what makes a Buddhist a Buddhist?

[paralizedeyes]

So today while on my tumblr, I recieved a message saying this:

"My goal is to tinkle people off. ticked people get excrement done."
Not really a Buddhist statement. Buddha clearly states that anger and agression are emotions that should be banned from your mind.

"In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves."

To which I replied:

Buddha and Dogen also both state to act with compassion. Anger, hate, disgust, if used correctly, is a compassionate act.

Plus Buddhism, as a philosophy and lifestyle, isn't suited to completely erase any emotion, sensation, and thought. It's aimmed at experiencing it.

And on a more personal note, I'd like to say that I'm not practicing for the "truth" or "enlightenment". You practice for the practice.



What makes a Buddhist a true Buddhist

Is it the hours he puts into meditation?

Any fool can do Zazen for a bit.

Is it the quality of her robes?

Anyone can learn sewing.

Is it her knowledge of the Dharma?

If you have any knowledge of the Dharma, you have no knowledge of the Dharma.

A Buddhist acts compassionately,

Through kindness and vileness.

He works diligantly,

Savoring the life he has.

She is sincere

Keep to your Dharma.

I'm just curious as to how this community would view this. If you wanna reply, sweet. If not, oh well.

[Lexy]

It's not the clothes you wear, the ceremonies you perform, or the meditation you do, says Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse. It's not what you eat, how much you drink, or who you have sex with. It's whether you agree with the four fundamental discoveries the Buddha made under the Bodhi tree, and if you do, you can call yourself a Buddhist.

[Stookie_]

There are so many different types of buddhism that I would suppose it depends on who you ask. I would say a modern buddhist is someone who practices the rules/path that are laid out by the religion.

If you asked the buddha he would probably tell you that calling yourself a buddhist doesn't mean anything. It's just a title.

[Pauli2]

AUUOOOOMMM...

[paralizedeyes]

Lexy: But that doesn't work in this day and age. As you may have noticed, every teenager is a whiney little bonk, so it's easy to accept the 4 noble truths. Any intelligent person can look at the world and say "well, this sucks."

Stookie: But Buddhism isn't a religion. It's a philosophy. We have no creation theory, central god, etc etc.

Pauli2: If that didn't make me laugh, i'd be offended lol

[ether2]

i think you will find that some leading buddhist do believe in God... now
projecting to the height of the realms/plains confirms this
look in to how thoughts generate as a whole and then ya understand why they were led to believe that...as their was no other alternative

good luck

love all

[Lexy]

Well, that's how I feel about "religions" or dogma or whatever you want to call it. If you can't follow the rules and believe in everything it says, you really shouldn't be doing it. Why would you label yourself something that you only do half-butt?

[Summerlander]

i think you will find that some leading buddhist do believe in God

Nonsense. There is no God in Buddhism. In fact I think you'll find that the historical Buddha took a very agnostic stance.

[Stookie_]

There are forms of buddhism that worship buddha(s). And he would be appalled. There are probably more versions of buddism then there is christianity and they also argue with each other.

I visited a buddhist church here in ATL a few times and it was VERY dogmatic. A total turn off.

In fact I think you'll find that the historical Buddha took a very agnostic stance.

This is true. The "religion" of buddhism is very present today though. Not that the real-deal doesn't.

[CFTraveler]

Oh, I could so much kill this thread, but I won't.  I hope it ends better than the one I'm thinking about.
Peace.

[paralizedeyes]

Lexy: for some false image of uniqueness and independence.

stookie: thanks for pointing that out. You have a point.

CFTraveler: Feel free to voice your opinion. You wouldn't have posted that if you didn't want a response.

[personalreality]

it's just another religion.

so what makes a christian a christian?

the same thing that makes a buddhist a buddhist.

i could say what those things are, but like CFT i will refrain.

[CFTraveler]

Lexy: for some false image of uniqueness and independence.

stookie: thanks for pointing that out. You have a point.

CFTraveler: Feel free to voice your opinion. You wouldn't have posted that if you didn't want a response.

I don't have an opinion, this just reminded me of another thread that ended badly.
Maybe I should retract it.

[Lexy]

Oh, I could so much kill this thread, but I won't.  I hope it ends better than the one I'm thinking about.
Peace.

If it is your destiny to kill a thread you must not deny it. 

