Reverend Rick said:
I appreciate the structure laid out as practices for our minds, and that there is constant encouragement to continue to practice. There is never any one defining moment where we either pass or fail our "test" of spiritual realization, but every moment. AND.......we will always have another chance until we all attain complete liberation from suffering.
I get a little annoyed at how romanticized Buddhism is portrayed here in the States. Somehow, it's been relegated to a "if it feels good, do it" kind of path, and the Dharma clearly states anything BUT. To strive to be completely selfless, that there is no such thing as being an innocent victim, and that this "I" that I call "me" is nothing more than a pile of bones and a mental construct - these are teachings that are extremely difficult to swallow.
I also am rather dismayed at the way Buddhism has for so long been intertwined with nationalism in the Far East, especially in, say, Sri Lanka. It's basically run as a theocracy. Granted, Tibet had been run for centuries as one, too, so our hierarchy understands the Chinese occupation as a valuable lesson for us and our relationships with politics. We in the west are not often exposed to Buddhism's own problems of it's leaders and fellow practitioners, and there are plenty to deal with close to it's homeland.
What seperates your religion from others?
That it is nearly entirely pragmatic. It opens itself up to change and does not rely solely on one single revelation to build upon, therefore allowing itself to revision if the rules of observation exposes any falsehoods of it's teachings. Whatever theological beliefs are there..........that's OK. The important thing is to become familiar with our minds, the true nature of our minds, our current karmic tendencies and fruitions, and finally what karmic seeds we are planting today.
What is the closest religion to yours?
Our measuring rod is the three Dharma Seals: Dukkha, Anicca, and Anatta - or in other words, "suffering", "impermanence," and "No-Self." The closer a religion's teachings are that says that sh** happens, that everything changes over time, and that there is no such thing as an immortal, unchanging soul, the closer it is to Buddhism - at least my school.
What is the furthest religion from yours?
No idea. See above answer. The Three Dharma Seals are also called the Three Marks of Existence.
Would you welcome people to convert to your religion?
Yes, but with hesitation. I would be more enthusiastic about their conversion if they have not wanted to leave their former faith system with any bitterness or anger. If they did, I would encourage them to find a way first to embrace their former faith, and THEN decide if they still want to convert. Otherwise, Buddhist practice with a heart full of bitterness acts as an obstacle to spiritual growth or maturity.
What would be the biggest reason they should?
"Should?" Ummmmmmm............I guess if they perceived their karma pointing them clearly in the direction of the Dharma. That's a rather difficult question for me to answer because I would never think to pressure anyone to practice. Then again, maybe I'm just a wuss.
Peace,
Mystic
