Buddhism in America

[cb2008]

Originally Posted by Arach Angle

I heard a guy say once, to truly know your own langue study other langue's.

Sticking with what you know has applications. But it also can hold us back.

It is entirely upto the individual how he uses knowledge. It can unlock doors only if you have the key.

[Zonked]

Buddhism is unique in that it can be a full-blown religion, a philosophical system that can contribute much to other religions even if one remains in one of those religions, or simply a set of attitudes and practices that can be valuable even in an entirely secular context.

(Yes, I know the Buddhism-isn't-a-religion mantra, so spare me the lecture.)

There's no way a full-blown metaphysical Buddhist could remain within Judaism, Christianity or Islam.

The inconsistencies are just too great.

But the philosophy, attitudes and some of the practices can be integrated even into those religions without too much difficulty.

[cb2008]

Originally Posted by Zonked

Buddhism is unique in that it can be a full-blown religion, a philosophical system that can contribute much to other religions even if one remains in one of those religions, or simply a set of attitudes and practices that can be valuable even in an entirely secular context.

(Yes, I know the Buddhism-isn't-a-religion mantra, so spare me the lecture.)

There's no way a full-blown metaphysical Buddhist could remain within Judaism, Christianity or Islam.

The inconsistencies are just too great.

But the philosophy, attitudes and some of the practices can be integrated even into those religions without too much difficulty.

That is why many Muslims, Christians and Jews do! Not just Buddhism but the whole gamut of Eastern thought.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by Zonked

Buddhism is unique in that it can be a full-blown religion, a philosophical system that can contribute much to other religions even if one remains in one of those religions, or simply a set of attitudes and practices that can be valuable even in an entirely secular context.

(Yes, I know the Buddhism-isn't-a-religion mantra, so spare me the lecture.)

There's no way a full-blown metaphysical Buddhist could remain within Judaism, Christianity or Islam.

The inconsistencies are just too great.

But the philosophy, attitudes and some of the practices can be integrated even into those religions without too much difficulty.

That's an excellent explanation of the issue of what Buddhism is. There's a Buddhist forum I used to participate in, and one of the common discussions was whether Buddhism was a religion or a philosophy. And I think you've answered that well...and brought in that it also can be a set of "attitudes and practices" that are secular. That made me think of the times, as a school principal, when I knew I was about to go into a difficult parent conference, and I would do a few minutes of focused thinking (sort of 'meditation light') to get my mind in the right attitude for the conference.

I also agree with you about Buddhists having difficult also being a christian. Benn there, tried it, struggled with it, discarded it. The concepts discussed in "Living Buddha, Living Christ" are thoughtful and interesting, but I think that ultimately it is better to choose one path or the other.

Really good post. Thank you!