Buddhism

[Agaliha]

Today I went to the library and check out a ton of CDs (world music, mostly Asian and Indian, chants-- Buddhist and Hindu, Vietnamese/Cambodian/Thai music etc.) and books.
I went by the religion section like I always do and just walked by. I then felt a strong urge to go back to that row, so I did and immediately saw the Buddhism books. Now I've seen them there all the time, but I never felt the need to grab the whole section! So I took the clue and got some books.
I've looked into a lot of religions and paths (Christianity, Catholicism, Baha'i, Hinduism, Wicca, UU, Judiasm, Sufism, Slavic Paganism, Celtic paganism, Kemetic Orthodoxy, Tameran, Native American, Shamanism...on and on and on), but for some reason Buddhism has escaped my research and time.
So I figure it is time to learn and experience. Who knows, it might be the thing I've been looking for all this time.

Anyway, I'm hoping there are some on MW that know about Buddhism and such-- or Taoism or anything like that.
I'm searching though MW for threads about it and I'm going to look online for info and such-- I'm not asking for info really...but if anyone has any great sites that would be cool and much helpful :). And I'm going to the CoT for the class archive there.
Sometimes I need to talk things out--to learn and understand, if you know what I mean.

These are the books from the library I got, I'm hoping they explain everything well:

*A popular dictionary of Buddhism (Humphreys, Christmas)
*The Dhammapada : verses on the Way : a new translation of the teachings of the Buddha, with a guide to reading the text
*Wide awake : a Buddhist guide for teens (Winston, Diana)
*Taoism : origins, beliefs, practices, holy texts, sacred places (Jennifer Oldstone-Moore)
*The everything Buddhism book : learn the ancient traditions and apply them to modern life (Sach, Jacky.)

Any others reccommeded? Cause my library system as 417 books under the keyword!

I know a some about Buddhism, from the path I was taught as a child (It combined a lot of Buddhist and Hindu aspects in it along with some other things...) and from my research and learning of Hinduism just a while ago. I do know my first name is an important part of Buddhism and things like that :)

Anyway, I'm excited to get :reading:

[Shanti]

The best place on the web. They have everything imaginable and a library that is very extensive!!
http://www.buddhanet.net/

[Agaliha]

Thanks so much Shanti, I'm reading though your Buddhism class too :)

[Auroro]

Namaste BlessedFeathers,
I considered myself Buddhist for several months, I practiced all the Buddhist ways (Zen), and found it very interesting, though I couldn't stick to the path because my beliefs wandered elsewhere... Eventually to what I am now...

Om Shanti,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Namaste BlessedFeathers,
I considered myself Buddhist for several months, I practiced all the Buddhist ways (Zen), and found it very interesting, though I couldn't stick to the path because my beliefs wandered elsewhere... Eventually to what I am now...
Om Shanti,
Yoddha.

Interesting. I understand about wondering, since I've sent my whole life wondering and seeking and learning about different religions and beliefs.
Did you also look into Hinduism or no? Cause you use a lot of Sanskrit words and phrases.
I spent a lot of time on Hinduism, with Saraswati (and others) and the beliefs and scriptures. I by no means scratched the surface (it could take years, decades even to fully learn and understand), but I've learned a lot. I still have a more Hindu outlook on may things, but as a religion...I don't know if I could convert fully...yet.
Well thanks for replying :)

[Toby Stimpson]

Blessed...you KNOW there are people here lol. I would recommend Christmas Humphreys "Buddhism"...it may not be as indepth as his dictionary book...but he has some interesting ideas and he also covers a lot of the main schools. What I like about his books though is, well even though they are so old, is that he writes from the perspective of a western student and becasue of that goes to explain many elements that may be just normal to asian and east asian Buddhists. I think there are a lot of elements that are akin to both buddhism and hinduism, and also becasue of that (especially in the Vajrayana) many of the same Mantras and less philisophical practices are similar.

I recommend...them all! Muahahaha, read as many as you can...after all you have hundreds, even thousands of lifetimes to finish them lol.

Namaste

Tobias

[Agaliha]

Blessed...you KNOW there are people here lol. I would recommend Christmas Humphreys "Buddhism"...it may not be as indepth as his dictionary book...but he has some interesting ideas and he also covers a lot of the main schools. What I like about his books though is, well even though they are so old, is that he writes from the perspective of a western student and becasue of that goes to explain many elements that may be just normal to asian and east asian Buddhists. I think there are a lot of elements that are akin to both buddhism and hinduism, and also becasue of that (especially in the Vajrayana) many of the same Mantras and less philisophical practices are similar.
I recommend...them all! Muahahaha, read as many as you can...after all you have hundreds, even thousands of lifetimes to finish them lol.
Namaste
Tobias

Hey, Galadraal! So you are also into Buddhism as well as Hinduism? (sometimes it's hard to keep track of everyone on here, lol).
Thanks for the reccommedation...Christmas H's Dictionary looks helpful, so I'm thinking the other might be as well. I'd like to know the differences in Schools and such so eventually I can know which one to concentrate on. Right now I'm learning the basics :)
I started reading some last night and I find it quite interesting. :abanana:
Yeah, I do have a long time to read, 417 books is a lot though!!
And yes, I do agree about the lifetimes, there are many more to come and many that have passed.

Oh, so if I ever want to ask questions or talk about Buddhism/Hinduism things I could go to you? I assume you enjoy talking about them and discussing things like that. I know I do :)

[Auroro]

Interesting. I understand about wondering, since I've sent my whole life wondering and seeking and learning about different religions and beliefs.
Did you also look into Hinduism or no? Cause you use a lot of Sanskrit words and phrases.
I spent a lot of time on Hinduism, with Saraswati (and others) and the beliefs and scriptures. I by no means scratched the surface (it could take years, decades even to fully learn and understand), but I've learned a lot. I still have a more Hindu outlook on may things, but as a religion...I don't know if I could convert fully...yet.
Well thanks for replying :)

Yes, I have too considered myself Hindu. That lost it's flavor, there were many ethics I highly disliked. Plus, sanskrit is just cool. Anyway. Since you've started this topic, I've recieved many mental images of a Zen Monastary that I once was to visit, but never had the chance to in the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York. They're called the Mountain and Rivers Order (http://www.mro.org). I've also recieved many mental thoughts (not as in thinking, but as in like cognition of thought rather than picture), that had to do a lot with buddhism. Last christmas, a friend of mine bought me a small buddha sculpture, one of those cheap red ones.

In Peace,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Oh nice pics on the site. Seems cool. Thanks for the link.

As far as calling yourself things...I don't ever call myself or label myself any religious name/title till I know 100% (or something close) I am that. If I just went on interest and the moments I'd be a: Protestant-Catholic-Baha'i-Wiccan-Sufi-Hindu-Slavic Pagan-Celtic Pagan-Shaman-Unitarian Universalist-Jewish-Buddhist. Lol. But that's your business how you go about those things.

Burlington Coat Factory (I think) has a home decor area where tons of statues are discounted. That's where I got 4 of my Bast statues and they're in great condition and sooooo cool. They have statues of Buddha there that I might get soon.
:)

[Auroro]

Oh nice pics on the site. Seems cool. Thanks for the link.

As far as calling yourself things...I don't ever call myself or label myself any religious name/title till I know 100% (or something close) I am that. If I just went on interest and the moments I'd be a: Protestant-Catholic-Baha'i-Wiccan-Sufi-Hindu-Slavic Pagan-Celtic Pagan-Shaman-Unitarian Universalist-Jewish-Buddhist. Lol. But that's your business how you go about those things.

Burlington Coat Factory (I think) has a home decor area where tons of statues are discounted. That's where I got 4 of my Bast statues and they're in great condition and sooooo cool. They have statues of Buddha there that I might get soon.
:)

They're all labels really, and what's a label in reality? Just a word.

With spirit,
Yoddha.

[Vivienne]

I also study buddhism, Tibetan to be exact, and have found a way to integrate both the Witch's path with the Buddhist path...it is actually quite easy to do. I had the same experience as you, Blessed. Went to B&N searching for something but I didn't know what. A book just jumped out at me, and it's a book I recommend to anyone who is interested in finding out about how a westerner can practice Tibetan buddhism while being in the everyday world.

The book is called "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das, who grew up Jewish on Long Island. I love the Dalai Lama books deeply...and am going to see him in Washing D.C. in November! With Lama Surya Das, however, he can give you an overview of Tibetan buddhism, but with an American's perspective.

While I've gone on to other texts, I can't say enough about this book. It might be worth your while to check it out.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Toby Stimpson]

Mmm surya Das...he holds a lot of wisdom.

I have studied Buddhism almost as keenly as hinduism, although it took me a little time to get around soem of the basic philosophies. I think I became more interested in it after watching "Words of my perfect teahcer" by lesley Ann patten, a toronto filmaker (she now lives in halifax I believe now) who followed a Lama around on his journey to teach students worldwide. www.wordsofmyperfectteacher.com (www.wordsofmyperfectteacher.com) is the home sit and it was produced by the National Filmboard of Canada, is world acclaimed and soemhow brings the message of Buddhism to a more western perspectiove. It was filmed around the time of september 11th, and follows the small group from london, to the Us and Canada where they meet Steven Segal, to Bhutan where the rinpoche holds his house. It was an interesting movie and it really caught my attention. Now i study buddhism, hinduism...everything! I always enjoy the philisophical debates between Buiddhists and Hindus...the ideas are not that disimilar really...Nirvana and Moksha are in essence the same...both liberation from reincarnation. One deals with god, one delas with soemthing else...

namaste

Tobias

[Agaliha]

Well I have been reading the books and I must say it makes sense!
Before I thought Buddhism was negative (everything is suffering, etc) so I just never considered looking into it, you know. But how it was explained makes sense and I don't see it as negative anymore. It's interesting. I stayed up most of the night reading, and I even dreamed about some of the stuff. I rememeber saying and thinking Buddha in my dream.
Something also interesting...the book talked about Buddha's life and how he taught and lived in the Deer Park and even before I went to the library and got the books and got interested I kept having images of deers come to me. Maybe it was a sign to guide me and let me know I am on the right path with learning about Buddhism. :). Pretty cool.
I also looked into the two main Schools and Mahayana Buddhism is the path I plan on focusing on once I learn the basics. Mahayana just makes more sense to me and calls to me more than Theravada.
Anyway, it's pretty cool :)

Here's a great place that compares and contrasts the two Schools:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot02.htm

Wait there is also Tantric Buddhism too, right?
I'll have to look into that one later!

