]

Originally Posted by remijo 

I was raised an atheist but felt like something was missing recently, I longed for more answers. I have a very bad tendency to want to control and know the future at every minute and this causes me great suffering - this itself is one of the main reasons I am drawn to buddhism.  I was wishing one day that I could just say "Let go and let God" and feel peace like some of my Christian friends do. But I kept tripping over the god part.  Finally I've found something that makes sense.

  I can relate to a lot of that. I was raised in a non-religious household, and had little exposure to religion/spirituality growing up.  I kind of wish I had had some exposure to different spiritualities, because I have felt like something was missing at various times, as well. 

[TheSlingMama]

Originally Posted by enjoythesilence 

I found a website where you can design your own mala from many different materials. It is www.custommalashop.com   I have not ordered from them, but they seem to have a lot of good customer feedback on their Facebook page. I will probably get one at some point when I can spare the cash.

Thanks SOO MUCH!!!  I quick built one and it'll run me around $55.  Definitely something to check out soon!

[seasiren]

I think someone mentioned earlier in this thread about the podcast Buddhist Geek. Anyways, yesterday I listened to the most recent cast (2-28-11)  with a cool interview with Karen Mazen Miller. She wrote a book called "Mama Zen" and talks very frankly about life and family and practice. Did anyone listen to it?

By the way Happy Losar! (Tibetan New Year)

[kythe]

What is a podcast?  Can it be accessed from a regular computer?  I need to figure these things out. ;)

I consider meditation the most crucial part of Buddhist everyday practice.  I often find I can't meditate at all unless I've been taking my antidepressants regularly and am feeling in control of my life.  I've had trouble reconciling this since I want to believe that if we are spiritually advanced enough, we should be able to take complete control of our lives through our attitudes and behaviors.  I can't reach this point without medical help though.

I have found in the past that if I continue meditating daily and reciting the heart sutra like they do in our local temple, this state of mind begins to permeate everything I do.  I remember once going through a rough spot and almost "hearing" the heart sutra in my mind, as if telling me how to approach life.  It is so much better than the constant stream of negative self-talk and criticism I usually have going through my head.  Saying the sutra regularly is almost like reprogramming my mind.  I haven't been to the temple in more than a year now and I don't remember why I stopped meditating.  I need to start again to get my life back on a more positive track.

In this way, I think of Buddhism as a new way of thinking, moreso than a series of actions.  I tend to need reminders to stick with it though!  Self-discipline can also be hard to develop.

[vydalea]

Originally Posted by seasiren 

I think someone mentioned earlier in this thread about the podcast Buddhist Geek. Anyways, yesterday I listened to the most recent cast (2-28-11)  with a cool interview with Karen Mazen Miller. She wrote a book called "Mama Zen" and talks very frankly about life and family and practice. Did anyone listen to it?

By the way Happy Losar! (Tibetan New Year)

Interestingly I just read about Karen Mazen Miller and her book Mama Zen and wanted to find out more about it.  This is awesome!  Thank you for the information!