[ether2]

Nonsense. There is no God in Buddhism. In fact I think you'll find that the historical Buddha took a very agnostic stance.

i did'nt say their was a God in Buddhism...but i could argue this
i said they believe in God now
loveing all gives ya the abilities to well UNDERSTAND why this that and the other which of course is real wisdom
then what you could say is Buddhism is Wisdom, yes as their are levels of wisdom clearly as this worlds problems would have been solved if they had all the good juice (wisdom) one would asssume these problems would have been gone in our world by now
one would assume in their conscious state (how they are )(attitude) they of the caring type (most people are) when one is of the caring type and being in a leading role (public eye) looked upon for guidence they learn why certain areas (time frame pending) are not addressed (poverty/war etc) yeah they have their say in the public eye to show they are aware of it and care about it, but thats as far as it goes as the reason being is that their is an energy issue that the World/s system/s run off you now know about fear/devastated/trauma all equal emotions those emotions equal energy needed for the World/s system/s,  just like some need to do their minds activities (raise energy) this world needs energy that comes from emotions the emotions we don't like (we can duplicate this energy now without those emotions)
and as their is a system for the energy for our world and as this knowledge/wisdom is avaliable to a few, for various leaders of industries/religions leading Buddhist included...so good ole buddy it only comes from one place...GOD
your welcome for the insight

good luck

love all 

[GodsProxy]

i did'nt say their was a God in Buddhism...but i could argue this
i said they believe in God now

In terms of the article I just read, Do Buddhists Believe in God?, sounds more or less correct: http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/budgod.html .
To summarize, Buddha was a theist but his teaching were non-theist.
Quote from the website given above:

Did the Buddha believe in God, the One God of the desert, the God of the Christians, Jews and Muslims?
Well... No... He didn't... Monotheism (only one God) was a foreign concept to the Buddha, his world was filled with many gods. The creator god Brahma being the most important one.

So the answer is Yes, he did, just not the Christian God. I guess that means he is still a believer in God. Not sure about his followers, I guess they would have to choose for themselves. Highlights the difference between faith and common sense, I guess. Some people have it, some don't. God exists if you like it or not, if you worship candlesticks or incense.
Most important thing is the peace and sense of Love which Buddhists exude. Brings a much needed positive energy into the world. I LOVE Buddhists.
ParalyzedEyes, to get back to your post:

Buddha and Dogen also both state to act with compassion. Anger, hate, disgust, if used correctly, is a compassionate act.

I would beg to differ completely on this point. Anger hate and disgust are all emotions breathing with contempt, negativity and fear. Even if in hand to hand combat, in war, one must remember that one is in the war for the sake of Love, and Love alone. Even if one is forced to kill one's enemy, using anger in response to his enemy's anger, he should remember later and try to forgive that person. Defending oneself using Love and self righteousness is always the better option. So, no, I don't think there is a "used correctly" context on these emotions.

Much Love to Everyone,

[paralizedeyes]

Thats gotta be the most irksome assumption of Buddhists. Not every one is filled with drabble and love.

And I wasn't speaking of anger, hate, and disgust in the concept of war. I don't think war should happen. But hate unites people in ways that the loving don't see. Just as love unites in the way the hateful can't see.

Take the entire "Punk" movement for example. It was fueled by anger, indifference, and segragation, but in the end, something beautiful came out of that. An entire government and social system was changed for the better.

Not to mention, BUDDHISM IS MEANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS IT IS! NOT MAKE EVERYONE CUDDLE. Cannot stress that enough.

And inspite of the air of anger I might have portrayed, I meant to explain my belief and understanding. Sorry if I sounded like an butt.

[personalreality]

well said paralizedeyes.

morality isn't a battle of dualism, with anything 'negative' being evil, necessitating shunning. 

morality is useless first of all.  ethics are important, compassion for your fellow 'experiencers' of reality.

life isn't a world of opposites, it's a world of complements that need to be balanced.

you're missing half a life.  your perception of astral projection comes from those dark places, from the infinitely twisting and turning labyrinth of your imagination.  fun fun  . 

[CFTraveler]

If it is your destiny to kill a thread you must not deny it.  

Oh, I don't think so.  This one is doing well all by itself.  

[paralizedeyes]

I know that personalreality. Apart from the astral projection bit. I have no knowledge of what AP is about.

[GodsProxy]

Thats gotta be the most irksome assumption of Buddhists. Not every one is filled with drabble and love.