Oh and this site HERE (http://www.4to40.com/activities/artcraft/html/coloringbook9.htm)has great printable pics to color (not not) for Hindu figures and Buddha. I'm going to use one of Buddha till I get my statue. :)

[dragoncrone]

Right now I'm not going to add anything to your ' reading list.' You have more than enough!
I will say, I discovered Wicca first and Buddhism second, along my journey -- and I find they complement each other very well, in terms of what both require from us and what both give us in return.
Blessings and enjoy your books!

[Agaliha]

Right now I'm not going to add anything to your ' reading list.' You have more than enough!
I will say, I discovered Wicca first and Buddhism second, along my journey -- and I find they complement each other very well, in terms of what both require from us and what both give us in return.
Blessings and enjoy your books!

Thank you, DragonCrone :) I am enjoying them so far!

I never thought Wicca and Buddhism could fit...because I read this:

What did the Buddha teach about magic and fortune telling?
The Buddha considered such practices as fortune telling, wearing magic charms for protection, fixing lucky sites for building, prophesizing and fixing lucky days to be useless superstitions and he expressly forbids his disciples to practice such things. He calls all these things 'low arts.

'"Whereas some religious men, while living of food provided by the faithful make their living by such low arts, such wrong means of livelihood as palmistry, divining by signs, interpreting dreams... bringing good or bad luck... invoking the goodness of luck... picking the lucky site for a building, the monk Gotama refrains from such low arts, such wrong means of livelihood."

Then why do people sometimes practice such things and believe in them?
Because of greed, fear and ignorance. As soon as people understand the Buddha's teachings, they realize that a pure heart can protect them much better than bits of paper, bits of metal and a few chanted words and they no longer rely on such things. In the teachings of the Buddha, it is honesty, kindness, understanding, patience, forgiveness, generosity, loyalty and other good qualities that truly protect you and give you true prosperity.

From: Buddhanet.com

Wouldn't Wicca go against the teachings of Buddha? I'm a tad confused! If you care to explain that'd be quite helpful! :)

And with the deer symbolism and link to Buddhism I found this:
Sometimes the Buddha is depicted seated on a throne upn which two deer - facing each other - are depicted. These relate to the Buddha's first teaching which took place at the Deer Park in Sanarth, Northern India. Sometimes two deer are portrayed either side of the the Wheel of Law which in itself is associated with the Buddha's teachings.
(about.com)
So I know for sure now that those deer images and visions I was seeing before all this happened was in some way linked to Buddhism. I think I'm on the right path with learning now :uhhuhuh:

[Auroro]

Yes, since the beginning of this discussion I have been strongly drawn towards Buddhism, though I do not know which I will wish to study thouroughly. I am very interested in Tibetan Buddhism at this point, but I know not about it. I know of the basic buddhist concepts and such. Though in psychology class tomorrow and friday, we are going to be doing cultural studies and I have chosen Tibet as my country & culture. I hope it will let me learn more about Tibetan Buddhism as well as the Tibetan culture, even though they are under the occupation of China at the moment and their government is in exile. See... that would be something I would sign up for the military for, to liberate Tibet from China, but that's about it.

BlessedFeather, I propose that you and I share information, if that'd be okay. (Like reccomend books, websites, and etcetera to one another as we study.)

Namaste,
Yoddha.

P.S. I also have a very strong pull to Zen Buddhism. (Mahayana).

[Toby Stimpson]

I have often thought about this...until i realized soemthing. this is my justification for soemone who takes Buddhism seriously. What purpose does magic serve from a Buddhist point of view? I ask you to look at the purpose it holds in Tibetan Vajrayana. It is a remnant of the old Bon religion...and in effect it's ability to survive in the religion is becasue Buddhists realize that we as potential buddhas are on a scale of ignorance. Ranging from the truly 'ignorant' who are believers in life, and this universe...to the "enlightened" who are the Buddhas. Becasue we have a scale of ignorance and becasue not all minds will be able to grasp onto the philosphies as easily as others then soemthing else more superstitious is necessary to bridge the gap. I like to think that wicca is a necessary step for those who are unable to grasp the concepts of nirvana and unattachment. In Therevada, ofcourse, the idea is completly different. they are the opposite of the spectrum and they believe strongly that you will either realize it or not...and nothing should be in between. I think though that Gautama was mening that "if you choose a strong path to Nirvana, you really should abandon such things as magic and other such things, becasue ultimatly you will not need them and they will distract the mind from it's goal." Thats what i would say when it comes to this.

namaste

Tobias

P.S. On the occupation, it is quite sad. America goes into Iraq...but refuses to aid Tibet when it was being occupied. One of the worst crimes and continuing shames of the west is to ignore the occuptaion merely becasue it would bring a trading partnor down.

[Vivienne]

For me, when I first stepped on to the pagan path, the Goddess Brigid called to me immediately. I always see her in a Mothering way. Artemis soon followed in her Maiden aspect, and then Hecate as the Crone. However, because of my own personal experiences with religion, and what I've seen in the world involving masogynistic views, it was difficult for me to align myself with the God...and I'm very interested in achieving balance in my life, so this troubled me a bit.

When I began to study Buddhism, it brought to my attention much that I had been overlooking, and rounded my spiritual nature out quite nicely, I may add. My conclusion lately is that I have my Goddess alignment in the Maiden, Mother and Crone mentioned above, and my God alignment in Buddhanature.

With any belief structure, it's important to bear in mind the individual nature of it. You don't have to agree with everything buddhism teaches. In fact, some things that don't seem to apply now may at some point in your personal evolution. It's all completely personal. Embrace what suits you now, and be open for any changes you experience along the way.

Most of all, enjoy the journey! :)

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Agaliha]

Yes, since the beginning of this discussion I have been strongly drawn towards Buddhism, though I do not know which I will wish to study thouroughly. I am very interested in Tibetan Buddhism at this point, but I know not about it. I know of the basic buddhist concepts and such. Though in psychology class tomorrow and friday, we are going to be doing cultural studies and I have chosen Tibet as my country & culture. I hope it will let me learn more about Tibetan Buddhism as well as the Tibetan culture, even though they are under the occupation of China at the moment and their government is in exile. See... that would be something I would sign up for the military for, to liberate Tibet from China, but that's about it.

Interesting... Maybe this time you won't wonder?? Well the more the merrier :)
I'm getting pretty into it right now...and with the deer images that kept coming to me and the feeling at the library...I am even more interested. I feel I am meant to learn something about Buddhism...something important.

As far as learning about Tibetan Buddhism, there are sites online about it. GO HERE (http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Tibetan+Buddhism&fr=FP-tab-web-t-288&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8)to see some that showed up when I searched.



BlessedFeathers, I propose that you and I share information, if that'd be okay. (Like reccomend books, websites, and etcetera to one another as we study.)


No problem with that. It's not my place to stop someone from learning!
Right how the "Everything Buddhism" book I meantioned is quite helpful. It explains everything in an easy way with easy to relate to and understandable examples. It's helpful for the beginning. Once I grasp the foundation I plan on looking for books that pertain more towards Mahayana Buddhism and deeper things. As well as things dealing with the actual practice-- Meditation and such.

[Agaliha]

For me, when I first stepped on to the pagan path, the Goddess Brigid called to me immediately. I always see her in a Mothering way. Artemis soon followed in her Maiden aspect, and then Hecate as the Crone. However, because of my own personal experiences with religion, and what I've seen in the world involving masogynistic views, it was difficult for me to align myself with the God...and I'm very interested in achieving balance in my life, so this troubled me a bit.
When I began to study Buddhism, it brought to my attention much that I had been overlooking, and rounded my spiritual nature out quite nicely, I may add. My conclusion lately is that I have my Goddess alignment in the Maiden, Mother and Crone mentioned above, and my God alignment in Buddhanature.
With any belief structure, it's important to bear in mind the individual nature of it. You don't have to agree with everything buddhism teaches. In fact, some things that don't seem to apply now may at some point in your personal evolution. It's all completely personal. Embrace what suits you now, and be open for any changes you experience along the way.
Most of all, enjoy the journey! :)
Namaste,
Vivienne

Thanks for sharing that.
Right now there are some things that just don't sit right with me that are part of Buddhism-- the fact that there is no soul is something that is hard for me to consider, because I believe we have a soul. But I'm just learning and everything else, time will tell if it is right for me. I've looked into so many Faiths and a lot are apart of me and my path now. Buddhism might just be another piece to my path's puzzle that I have been missing.:)
Thanks for the advice too.

Oh, I don't know anything about Taoism besides bits here and there (for some reason I neglected the Eastern based faiths except Hinduism, don't know why though) but I have a good book about it that explains it. I read some Tao based poems and they're really cool and make sense as well. So I'm looking there as well.
Who knows, maybe Buddhism will open my eyes to something else...and somewhere else!

