Hi All
I go to a class each week to study the Dharma/Meditation which is fantastic. We study the Vajriana path.
I used to be a regular church-goer (anglican) but drifted away some time ago as I felt there was just more to it all then they were teaching me. Since studying Buddhism I have found that I now understand Jesus's teaching's much more and the bible has taken on a much deeper meaning. It has really helped me a lot spiritually.
Our teacher actually discourages us from changing our 'religion/faith' that we are born into but has shown us that we can develop a better understanding of it and discover the real beauty of it. I now go to church from time to time and get so much more from it. My old church friends are very anti my classes but I feel they have helped me a lot.
I just wondered if there was anyone else on HP going down a similar path?
Vix x
RE: Dharma/Buddhism/Christianity
Hi Vix,
I'm not going down a similar path, but rather trying to find that path! I'd dearly love to find a Sangha so that I can meet up with other likeminded individuals and be in that energy. I'm glad you've found something a group that appeals and hopefully I'll find something similar soon!
RE: Dharma/Buddhism/Christianity
Dear Vix,
As a Buddhist I'm afraid I'm not on a similar path buit would like to wish you good luck on your search for a deeper spiritual path. Many of the basic meditations that are taught in Buddhist centres are common to many religions anyway - eg, awarenss of breathing for example - however I've come across Christians who simply don't understand or are frightened of such things. It says more about their own insecurites rather than tha path you're on. I've always seen questioning and investigating things an expression of confidence in the Path, and my faith is more likely to be deeper if I test the path and find it to be true than if I simply take the surface level and convince myself to "believe". It would seem to be the case with you and that in itself should tell you all you need to know about what you are doing.
Your friends at church who are so against what you are doing may be against it for a mixture of reasons - all I suspect pointing to their own lack of knowledge or insecurities. I don't say this as a sort of put down - it's simply where they're coming from. You don't have to go along with it however and may want to look for where there is more understanding.
I don't know if you saw the TV series "The Monastary" in which a group of men left their everyday lives to live in a monastic community for 40 days and nights. In the follow-up programme one of the participants said he found many of the people at the churches he'd gone to since to be "fake". Probably because of the depths he'd plumbed at the monastary, living with other people wholly committed to the spiritual path and truth. Many find that an uncomfortable depth to go to, even if they are aware it's there. Your explorations may be touching one or two raw nerves.
If you're studying Vajrayana then I"m sure you're aware of the importance placed on compassion. For those who don't understand or who are against what you are doing, maybe some prayers for them might be in order?
Best wishes,