RE: Why did buddhism appeal to you?
Bodhi
I think for me now it all just seemed to "make sense" as if recognised aspect of it from some unconscious awareness
I kinda follow that, Bodhi. Looking over the Zen thread, I find many things there in the descriptions that I have come to believe through my own inner searchings, without necessarily knowing they originated with Buddhist teachings. I haven't read much about Buddhism.. don't know if it's because I'm not ready for it or because I've already 'done that'... 🙂
One day I read a book on Zen and thought 'Ah, I finally understand it!'. Don't ask me what I understood though! Of late, Buddhist teachings bring me deep comfort and serenity and I suppose that's all you can ask of most spiritual paths...
Blessings
Moonfeather
PS - Has anyone read the books 'Buddha Da'? Wonderful little tale.
RE: Why did buddhism appeal to you?
My partner and I are both very interested in Buddhism. Its grown on us over the 3 years since we first met. A lot of the ways we relate too, a lot of the ideas are very much the way we both see things.
For example - if something bad happens, there must be a reason for it, and usually quite soon after you find that there is a reason, a very good one.
Its also the way you feel and think within yourself... its a peace you cant really describe. You just feel so at peace with the world in general, because you know things change and things wont always be the same. We continually learn through life and that to me is what life as been about, one big learning experience.
But to me Buddhism isnt a religion or something you worship, its the way you live your life and the way you see others.
I've struggled all my life with insecurity and its helped me a great deal, not just with this part of my nature but other parts too.
The meditation aspect of buddhism is something we both want to discover more about but we need to find a local buddhist group. Being new to the area we arent sure where to start.
RE: Why did buddhism appeal to you?
I was attracted to Buddhism after living in Thailand for 7 years. My husband although Thai, was actually brought up as a Muslim but changed to Buddhism as he felt much more comfortable with that way of life. Like you Manadafan, I don't regard it as a religion as for me there is no dogma attached to it. I picked up a book by the Dalai Lama which started off saying, "these are my thoughts which I would like to pass on you - if you find them useful then please introduce them into your life, if they are not, then throw the book away". That to me is what religion should be about - not forcing doctrines down one's throat. I don't pretend to understand a lot about Buddhism as I find some of it difficult to grasp (to a western mind) but we have lots of Buddhas around our house and to me they are just beautiful and I feel at peace when looking at them. I find the Thai style Buddhas to be far more graceful than the Chinese ones and also bear in mind that the so called Laughing Buddhas of China are not actually Lord Buddha himself but a chinese monk called Sankhajai (spelling). Similarly the Japanese ones are of a monk called Daibucho (again sp).
Love
RE: Why did buddhism appeal to you?
Hi,
i have to say that i also find budhism very appealing, i am not Budhist and have no intention ir feeling to convert, learn more as such and am happy as i am. but i just like what i see of it but then a lot of religions are appealing in some way.
I like the little budhas..prehaps as a muslim i am not supposed to but i don't really think that is the case..i think it is one of Allah's gifts and just as vital as anything else.
i must admit i don't know much why I like it but it has a nice feel about it..interesting as well,
hal
RE: Why did buddhism appeal to you?
Hello Hal,
You are so right. We can learn a lot from each other.
Love,
Patsy.
😀