YODDHA: check this site out: http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/sects/tibetan.htm
might be helpful :)

[Auroro]

BlessedFeathers, I reccomend that you head over to the Buddhanet Ebooks (http://www.buddhanet.net/ebooks.htm), because I have found them very useful. I've looked through a couple, now I'm going through the lists and reading them word by word, page by page, cover to cover. The only setback to this is that all your reading is done online. I'm fine with this, but the screen can get agitating on the eyes at times, and after long periods of sitting in front of the computer reading, with the other people in my household always distracting me, I have to play some music. It's not the traditional calming music, but it calms me :toofless: . I Listen to deathmetal and stuff like that, the screamy stuff. Odd for an aspiring Buddhist huh?

Don't worry, it's highly unlikely that I will wander. I was young then, going through a difficult time in my life, depression, attempted suicide, the works. I believe I'm ready for this change. And yes, the more the merrier, tis always good.In fact, there is a Zen Monastary not for from here, I think I've mentioned this previously in this forum. Yes, the www.mro.org (www.mro.org) site.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

P.S. You have me VERY curious to what your first name is now! hehe.

[Vivienne]

Thanks for sharing that.
Right now there are some things that just don't sit right with me that are part of Buddhism-- the fact that there is no soul is something that is hard for me to consider, because I believe we have a soul. But I'm just learning and everything else, time will tell if it is right for me. I've looked into so many Faiths and a lot are apart of me and my path now. Buddhism might just be another piece to my path's puzzle that I have been missing.:)
Thanks for the advice too.

Oh, I don't know anything about Taoism besides bits here and there (for some reason I neglected the Eastern based faiths except Hinduism, don't know why though) but I have a good book about it that explains it. I read some Tao based poems and they're really cool and make sense as well. So I'm looking there as well.
Who knows, maybe Buddhism will open my eyes to something else...and somewhere else!

YODDHA: check this site out: http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/sects/tibetan.htm
might be helpful :)
I've studied buddhism for years, and have never come across the notion that we have no soul! Indeed, quite the contrary. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, or rebirth...which is why we have the 14th Dalai Lama. He's not just voted in by his constituents...he is sought out by appointed monks who test him to be sure that he is the reincarnated soul of the 13th Dalai Lama...who is actually considered the earthbound emanation of Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.

You may find the following films of interest: Kundun and Seven Years in Tibet. They are films, but they also convey much about the Buddhist philosophy. Also, check with PBS to see if you can locate any other informative programming they've had regarding Buddhism.

You are very new on this path, and how exciting is that? Allow yourself to absorb what you read, and don't take everything you read completely literally. Like many spiritual paths, books and other media sources that you look into are often someone else's understanding of the teachings. You will develop your own understanding of the teachings. And that will be good for you personally. There is so much diverse knowledge at our disposal everyday...and for that I am truely grateful.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Agaliha]

BlessedFeathers, I reccomend that you head over to the Buddhanet Ebooks (http://www.buddhanet.net/ebooks.htm), because I have found them very useful. I've looked through a couple, now I'm going through the lists and reading them word by word, page by page, cover to cover. The only setback to this is that all your reading is done online. I'm fine with this, but the screen can get agitating on the eyes at times, and after long periods of sitting in front of the computer reading, with the other people in my household always distracting me, I have to play some music. It's not the traditional calming music, but it calms me :toofless: . I Listen to deathmetal and stuff like that, the screamy stuff. Odd for an aspiring Buddhist huh?

Oh, yeah I looked through that sites lessons for beginners and the comparisons of thte two main Schools. It is a great site. But yes the online reading can be a problem. I usually print everything up 4 pages to a sheet of paper and read it later...but my parents are a little annoyed at the fact that the paper disappears so quicky and I don't pay for anyone it. Heh. I'll be looking there later though.



Don't worry, it's highly unlikely that I will wander. I was young then, going through a difficult time in my life, depression, attempted suicide, the works. I believe I'm ready for this change. And yes, the more the merrier, tis always good.In fact, there is a Zen Monastary not for from here, I think I've mentioned this previously in this forum. Yes, the www.mro.org (http://www.mro.org/) site.

Well it's really none of my business, but because you mentioned it on MW... are you still going to do "Clericy" or starting your own Tradtion? Or just focus on Buddhism now?



P.S. You have me VERY curious to what your first name is now! hehe.

He he he. You will never know! And if you guess or ask I will never tell!

[Agaliha]

I've studied buddhism for years, and have never come across the notion that we have no soul!

Well the book said something to that effect.
Like this:

According to Buddhist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism) teaching, all things are impermanent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impermanence), in a constant state of flux, all is transient, and no abiding state exists. This applies to humanity as much as to anything else in the cosmos; thus, there is no unchanging and abiding self. Our sense of "I" or "me" is simply a sense belonging to the ever-changing entity that (conventionally speaking) is us, our body, and mind. This expresses in essence the Buddhist principle of anatta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatta) (Pāli; Sanskrit: anātman).
Buddhists hold that the delusion of a permanent, abiding self is one of the main root causes for human conflict (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict) on the emotional, social and political levels. They add that understanding of anatta (or "not-self") provides an accurate description of the human condition, and that this understanding allows "us" to go beyond "our" mundane desires. Nirvana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana) is solely recognized as being distinct. Buddhists can speak in conventional terms of the soul or of self as a matter of convenience, but only under the conviction that ultimately "we" are changing entities. At death, the body and mind disintegrate; if the disintegrating mind contains any remaining traces of karma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma), it will cause the continuity of the consciousness to bounce back an arising mind to an awaiting being, that is, a fetus developing the ability to harbor consciousness. Thus, in Buddhist teaching, a being that is born is neither entirely different nor exactly the same as it was prior to rebirth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_%28Buddhist%29).
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul#Buddhist_beliefs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul#Buddhist_beliefs)

From the book: Everything Buddhism
Anatman- Sanskrit: No-soul
"Buddhism is unique in that it denies the existance of a soul as it denies the existance of a self. Because, sd we have seen, the self is an illusion born of the ego with no reality to base itself on, the self connot have a soul. It is a very frightening proposition for many people to consider--that there is no soul and the ego that rules our life on earth is an illusion. Humankind created the idea of a soul so that we could find comport in the afterlife and not have to deal wholly with the possibility of annihilation. In Buddhism the soul is an illusion, as the self is an illusion."

So from what I read it does seem to me that they believe we don't have a soul as it is an illusion.
Reincarnation and rebirth can occur without a soul.


Again, thanks for the advice.

[Auroro]

Well, my first two names are James Ryan, cept I go by Ryan cause James is my father's first name as well.

The 'clericy' transformed into the 'temple of awyn' into 'what the hell am I talking about?'.

I'd like to print up a bunch of stuff as well, but I just don't have the resources, the ink and paper can get expensive after a while, and I figure the books at Barnes and Noble are cheaper.

I love the buddhanet.net site, it has a lot of resources on it. I've got a lot of reading in front of me through there as well.

Wow, I just looked over to the side panel with the smilies and saw the yawning one, and I decided I'm tired and I should go get some meditation in in a little bit before I got to bed. Probably a half hour left in me for the computer though. hehe.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Vivienne]

My perception is that what they are referring to is the common notion of a permanent, unchanging static essence that never changes, but merely switches bodies. Buddhist believe that everything is impermanent...that everything is in a state of change. Isn't that why we continue to strive to evolve?

The line, "if the disintegrating mind contains any remaining traces of karma, it will cause the continuity of the consciousness to bounce back an arising mind to an awaiting being, that is, a fetus developing the ability to harbor consciousness." The word consciousness is what is important here. The buddhists don't believe in the Christian version of a soul, but of your consciousness returning to finish a karmic tie to this earth, or if the consciousness has devoted itself to that of a bodhisattva (a being who has achieved enlightenment, and therefore is able to ascend to nirvana, but who has decided for reasons of a compassionate nature to vow to continue to return until everyone has achieved enlightenment, and therefore all suffering has ceased.) returning to continue it's path.

The second quote seems to be a vast generalization. Again, it's important to be careful what you read and consider the source. Keep reading, Blessed. Keep contemplating and considering. Your dharma will come.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Auroro]

My perception is that what they are referring to is the common notion of a permanent, unchanging static essence that never changes, but merely switches bodies. Buddhist believe that everything is impermanent...that everything is in a state of change. Isn't that why we continue to strive to evolve?

The line, "if the disintegrating mind contains any remaining traces of karma, it will cause the continuity of the consciousness to bounce back an arising mind to an awaiting being, that is, a fetus developing the ability to harbor consciousness." The word consciousness is what is important here. The buddhists don't believe in the Christian version of a soul, but of your consciousness returning to finish a karmic tie to this earth, or if the consciousness has devoted itself to that of a bodhisattva (a being who has achieved enlightenment, and therefore is able to ascend to nirvana, but who has decided for reasons of a compassionate nature to vow to continue to return until everyone has achieved enlightenment, and therefore all suffering has ceased.) returning to continue it's path.

The second quote seems to be a vast generalization. Again, it's important to be careful what you read and consider the source. Keep reading, Blessed. Keep contemplating and considering. Your dharma will come.

Namaste,
Vivienne

I love how you worded that. In fact, I have read something very similar on a different site, and the way you have read it cleared up some questions I had. Thank you.

In good thought,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

The 'clericy' transformed into the 'temple of awyn' into 'what the hell am I talking about?'.


lol. Okay. I've had moments like that as well.