Well, I've met quite a few and they were the nicest people I've met. A lot more loving than the rest of the people I've met. Not quite "drabble and love".
That's the biggest mistake people make, mistaking love with softy pantsy wantsy. I guarantee you now, hurt my friends, I will personally come and tear you limb from limb, love or no love.

And I wasn't speaking of anger, hate, and disgust in the concept of war. I don't think war should happen. But hate unites people in ways that the loving don't see. Just as love unites in the way the hateful can't see.

Of course, hate unites people. Thats because what is happening on this planet is wrong. You must look deeper behind the reasons why there is hate.

Take the entire "Punk" movement for example. It was fueled by anger, indifference, and segragation, but in the end, something beautiful came out of that. An entire government and social system was changed for the better.

Thats because the government was based on a hateful system. Now there is a less hateful system in place.

Not to mention, BUDDHISM IS MEANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS IT IS! NOT MAKE EVERYONE CUDDLE. Cannot stress that enough.

Yes, acceptance and acknowledgement is the first step on any path of spiritual development. I'm sure Buddhists would like a better world, just like everyone else would. Right?

[GodsProxy]

you're missing half a life.  your perception of astral projection comes from those dark places, from the infinitely twisting and turning labyrinth of your imagination.  fun fun  .  

Sounds a touch personal, when the space might've been better filled with constructive discussion of the issue at hand... Anyway, how do you know your "imagination" is better than mine?
Accomplished Astral Traveler and published author, Bruce Moen acknowledges the existence of astral hells, and that there are people "bouncing" there. I'll trust his imagination first, thank you !
Yes it is fun isn't it
Anyway, lets get away from AP, we were discussing Buddhism.
Can anyone explain to me the concept of Dharma? Sure, I can google it, but I wouldn't mind getting your guys take on it.

[ether2]

Not to mention, BUDDHISM IS MEANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS IT IS! NOT MAKE EVERYONE CUDDLE. Cannot stress that enough.

changing someones beliefs about religion/s is the hardest thing in the world, where i dare not tread...waste of time
various thought processes (religions) are needed to sustain life... period
experiencing life as it is... yes
but...heard the term we are one, we are becoming one, when this happens as it is happening now with some you feel what others feel, their needs and wants this is when it is like mothers intuition ya feel your childrens needs/wants as they are apart of you (ya get this from caring), same thing happen now man with people becoming more one with all Subconsciously and Consciously this is the main cause of depression (mentall illness) i'm sure any LEADING psychologist will back that up especially those in the know of the generation/orgination of thought processes, it's pretty basic knowledge to those in the know of hermetics and the higher plains/realms of thoughts
and yes i agree with this as i'm not into the cuddly cuddly thing either...never have been never will be...

love to me just means to care, love all to me means care for all, that does'nt mean ya have to like their actions as everything for reason some/most stoppable the rest changable and unfortuanatly besides peadophilia/rape needed (emotions=energy)... as when studying the various thought processes as how they originate and come about generate you soon learn no-one guilty of anything other than peadophilies
ya see a pattern as to why and how those above Higherselfes/Spirits etc teach us how to think, it's all just a schooling for what is needed at this time frame...THAT IS CHANGING FOR THE BETTER OF ALL NOW


good luck

love all

[paralizedeyes]

I've gotta say I agree with Ether2 on everything except the higher planes and whatnot that I don't understand.
and he voiced my opinion on what the concept of love is. When I think of it, compassion is the unity of all emotions. A thoughtless act that generates good or benefit.

Dharma is translated as "the way", "way", or "your way" along with several varitions with teaching.
When I say Dharma, I'm referring to ones practice and views on life. The Dharma is never wrong, but all of it isn't full illuminated in the mind yet.

[personalreality]

Sounds a touch personal, when the space might've been better filled with constructive discussion of the issue at hand... Anyway, how do you know your "imagination" is better than mine?
Accomplished Astral Traveler and published author, Bruce Moen acknowledges the existence of astral hells, and that there are people "bouncing" there. I'll trust his imagination first, thank you !
Yes it is fun isn't it
Anyway, lets get away from AP, we were discussing Buddhism.
Can anyone explain to me the concept of Dharma? Sure, I can google it, but I wouldn't mind getting your guys take on it.

are you bonking serious?

how do you turn benign advice and personal insight into "my imagination is better than yours" (said in the voice of a 6 year old boy)?


and paralizedeyes, sorry, I wasn't directing my comments at you.  i was just speaking generally, adding on to what you said.  i think your comment was great and my post didn't apply to you.