Vivienne: Well I realize there are a lot of things I still need to read, learn and understand. A whole lot! I'm not taking one source as the "gospel" but since this is the first book I'm reading about it, that part jumped out at me. Thanks for clearing that up. :p


ETA: Buddhanet also has some great coloring pages of Buddhist symbols and things
HERE (http://www.buddhanet.net/lineart/symbols/index.htm)
They're cool.

And Beliefnet has some resources...though I'm not a fan of their messageboards.... the articles may be helpful though.
HERE (http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_10001.html)

[Auroro]

Hmm, I am still in a state of pondering on the decision of Zen or Tibetan. They both appeal to me greatly, though there are also a few contradictions in each. Anybody have a coin I can flip? lol. Just kidding. I need to look at this a bit more seriously than that. At the moment, I am just reading things on General and Basic Buddhism to get a a more knowledgable sense of what general Buddhism is, so that I may choose my particular tradition when the time comes.

In good company,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Hmm, I am still in a state of pondering on the decision of Zen or Tibetan. They both appeal to me greatly, though there are also a few contradictions in each. Anybody have a coin I can flip? lol. Just kidding. I need to look at this a bit more seriously than that. At the moment, I am just reading things on General and Basic Buddhism to get a a more knowledgable sense of what general Buddhism is, so that I may choose my particular tradition when the time comes.
In good company,
Yoddha.

That's what I'm planning on doing.
I'm conflicted between Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tantric)...and Tibetan
... I already know Theravada is not for me in this life! Heh. Way too conservative.
But I'm not worrying about that too much right now.
And of course there is the fact Buddhism might not fully be for me....
I'm just learning the facts and basics.
When and if the time comes I will decide.
I already looked at all the Temples in my state...and they are all Tibetan. But I won't let that fact make my decision for me.
The book I am reading said that when a person decideds that they want to live a Buddhist life there is a little phrase they can say that admits their beliefs , making them tangiable (it mentions it in the book). Since there is no initiation or anything with Buddhism-- a person following the teachings of Buddha and practicing the Five Precepts and Three Jewels, is considered a Buddhist. :)
So yeah. I'm still reading...I'm almost done with my first book. Whoo-hoo!:ballonsmi

NextI 'm going to read Wide awake : a Buddhist guide for teens (Winston, Diana) even though I'm not a teen I read reviews that it is a great book to explain things...and the author was an ordianed Nun in Tibet for a year. So I think she knows what she's talking about, lol.
:colorful:




What I really like about Buddhism (besides the doctrines and such) is that Buddha believed everyone has the potential to walk the Eight-Folded path and be Enlightened at any time of their life. And that there is no one-- no priest, no clergy that controls progress and things like that. All that matters is you and your journey. I also like that Buddha believed everyone has Buddha-Nature no matter what they have done or look like. :)

[Vivienne]

Yoddha and Blessed, you are very welcome. And please, take your time...there's no hurry. It's the journey that counts.

Yoddha, you don't have to choose between Zen and Tibetan until you're ready to do so. There is so much that you can get with both that you may serve yourself well by just studying both, getting what you get, and being good with that. When you are ready, your teacher will come.

Blessed, you don't need to "fully" embrace buddhism in order to get something from your studies. If you get anything wonderful from it, then you have gotten plenty. And you are sure to walk away with much, believe me! You mentioned that all the temples in your state are Tibetan...may I ask where you live? I'm currently in Minnesota, and there's a rather large Tibetan community in the Twin Cities. You may wish to visit the temples, take classes there, get involved in the community. What a great way to learn!

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Agaliha]

Yoddha and Blessed, you are very welcome. And please, take your time...there's no hurry. It's the journey that counts.
...
Blessed, you don't need to "fully" embrace buddhism in order to get something from your studies. If you get anything wonderful from it, then you have gotten plenty. And you are sure to walk away with much, believe me! You mentioned that all the temples in your state are Tibetan...may I ask where you live? I'm currently in Minnesota, and there's a rather large Tibetan community in the Twin Cities. You may wish to visit the temples, take classes there, get involved in the community. What a great way to learn!
Namaste,
Vivienne

I'm gald there is someone like you here with great advice when it comes to Buddhism! :hugz:

I agree with you, I don't have to fully be a Buddhist to learn, use and practice the wisdom if it. I have done that was many Faiths and religions-- if you saw my post in the beginning of this thread!

I live in Washington State--western.
I saw most of the temples are in Seattle...and that is too far away for me (I live like 153 miles away or something like that...on the other side of the Narrows)
I didn't see any listed in Tacoma, which would be closer...but I only used one site so I'll look more into that.
It's just really hard for me to get to one because I don't drive...I have two buses to get to my College in Tacoma...and the first bus I take (a shuttle to the park and ride) goes every two hours and doesn't run on the weeked!
So I fear if I do walk a Buddhist path...I will not be fufilling the Third Jewel-- the Sangha...unless online counts!

ETA: I found one
Thousand Swallow Temple
Tradition: Mahayana
Affiliation: Compassionate Lotus School
Spiritual Director: Rev. Tasogare Shinju
So if and when the time scomes I could maybe visit it :)

[Auroro]

Yoddha and Blessed, you are very welcome. And please, take your time...there's no hurry. It's the journey that counts.

Yoddha, you don't have to choose between Zen and Tibetan until you're ready to do so. There is so much that you can get with both that you may serve yourself well by just studying both, getting what you get, and being good with that. When you are ready, your teacher will come.

Blessed, you don't need to "fully" embrace buddhism in order to get something from your studies. If you get anything wonderful from it, then you have gotten plenty. And you are sure to walk away with much, believe me! You mentioned that all the temples in your state are Tibetan...may I ask where you live? I'm currently in Minnesota, and there's a rather large Tibetan community in the Twin Cities. You may wish to visit the temples, take classes there, get involved in the community. What a great way to learn!

Namaste,
Vivienne

Oh do not worry Vivienne, I plan on taking my time seriously in this decision. I've even gone out and joined a few buddhist message boards which are like this, but strictly buddhist. They're helping me answer some questions about the two and others. :mmm:

[Agaliha]

I was going to start a new thread about this topic, but because it seems to relate perhaps to Buddhism and my path, I figured I'd put it here. I mentioned before how I keep getting images and things about deer before this Buddhism interest started...and how I later read Buddha taught at Deer Park.
Well I decided to look more into deer symbolism and meaning and found out deers embody: gentleness, keen observation and sensitivity. And are in tune with nature and all it holds. They are sacred carriers of peace and show those with this totem how to open their hearts and love unconditionally.
I also realized I share many traits with the deer and I was alsoo curious if it was another totem or guide...I'll have to look into that later.
I was thinking the Deer was there to let me know I am learning what I should be learning, as deers not only embody many of the Buddha's traits, but they are also seen as symbols of him.

I was wondering if anyone who is interested in or is Buddhist to any degree had something like this happen to them --a clue or symbol that they got before they started on that path that linked to Buddhism later on?
Or maybe I'm just weird ;)

[Agaliha]

Oh do not worry Vivienne, I plan on taking my time seriously in this decision. I've even gone out and joined a few buddhist message boards which are like this, but strictly buddhist. They're helping me answer some questions about the two and others. :mmm:

Mind sharing? :dancy:
I looked thought BeliefNet's but...like I said, I'm not a fan of theirs.
Yahoo brought up some, but they seem to be more...not as helpful.


Oh and the book I am reading now said this:
The Buddha does not tell us to believe in him, to pray to him, and he will bestow great peace of mind on us. The Buddha tells us to do it ourselves, the way he did it. He shows us a path that we are free to take all on our own. Each and every one of us can fond out for orselves if the path works, if the path is what we are looking for. There is no blind allegiance; there is only practice....see for yourself: You, too, can take refuge in the Buddha.
*From "The Everything Buddhism Book" by Jacky Sach, 2003.

I like that idea :)

[Auroro]

Oh yeah, sorry... I'm not in my "right mind" today. But I have to remember, there is suffering.

http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php? (http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?)

[Agaliha]

Thanks! :)
I'm going to be "Feathers" on there, btw.

Oh, I signed up for BeliefNet's Buddhist Wisdom digest...I'll let you know if it's helpful.

[Auroro]

I signed up for a digest like thing, they send little phrases and quotes each day in the mail. It's similar to Beliefnet's I believe, though I am not sure. I used to get beliefnet's, and I thought it was rather helpful for myself. I'm Yoddha on E-Sangha as well. In fact, I'll even put you in my siggy on E-Sangha. hehe.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Sounds cool. :)

And you still don't know my name...Lynn is my middle name, not my first. *evil laughter* :p My dad luckly gave me a normal middle name that I can go by, lol.

You might enjoy this site if you have not seen it already: http://www.maximumbliss.com/ (about Zen Buddhism and things)

Teachings/lessons by email: http://www.buddhism-connect.org/

[Auroro]

Oh indeed, I have not come acrossed these two yet, and thanks... and you've got me pondering your name still. lol.

[Agaliha]

In fact, I'll even put you in my siggy on E-Sangha. hehe.


Wow, I just noticed that. Cool. I guess I will add you to mine...maybe we can come up with a symbol or tiny banner....hummm...

[Auroro]

Wow, I just noticed that. Cool. I guess I will add you to mine...maybe we can come up with a symbol or tiny banner....hummm...

Aye, good idea. Perhaps a small picture of a lotus with text that refers to us upon it? I don't have a photoshop of any sort, so I won't be able to create it. :G Though I am sure some kind loving person would be generous enough to do it over in the Banner Depot (aka Banner DePot).

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Check this out: http://www.buddhanet.net/ftp01.htm

If you click on "Buddhas" there are some cool drawings you can print out and use until you get a statue :)

[Auroro]

Thanks... and if I had a printer that would print half the time... well it does, it does pring HALF of the time, the other half it prints about a third of a page and then it gets all happy (GAY) on me.

[Agaliha]

This site, here: http://www.khandro.net/
is also helpful...it explains symbolism and concepts...

Sacred SOurce (http://www.sacredsource.com/departments.asp?dept=50) has some Buddha statues...not that expensive either.

[Auroro]

Aye, thanks. Now I've gotta come up with a few sites for you. :toofless:
:whatmewor

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Auroro]

Here's a page on Korean Buddhism. It has a lot to do with shamanism and such. The first link is an ebook, I haven't checked out the other links yet, as I am not finished with the book. http://www.buddhapia.com/eng/ (http://www.buddhapia.com/eng/) . :)

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Thanks, Yoddha. I'll check it out later :)

Are you interested in Green or White (or Red or Yellow) Tara? She's a Bodhisattva and is popular in Tibetian and Mahayana Buddhism (and Hinduism).
If you are I can post some of the links here.

I also went back to the library and got all the Buddhism books there, lol.
So I also have:
*Buddhist scriptures (Lopez, Donald S.)
*Buddhist practice on Western ground (Harvey Aronson)
*Meeting Faith: The Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun (Faith Adiele)
*In the Presence of Masters : Wisdom from 30 Contemporary Tibetan Buddhist Teachers (Ray, Reginald A) <--- has quotes and things
*Buddhism : the illustrated guide (Trainor, Kevin) <--- it's a bigger book with pics and explainations.
*3 books about Buddhism geared more towards kids...but they have cool pics and explain it all in a easy way
*Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life (Geshe Kelsang Gyatso) <--- this one explains the different meanings of Buddha's hand poses. I knew there was a meaning in the symbolism!

:)


Try here for info too: http://www.thubtenchodron.org/index.htm
if you scroll down to the very bottom there is categories and articles.

A pic of a Tantric Buddhist altar: HERE (http://www.ackland.org/art/exhibitions/buddhistart/altar.htm)

Color symbolism in Buddhist art: http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/colors/
* Also go to the "Home" area and look around...there is Hindu and Buddhist info there.

[WickedBttrfly]

I have been studying buddhism for about 6 months now (at least). Right now I am reading "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das. I am really enjoying it so far. I have been studying up on Zen, Mahayana, and Tibetan buddhism, and there are aspects from all three that I connect with.

[Agaliha]

I have been studying buddhism for about 6 months now (at least). Right now I am reading "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das. I am really enjoying it so far. I have been studying up on Zen, Mahayana, and Tibetan buddhism, and there are aspects from all three that I connect with.

Yeah! Someone else! :woot:
Would you like like to "join" Yoddha and my "group"? (it's just this thread, where we ask questions, post links and share things-- you know, helping each other out)
Another person also learning would be so cool!

[Auroro]

I vote her in.

[Agaliha]

I was looking for an OM pendant (again, lol) and I found some okay looking sites selling Hindu and Buddhist jewelry and goods:
http://www.sanandaspiritualcenter.com/?pageid=3349
Here are more: http://www.sanandaspiritualcenter.com/?pageid=3368 (prayer wheels and others)
http://www.siamese-dream.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=siam1 <---they have lots of other things too.

http://www.abaxion.com/nvom.htm and http://www.abaxion.com/kr03.htm and http://www.abaxion.com/kr13.htm

http://www.themandalacollection.com/tibetan_pendants.htm <--- more expensive, but has Tibetian things too

http://www.ayogalife.com/pendants.htm <--- interesting and cheap.

http://www.maryannwilkindesigns.com/symbolic.html

http://dharmashop.com/ <---- lots of things. Books. Statues. Pendants. Mala beads. Ritual items....not too expensive looking to!
Sweet mala beads and pendants (oh they have Tara too:sunny: and OM-- I can get both!). *drools* they even have Tara statues for cheap-- small, but cheap. *looks though whole site*

[Auroro]

Well, I've let my intuition decide for me, and Zen is the tradition I wish to practice. That may change in time, but for the time being, it suits me perfectly...

[Toby Stimpson]

MMM, Zen....it is perhaps one of the most perfect paths becasue it takes little effort...Zen is the complete and absolute attention to whatever you are doing...it goes well with the japanese culture. May your path bring you sudden samsara Yoddha :).

Tobias

[Agaliha]

Well, I've let my intuition decide for me, and Zen is the tradition I wish to practice. That may change in time, but for the time being, it suits me perfectly...

Interesting... I must ask: is it wise to make a decision like that so early into it? All the post I have been reading on E-Shanga when people have asked about different Schools and chosing which one they have said to wait, be patient and learn everything first. And if you just started learning the basics...maybe stick to the basics for now?

I decided not to make a decision on any School till I learn all about the basics. Then I will read more about Mahayana, Vajrayana and Tibetan. All three of which interest me from the little I read. But the detils I'll look into later. Because for what I have learned so far...it's not so much the exact School that matters-- its that you walk the Middle Way and follow the Path. There is a chance I won't affiliate myself with a specific School, but rather my own incorporating things from many Schools into mine.

I did decided to focus on Tara as my "Buddha". She's a Bodhisattva and inspires me to walk the Path and those I asked said that is the most important thing and to not ignore it. Tara is more Tibetian and Vajrayana, but then again both of those came from the Mahayana line.

Anyway, I just don't want you to make a hasty decision! I have been known to do that myself...so I think it's best to wait and be patient. If Zen still calls to you after reading and learning then go for it! But in the end it's your decision and path, not mine. :)

If I find any Zen based things I will post them for you, k! ;)


ETA: Here are some links for you about Zen.

Yahoo's directory, has tons of links within it! HERE (http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Faiths_and_Practices/Buddhism/Schools__Lineages__and_Sects/Zen/) <--lots of info
Some others:
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/zen.html
Zen texts from Sacred-Texts.com: http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/zen/ <---lots of stuff too
http://www.yakrider.com/Buddha/Zen/Zen.htm
A FAQ: http://www.ibiblio.org/zen/faq.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen
Links: http://www.buddhanet.net/l_zen.htm

[Auroro]

You know how the Buddhist books just called your name off of the books in the library? That's sorta what's going on here. When I was younger, before I knew about any other religion other than Christianity (more specifically Methodist), I had a yahoo screen name called Zenster. I just made it up using my imagination. I just feel this pull towards it and I've always been a "traditionalist." I was never an eclectic at all, I always prefered traditional ways, such as reconstructionalism of religions was more my thing, I followed the guidelines, the doctrines, and etcetera.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Ahhhh....well then there is no ignoring that!
Just like when I was in the library and when I found Tara :).
Well, I hope the links help you to learn more about Zen.

And I was always more eclectic...but I was raised in a non-organized faith. It was more "new age" and there was no places of "worship" or anything. The teachings, now that I am learning on my own (I stoped following it when I was 9, and officially at 11) came from Hinduism and Buddhism...hence my first name....and my draw to Eastern paths (Hinduism and Buddhism).
Heh. :vanish:

[Auroro]

Yeah yeah yeah, you're talking about that first name of yours that you won't reveal, but you did slip your middle to me. lol. Dangit. It took me a bit longer to pull away from Methodist Christianity, took me 13/14 years of growing up to pull away officially. It's been two years since then that I've dove deeper into other religions. (First was hindu, then came druidry, then buddhism, then other pagan religions, sihkhism, more pagan religions, a self created tradition (the temple of awyn), and now where I am today... Buddhism.)

In good hands,
Yoddha.

P.S. Martial Arts has tought me to be traditional, I love things in a traditional sense, not so much eclectic, though eclectic can be fun as well, and quite an endeavour.

[Auroro]

Alright, I have meditated several times since the beginning of my studies in Buddhism. I try to meditate once a day, everyday, for 15 minutes at least. After about a week, I'll begin adding 5 minutes to each session each week. I've meditated 3 times now. Each time I do, I tend to get light-headed and things seem to spin, as though I become dizzy doing absolutely nothing but zazen. I've experienced this before. I believe it may be a shift in consciousness, though I am unsure and unknowing. I thought I would share my experiences for the better of this study group.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Thanks for sharing, Yoddha. I believe lightheadedness can happen during meditations-- I think I read some other people mentioning it... E-shanga in the meditation area has some threads about it.
Sounds like you have a good schedule. I am starting my own meditations probably today. I had to ask some questions about it though, but now I got my answers.
If you don't mind here are some questions for you, lol.
1. Do you have music on when you meditate (non-lyrical, "new agey" kind) or is it silent?
2. What position do you sit in or use?
3. How do you know it's 15 minutes when you can open your eyes?
4. What is the longest amount of time do you plan on meditating? Like are you working up to an hour or more?
:)

[Auroro]

Yeah, this is a study group, of course I'll share everything! hehe. Okay, here are the answers to the questions you asked. I hope they serve you purpose.

1. I plan on buying some Zen Meditation music and trying that out. At the moment the only thing you can hear when I meditate is the trickling water in my fishtank and the little motor (which is pretty quiet) that runs it.

2. Well, at the moment, I hold the burmese position, I believe that is spelled correctly, you can check that out here (http://www.mro.org/zmm/meditation/index.html).

3. I know it's been 15 minutes because I set my alarm clock for 15 minutes in advanced on low volumne settings. I also have it so it's approximately 100 breaths (in and out) for 15 minutes. lol. I'm working on lowering that though.

4. I plan on being able to meditate dawn to dusk. That would be so cool, but daily meditations, I'm probably going to work those up to 45 minutes to an hour, hour and a half or so.

And that would be it. Have a good one.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Cool, thanks for answering!
And thanks for the link too, I'll try some of those positions out.

I'll let you know how my meditations go too, I think I'll try tonight when my house is quieter. :)

[Auroro]

Well, what's good about my bedroom is that it's the only bedroom on the floor (I live in the basement of my house, well, the partitioned half of my basement that was actually made into a room and not all basementy looking. haha) Anyway, it's quiet there and people leave me alone, and when I don't want to hear the water cause it gets loud sometimes, I just fill the tank up a little more. haha. It's super humid in there though.

Besides that though, I just put in a request with Mouse asking for a "Buddhism Study Group" Banner that is small. I said maybe about the size of the lotus picture in my siggy. I asked for a lotus blossom on it as well as a picture of Buddha. Any objections?

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Your lucky...in my house (one story) you can hear everything from my room! All the TVs, the news, converstaions, etc. It sucks and it's really hard to get quiet- I usually have to wait till night-time. Late night-time. It gets really annoying.
And then at night there is my mice's wheel-- I bought a silent one and it is quiet (unlike those metal squeaky one I had before) but it sometimes knocks on the bottom of the glass cage....::sigh::

As for the banner, sure no problem...I don't see anything wrong with it :)

[Vivienne]

[QUOTE=BlessedFeathers]I'm gald there is someone like you here with great advice when it comes to Buddhism! :hugz:

:Hugs you back!:


It's just really hard for me to get to one because I don't drive...I have two buses to get to my College in Tacoma...and the first bus I take (a shuttle to the park and ride) goes every two hours and doesn't run on the weeked!
So I fear if I do walk a Buddhist path...I will not be fufilling the Third Jewel-- the Sangha...unless online counts!

Yes, online counts. There are many who are isolated, and only have the internet. Anywhere you find people on your path is your sangha. Even people you associate with who share your philosopies and interests are your sangha...they are your support.

BTW, love your Avatar of Tara...had that same pic in my office, and many clients would ask about her. :) I feel a very special kinship to her.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Auroro]

Fascinating, I too was worried about the same thing, because being a 16 year old boy that lives in hickville, I mean farm country in Upstate New York, where the only close temple charges quite a bit of money for retreats and such... I'm glad I have you here online.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Yes, online counts. There are many who are isolated, and only have the internet. Anywhere you find people on your path is your sangha. Even people you associate with who share your philosopies and interests are your sangha...they are your support.

BTW, love your Avatar of Tara...had that same pic in my office, and many clients would ask about her. :) I feel a very special kinship to her.


I'm glad online can count, sometime in the future I will visit a Temple in Tacoma or maybe in Seattle if I go to my sister's house to visit :)

When I started reading about Tara and when I saw pics I was draw to her right away--- like when I went to the library with the books. I am learning more about her, but I plan on following her examples and looking to her as I discover this path.
I'm looking for a statue of her that is not expensive....like under $30. I would love to have those beautiful ones of her in silver with jewels all over...but it's like 1000$ :(.
Anyway I feel a special kinship to her as well.
Would you mind if I ever asked you questions or anything about her? :)

[Vivienne]

http://dharmashop.com/ <---- lots of things. Books. Statues. Pendants. Mala beads. Ritual items....not too expensive looking to!
Sweet mala beads and pendants (oh they have Tara too:sunny: and OM-- I can get both!). *drools* they even have Tara statues for cheap-- small, but cheap. *looks though whole site*[/QUOTE]


I know the gentleman who runs this business. Him and his wife stock the items in their basement in Michigan, and I've been there and bought things from them. They have the utmost integrity, and only sell products that are made by Tibetan refugees, not Tibetans imprisoned by China and forced to work as slaves.

This is very important to know. Whenever you purchase anything Tibetan, be sure that you are helping their cause, and not funnelling more money into China at Tibet's expense. Purchasing from exiled Tibetans = good karma!

It's so cool watching you all get very into your studies. I am reminded of when I first discovered Buddhism...and felt the happiness within.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Agaliha]

I know the gentleman who runs this business. Him and his wife stock the items in their basement in Michigan, and I've been there and bought things from them. They have the utmost integrity, and only sell products that are made by Tibetan refugees, not Tibetans imprisoned by China and forced to work as slaves.
This is very important to know. Whenever you purchase anything Tibetan, be sure that you are helping their cause, and not funnelling more money into China at Tibet's expense. Purchasing from exiled Tibetans = good karma!

Ohhhh...good things to know! Thanks for telling me that. I admit I do not know much about the China-Tibet problems (I will read about it very soon though), but I do not want to support the people who are imprisioning Tibetians-- or anyone for that matter!

I'll look into that site more, it looked like a very nice place with lots of supplies and things. They have a small Tara statue for $12 :).



It's so cool watching you all get very into your studies. I am reminded of when I first discovered Buddhism...and felt the happiness within.


_cloud9_

[Vivienne]

>When I started reading about Tara and when I saw pics I was draw to her right away--- >like when I went to the library with the books. I am learning more about her, but I plan >on following her examples and looking to her as I discover this path.

Yes, I had the same experience. Her image and the energy it conveys touches me deeply. When I chant her mantra, I feel her engeries within me, and know that I have walked this path before. My fiance feels that I've been a bodhisattva many times before, I'm not sure about that...and it doesn't really matter...because in this life, I am so very drawn to that path and what it means.


>I'm looking for a statue of her that is not expensive....like under $30. I would love >to have those beautiful ones of her in silver with jewels all over...but it's like 1000$ :(.
>Anyway I feel a special kinship to her as well.

When you are ready, she will come to you. Meaning that the means to obtain a likeness of her will be yours when the time is right.

>Would you mind if I ever asked you questions or anything about her? :)[/QUOTE]

I am more than happy to share whatever I know, feel, and have experienced with you. :) I am honored that you ask.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Vivienne]

Fascinating, I too was worried about the same thing, because being a 16 year old boy that lives in hickville, I mean farm country in Upstate New York, where the only close temple charges quite a bit of money for retreats and such... I'm glad I have you here online.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

Isn't the internet amazing? You can find whatever you need...even a sangha! :)

So glad that you are following your heart and doing what speaks to you, Yodda. Zen is amazing, and a great path to study. Tibetan Buddhism speaks to me in much the same way. It was like coming home when I discovered it for myself.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Vivienne]

>[QUOTE=BlessedFeathers]Ohhhh...good things to know! Thanks for telling me that. I >admit I do not know much about the China-Tibet problems (I will read about it very soon >though), but I do not want to support the people who are imprisioning Tibetians-- or >anyone for that matter!

There are a lot of books on the subject of China's invasion of Tibet, and I encourage you to learn about it. A good quickie source is to watch the films I suggested: Kundun, and Seven Years in Tibet. They will both break your heart.

>I'll look into that site more, it looked like a very nice place with lots of supplies and things. They have a small Tara statue for $12 :).

In thier living room is a magnificent statue of Tara that is still outside of my price range! I almost fell over when they told me how much it cost, but it is very lovely. Any size statue will do, however, because the prime reason for it is to help you to focus on your path. To remind you of the Buddha within.

Namaste,
Vivienne

[Auroro]

Haha, I am doing a study on Tibetan Culture in my Psychology class at school. I just started it and I just began learning about the Chinese occupation of Tibet, which is surprising to me because they've occupied Tibet officially since 1952 even though their invasion occured in 1949!!! That to me is just insane.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

There are a lot of books on the subject of China's invasion of Tibet, and I encourage you to learn about it. A good quickie source is to watch the films I suggested: Kundun, and Seven Years in Tibet. They will both break your heart.

I looked up some sites about it...it is very sad and disgusting what people do to others! The site I read menitioned the destruction of Tibet's environment, culture (arts and everything), religion (Temples, monastaries), not to mention all the lives lost and are in labor camps.

I also found a site listing some facts about the Occupation:

In 1949, the Chinese Communists, led by Mao Tse-tung, overthrew the Chinese nationalist government and swept into power.
In 1950, in an expansionist campaign to achieve strategic advantage in Asia disguised as “a mission of liberation,” China sent its People’s Liberation Army on an invasionary expedition into eastern Tibet, occupying the provinces of Kham and Amdo.
On March 10th, 1959, after nine years of fruitless negotiations between the governments of China and Tibet, People’s Liberation Army forces already in Lhasa moved to kidnap and assassinate the Dalai Lama, leading the people of Lhasa to rise up in rebellion.
On March 17th, 1959, to put down the uprising, the PLA opened cannon fire on Lhasa, and the Dalai Lama was forced to flee into exile.
Over 87,000 men, women and children were killed in the three months after the March 10th uprising, and tens of thousands were imprisoned, as all of Tibet was occupied by the PLA.
Over 6,000 of Tibet’s 6,200 monasteries were looted and destroyed during China’s “cultural revolution,” and most of their irreplaceable religious texts and artworks have been lost.
There is no freedom of speech, press, or religion in Tibet. It is illegal to own a drawing or photograph of the Dalai Lama.
Millions of Chinese colonists have been actively encouraged and subsidized by the People’s Republic of China to settle in occupied Tibetan lands. The most recent estimates indicate that there are 7.5 million Chinese to 6 million Tibetans in Tibet. The colonists receive preferential treatment in education, employment, housing, health care and most other matters of civic life. Use of the Tibetan language is discouraged in Tibetan schools; all lessons are taught in Chinese.
Number of Tibetan deaths since 1949 due to political instability, imprisonment, torture, mass execution, and famine: 1.2 million
Monasteries destroyed: over 6,000
Tibetans in exile: over 130,000
Tibetan refugee settlements in India: 36
Biggest refugee settlement: over 6,000 Tibetans
Tibetan schools in India and Nepal: 87
Tibetans in Dharamsala: 5,000
Tibetans in Nepal: 20,000
Tibetans in Bhutan: 2,500
Tibetans in Switzerland: 2,000
Tibetans in Canada: 700
Tibetans in U.S.: 5–6,000
Tibetans in New York and New Jersey area: over 1,000
Tibetan Associations in U.S.: 28
Tibetan Associations in Canada: 4
Largest Tibetan Association: New York and New Jersey
Tibetans still escaping Tibet into exile (crossing over into India or Nepal): 2,500–3,000 a year
Percentage in 1950 of monks and nuns in population: over 30%
Percentage in 1999 of monks and nuns
in population: approximately 3%
Political activists in Chinese prisons in Tibet (most of them monks and nuns): over 1,500
1999 is:
the 50th anniversary of the Communist takeover in China.
the 40th anniversary of the Communist Chinese takeover of Tibet and the massacre in Lhasa.
the 10th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
the 10th anniversary of the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
FROM: http://www.newstrolls.com/news/dev/wmeyers/facts.html

It's sad. I feel bad for all these people...
I'll look into reading more... though I am not sure I want to.

Some info about Buddhism in Tibet: http://www.tibet.com/Buddhism/index.html

[Auroro]

Yes... the Chinese occupation of Tibet is something that does anger me. Political things have never angered me in the past, probably because I was niave and never listened to politics in the past. I wish to buy one of those flame "Free Tibet" tee's from the site that Vivienne suggested. I'm going to try to get some money together and buy that and perhaps a few other things. Even though my chosen tradition of Buddhism is not Tibetan, I feel for these people, as do any other buddhist in their right mind.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Auroro]

The most amazing thing happened to me in my Zazen tonight. I practiced zazen from 10:05 to 10:20 tonight and around 10:16 or so (guestimate), the most amazing thing happened. I was just meditating, this time, not counting my breaths, and all of a sudden, instead of seeing black with my eyes closed, everything went white/pink, BRIGHT! A change in temperature swept over me at the same moment, it was cool, yet warming at the same time, hard to describe. I suddenly felt comforted as well. It was quite a thing to experience. Do you happen to know what this is?

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Yes... the Chinese occupation of Tibet is something that does anger me. Political things have never angered me in the past, probably because I was niave and never listened to politics in the past. I wish to buy one of those flame "Free Tibet" tee's from the site that Vivienne suggested. I'm going to try to get some money together and buy that and perhaps a few other things. Even though my chosen tradition of Buddhism is not Tibetan, I feel for these people, as do any other buddhist in their right mind.


Sounds like a good plan. I think everything boughten from that site, some goes to charity to help them. So when/if I buy my OM pentant, mala beads and Tara statue I think I will buyfrom there. I'll see if there are any famous charities too (not ones that misrepresent and steal). There has to be some...I mean there are organizations and charites for just about every cause out there.

And everyone, Buddhist or not, should feel for them. As well as the people of African and everywhere else in the world. There is so much sadness in the world and not enough time and means to help everyone. So the little we can do now helps.

[Auroro]

I was trying to avoid the term should, and see things how they are.

[Agaliha]

The most amazing thing happened to me in my Zazen tonight. I practiced zazen from 10:05 to 10:20 tonight and around 10:16 or so (guestimate), the most amazing thing happened. I was just meditating, this time, not counting my breaths, and all of a sudden, instead of seeing black with my eyes closed, everything went white/pink, BRIGHT! A change in temperature swept over me at the same moment, it was cool, yet warming at the same time, hard to describe. I suddenly felt comforted as well. It was quite a thing to experience. Do you happen to know what this is?


Wow! I have no idea what it is, but I do remember seeing it mentioned on E-Shanga.
Let me get you the sites, hopefully they will know:
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?showtopic=19296 -- about what you were refering to...i think.

Humm I guess there wasn't as many as I thought. :whatmewor

You could try asking on there.
I mean I have my own interpertation, but I don't know about meditation and things.
I'll see if I can find any info.


I was trying to avoid the term should, and see things how they are.
Yeah I know. But I can't help but feel people should be going more. I can't just accept that they aren't you know. Heh.

[Auroro]

hehe, thanks. I posted my experience in my Lightheadedness thread, to see if I'll get any responses there. If not, I'll just make a new thread over on E-Sangha. It was just so weird, and surprised the hell out of me! lol. If I get anything new, I'll post it up.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Okay, well since I want to be honest and everything...I must say I am having major doubts about Buddhism being my main/only path. I started my meditation last night and the weirdest feelings along with endless thoughts came over me. The feelings were of....how to put it: the need to slow down or flee-- but it wasn't fear. And my thoughts, no matter how much I tried to stop them, well they wouldn't. My thoughts were of many things..
I understand and see what the Buddhist teachings are talking about. It makes sense, but.... I can understand math, yet not understand how it fits into my life and understand that to understand and use it I don't have to be a mathemetician. If you're getting my analogy. Basically I understand and even agree with the things to a degree....but then again, many I don't.

Attachments for example. I realize that my autumn decorations, my clothes, my statues, my notebooks and mice-- they can all be gone in an instant. I understand they they are transient, they everything is changing. But I don't feel I need to renouce my "attachments" to these things. I want to feel a attachment to my parents, to my pets, to my art work and poems-- anything else I would get over if it were gone. I don't think I can ever renouce my attachments to life and the world and Earth and things.
I also don't agree with thier view on thoughts, emotions and things. When I see an elephant I am not just going to say "I see an elephant" and leave it at that. I am going to think about what that elephant symbolizes, what I feel being there looking at it, remembering when I went to the zoo and was so excited to see them, wondering what they are thinking about, admiring them, feeling sad at the fact that they are being poached, on and on. I don't think that is bad. And I will kept doing that. I mean I write poety all the time. I have to look deeper into things, I can't just state the obvious and be done with it. Part of the reason I am such a good poet is because I can look deeper and in unique and different ways. I'm not going to stop my thoughts like those books keep mentioning it. If I see a bird, I will note how beautiful it's call is.
Also, this might sound bad, but I enjoy killing things at time. Poisonous spiders (hobos) in my house trying to find a mate and breed more poisonous spiders. Slugs ruining the garden. Things like that. I also enjoy eating meat....and garlic, onions, shallots, and leeks-- all "forbidden" foods.
I believe there are many gods, that all the world's Gods-- monothiestic and Polythiestic are there, that they are valid and equal. I also believe in a Source-- pure energy and light which all came from and all are connected to. I believe in angels, in guides, in ghosts, in magick,in aliens, in SOULS and reincarnation and past lives.
I don't believe that one can be reincarnated into an animal because of "bad karama." I also don't agree with their view on animals-- I don't see them as ignorant and stupid and incapable of enlightenment. I believe animals are sentient, can feel, think, understand, and that they have a soul. I don't see it as punishment to be an animal in a next life-- I see it as a gift. To experience a part of nature that we as humans cannot.
I want to feel, think and experience-- passion, anger, compassion, worry, love, lust, fear, on and on-- because they are all a prt of life. I don't want to ignore life.
I also don't think growing old and being reborn again is a bad thing. I don't see it as punishment per se. Rather it is something our SOUL has to learn, experience, see, do, feel before we can be one with the Source.
...That was just the beginning of it.
So I am quite confused!
I find wisdom and the teachings, but at the same time....it seems incompatible with my own beliefs-- beliefs that I have finally be able to accept as my own and my path....now learning about Buddhism....well messed it up.
I do feel like I was meant to learn something from it, to take something back with me...but right now I can't figure it out!
I'm not going to just give up and say I'm not going to learn more...rather I am not going to look at it in the sense of a new religion to convert to. I will look for the things that I feel are right and apply to me and my beliefs and ways to better myself.
So yeah....I just don't know.

Yoddha-- I'll still be your study buddy, cause like I said I am still willing to read and learn. It's just my focus has changed.

I don't want anyone to tell me my thoughs and beliefs and revelations are wrong. This is what I believe and feel-- I am "attached" to my beliefs and I do not care if in the end I well be reborn into "suffering". I just wanted to share and be honest.

Oh and I also realized that well my beliefs are more in line with my upbringing than I thought...heh. Maybe.

ETA: I forgot to add that during this whole..."failed" meditation attempt, I did feel that Tara was there or at least someone was there. I asked Tara for help-- because she removes obstacles from her followers. I got a feeling that even if I am not a Buddhist, she is sill there. I felt/saw this warm light and I smiled. So I am not giving up on Tara. Buddhist or not she calls to me and I can learn from her. She is a very kind and wise lady. I feel a draw to her and a closeness....sort of like with Saraswati. Only with Tara I will take my time and not jump to Patron-age unless she wishes it. :) ...Maybe she is what I was supose to learn and take with me...If I didn't look into Buddhism, I wouldn't have even known about her.

[Auroro]

Thank you so much! I have had such contemplations in my mind for some time now, though I will not give up on Zazen, I love this meditational art. I don't think I'm old enough or experienced enough to understand this. I don't believe in the gods, but I believe in the spirit of the earth, which I call Awyn. (Temple of Awyn hrrm hrrmmmm).

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

Thank you so much! I have had such contemplations in my mind for some time now, though I will not give up on Zazen, I love this meditational art. I don't think I'm old enough or experienced enough to understand this. I don't believe in the gods, but I believe in the spirit of the earth, which I call Awyn. (Temple of Awyn hrrm hrrmmmm).


Thank me? Lol. Why?
I was only being honest and speaking from my heart. I do enjoy Buddhist teachings and I plan on incorporating some into my path, including Tara...but as a whole Buddhism is not for me. Heh. I am glad I finally learned...but I like my path better-- it's taken me like 10 years to get where I am...that's a long time! And I was just accepting my path and who I am until I got all confused by Buddhism...I'm better now. :D
What sparked your revelation, got of curiosity?
Going back to your own path now-- Temple of Awyn?

[Auroro]

I'm not sure where I'm going, probably back to the Temple of Awyn but with buddhist practices this time. I don't know, I'm going to stick with zazen, no doubt, perhaps a branch of Buddhist teaching with a more celtic twist? haha. Actually, at the moment, I'm also studying Celtic Shamanism. lol...

And thank you because I didn't want to say it.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

ETA: Plus, buddhism sorta conflicts with my subculture, the subculture of Death Metal music. lol...

[Agaliha]

I'm not sure where I'm going, probably back to the Temple of Awyn but with buddhist practices this time. I don't know, I'm going to stick with zazen, no doubt, perhaps a branch of Buddhist teaching with a more celtic twist? haha. Actually, at the moment, I'm also studying Celtic Shamanism. lol..
And thank you because I didn't want to say it.
ETA: Plus, buddhism sorta conflicts with my subculture, the subculture of Death Metal music. lol...

Well how about we do something different-- like look for universal things in Buddhism that can apply to many paths. You know, like helpful quotes, scriptures and wisdoms?
Because I still want to learn about it-- just not as a religion to convert to or follow in a major way. Buddha has many great teachings that I feel I can apply to me and my path as well as others. It's just the dogma of Buddhism that I am not allign to, you know? All that extra stuff like forbidden foods and...stuff.
I think Beliefnet's Buddhist wisdom is a great thing for finding useful thoughts, quotes and things.

I am also, like I said, still going to stick with Tara. Maybe she will join Saraswati, Ganesha, Ushas, Ganga, Morrigan, Bast, Wadjet in my own personal "pantheon" of helpers and wise teachers. Who knows!

So I still want a Tara and Buddha statue though--especially a Tara one.
And an OM necklace-- I share the Hindu meaning and signifigance of it (My beliefs are more Hindu than Buddhism or anything ...and most of the Gods I have a relationship are Hindu)

So yeah, maybe keep learning but in a different way??

[Auroro]

A deffinate possibility. People choose their own paths. You shall study how you shall, I shall study how I shall... Like the way I like my hotdogs may be different than the way you like yours. I'm going to continue my study in Buddhism as though I am a convert, though I will never fully convert to anything until I am aged, exeprienced, and knowledgable enough to make the right decision. I have a binder that I wish to fill that is primarilly a Buddhism Binder. I plan on making these binders for other religions and such as well. In fact, the next binder will most likely be Shamanism (all forms, primarily Celtic). These binders are more like wells of information I may draw from when needed.

In good hands,
Yoddha.

[Agaliha]

A deffinate possibility. People choose their own paths. You shall study how you shall, I shall study how I shall... Like the way I like my hotdogs may be different than the way you like yours.

Well that is a given, duh. I know all paths are personal and different. ;)



I'm going to continue my study in Buddhism as though I am a convert, though I will never fully convert to anything until I am aged, exeprienced, and knowledgable enough to make the right decision.

Well I didn't know that. I just assumed you felt the same as me because of what you said. Oops. Heh. Well that's cool.



I have a binder that I wish to fill that is primarilly a Buddhism Binder. I plan on making these binders for other religions and such as well. In fact, the next binder will most likely be Shamanism (all forms, primarily Celtic). These binders are more like wells of information I may draw from when needed.

Good idea. :). You know I wish I did that for all the religions I have learned...but that would have been a lot of binders....like 15+ ...oh well. I got all I need to know from them and my path in my head. That's what's important I supose. I am starting a binder about just my path right now :)

Anyway we can still help each other out. Good luck to you.

[Agaliha]

Yoddha, I found this: "Hakuin's Song of Zazen"
http://www.hsuyun.org/Dharma/zbohy/Sruti-Smriti/Chants/song.html

You might like it :)

[Agaliha]

Well we went to the library again (we got a lot-- I love libraries.)
And I had some Buddhism books on hold from before.
So I returned some and got these:

The Naked Buddha: A Practical Guide to the Buddha's Life and Teachings (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1569244324//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Adrienne Howley
Buddhism for Dummies (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764553593//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Jonathan Landaw, Stephan Bodian
A Simple Path: Basic Buddhist Teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0007138873//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Bstan-Dzin-Rgya-Mtsho, et al
Awakening the Buddha Within : Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767901576//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Lama Surya Das
The Divine Feminine: Exploring the Feminine Face of God Throughout the World (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1573240354//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Anne Baring (<--- has a section about Tara!)
:thewave:

And, for Taoism:
Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1585420999//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Lao Tzu, Jonathan Star (Translator)

And I'm looking though, Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0399528970//ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20)by Diana Winston, right now.

I'm glad I got these books, they look helpful. And hopefully I will find what I am looking for (whatever that may be!). I guess I will know it when I see it...or understand/experience it.
...Maybe I was jumping to conclusions about some of the Buddhist teachings...I might have missed their meaning and point. I mean I understand them, but maybe I don't understand them in a deeper level. It's just hard....especially with no teacher or anything. Heh.
I am wondering how to more foward with Tara...I guess I could approach her as I have all the other Goddesses that have called to me. But she's not exactly like other goddesses. :shift:
...hummm....




Yoddha, I don't know if you checked but there are lots of books and CDs about Zen (Buddhism)
Check <A href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=pd_kk_sr_3/?index=blended&field-keywords=zen%20meditation"/ref=nosim/mysticwickson-20" target=_blank>HERE

:)

[Auroro]

Hey Blessed, I had my names merged... for you! lol. Not really for you, but still. Anyway, thanks for the links. I've kinda fallen out of my "Buddhism" spell for a while... but I bet it'll come back. lol. I was supposed to go to the library today... but the parentals won't take me, but they're taking my brother to town instead.. SO WRONG. lol.

[Agaliha]

Hey Blessed, I had my names merged... for you! lol. Not really for you, but still. Anyway, thanks for the links. I've kinda fallen out of my "Buddhism" spell for a while... but I bet it'll come back. lol. I was supposed to go to the library today... but the parentals won't take me, but they're taking my brother to town instead.. SO WRONG. lol.

Wow, a name merge, I'm glad. I had that done with Serpentine_Beauty and WhispersofSaraswati (which got changed to BlessedFeathers)...before I knew admins could change the name or merge. Heh.

Same with me and Buddhism...I've read a few snippets in the books I got, but it's lost the newness of it, if that makes sense.
That sucks about the library-- I go there all the time, someones twice a week, lol. But hey I've been doing that since I was a baby (we had a library a few blocks away) and I want to be a librarian. (I'm "obsessed" with them, lol).
Well I hope you get to go there. Does your library system has a website? Mine does and many others do. If so I bet the catalog is online and you can put holds on books and things from there. That way when you can get to the library everything you want is there!

:)

[Auroro]

Yeah, I put holds on books all the time online. I can renew books online too, cept I renewed these ones too many times, so now I owe the library some money, eeek. I didn't get to go, probably next weekend, if I'm lucky and can talk my mom into going to that particular city/town (I didn't want to call it what I usually call it which is a mix between the words City and Town, and it's not Cown. hehe.).

[Auroro]

Looky what mouse made for me, Blessed. :)

[Agaliha]

That's cool :)

[Auroro]

Even though I'm not actually studying buddhism any longer, I put it in my signuature anyway, because many of my beliefs came from buddhism, and a good friendship did too. ;)

[Rin Daemoko]

Question about the Vinaya
om mani padme hum

Please Note: I do not mean to offend anyone through my criticisms here. If I do, well, that's your problem for being so attached to the Vinaya. And probably mine for not fully understanding it.

Lately I have been thinking about the Vinaya, and my question revolves around the seeming hypocrisy that is generated between the teachings of the Buddha and the abiding by the rules of the Vinaya. On the one hand we have the teaching where one should not believe anything just because it is written in religious books, or to believe anything merely on the authority of teachers and elders. The Buddha taught that one should test his teachings, like one would test a gold coin to ensure it's validity. That is a teaching that has always stuck out in my mind, and I'm always mindful of it whenever I read Buddhist literature, or listen to a lecture on Buddhist philosophy.

Then I read something like this:


The Buddha issued a rule for the community not to give any ordination to a homosexual, and those ordained gays are to be expelled. (Vin.I, 86).

So every homosexual is to be punished for the mistakes of one gay monk 2500 years ago? I do not feel comfortable with this.

So my question may be a difficult one to answer. I would not be surprised if there really wasn't an answer, or an answer that I could accept. But I ask it anyway.

Why do people cling to the Vinaya?

[Toby Stimpson]

As a gay myself, i have had to really soul search on how much religious literature I should take seriously, even if it demeans and aspect of my supersoul...or what i would think is an aspect. i think you have to look at it this way, not a lot of people truly believe what their religious teachings state...they cling onto the books a s afact of saving culture. They do not think of what their books are telling them or even really investigate for themselves, relying on teachers instead. we see that in EVERY religion, regardless of how open it is. A teacher who teaches is ultimatly flawed becasue he is Human, and human beigns are flawed creatures...yet at the same time it is also the fact that religion and spirituality is so connected to soem cultures that a set of records that have some power will remain within a community despite opposition to them. the best thing to do is make the decision for yourself as it is YOUR Nirvana...not the Buddha's, not a lama's or Tulkus that is at stake or that is aided. Just as there are many paths to the top of a mountain...not all religious books reflect these paths.

Namaste

Tobias

[Ambience]

I'm researching this now. This is what i have been looking for! Thankyou so much,

Much love *& Light, Janey xx