In Vajrayana Buddhism there is a practice called Deity Yoga. A Buddha or Bodhisattva is chosen, usually by your teacher. An image of this Buddha or Bodhisattva is used as an object for meditation. The Deity is seen as both a separate external being and at the same time you see yourself as having become the Deity. The Deity is also seem as expressing a quality of enlightenment such as compassion, wisdom, or power. I have a theory that it is possible to have a Buddhist attitude and practice a religion such as Catholicism. Vajrayana is all about transformation. It is the attitude which matters, and not the appearance. Catholicism has many saints, especially the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Dzogchen is an even higher form of Buddhism than the Vajrayana. It is so far above the usual Vajrayana that it does not limit itself to any branch of Buddhism or even to any particular religion. It just happens to have been protected by the two main religions of Tibet, Buddhism and Bön. In Dzogchen, you can become a Buddha by cultivating continuous contemplation. Presence. Mindfulness. Circumstances arise and pass but you do not let them push you off balance. This is not accomplished through resistance but by a mindful sort of presence. There is nothing against Dzogchen in Catholicism.
My family was raised Catholic. I chose Buddhism and was not confirmed. It did not go over well. It took over ten years for my parents to admit that I was no longer going to be Catholic and never had been. It was not easy and I gained nothing by fighting them. Buddhism has no God to join and no Satan to resist (unless you count Mara), but in many ways there are a lot of common points between the two religions. By studying one you can gain a better appreciation of the other. Becoming confirmed won't be a problem later if you choose to take the refuge vows, to formally become a Buddhist. It would be an act of generosity to accept confirmation as a Catholic. You can become Buddhist later much more easily than you can go back and get confirmed. I am sorry to have to say that I chose wrong and regret it. I am and have been Buddhist, of course, but I mean that I would have been a better Buddhist had I gotten confirmed.
I have no religious devotions what so ever. I don't plan to either. However my family was raised Roman Catholic. When the time came for me to be confirmed I simple said that I did not want to. It came as a shock but I told them my reasons. My parents still love me.
I don't feel a person should ever be forced to lie, about anything. More so about thier religious convictions. I feel if the topic is addressed as an adult, with logic and reason, then those that love you should be able to realize your point. Even if they don't agree with it.
I personally felt better when I told my mother that I was not a believer.
But ultimatly you know you family beeter than we do and there is always an obligation ensure thier happiness, even some times when it may involve personal sacrafices.
David Rogalski
cainam_nazier@hotmail.com
I am he who walks in the light but is masked by the shadows.
http://www.prepaidliving.com/vip/David127385
It depends on how certain you are. If you don't think there is any way you can possibly remain Catholic and no way to avoid being Buddhist, then confirmation is going to be meaningless to you at best. At worst, it will be a lie which will cause a certain amount of guilt.
I feel that you should follow YOUR heart. I also have old school elderly relatives that have probably bought themselves much bad karma by following their brainwashing- I cannot see how catholics can be so hateful to other christians. I wonder what the church did to these people?
You might want to try this during meditation: Imagine yourself being confirmed, and see how that really feels to your entire self. Then imagine how you would feel similarly but unconfirmed instead. Hopefully the difference will be strong enough to make your choice clearer.
Ignore this advice if you have already done it...
Steve
# happy to be here #
Coming from a born again Christian standpoint who is n o longer a practicer of the faith, I would like to tell you a little example from my experience.
My parents are strict, bible-thumping born again Christians. The ironic part is that it was ME who converted them and turned them onto it. However, since I started having OBE's, my complete spiritual outlook has been turned upside down.
Now, I still have to deal with the whole family/religion thing. However, whenever I see my family, I don't act rebellious or tell them that I don't believe in their traditions anymore. I go along with it.
The Bible says, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." I think that's in there somewhere, right? Either way, would it HURT you to go along with your confirmation for the sake of your family? It sounds like you are spiritually developed enough to know that this is simply a tradition, and it won't hinder you in any way concerning your beliefs.
So if you're able to, avoid strife and dissention amongst your family and do the confirmation.....but in your heart, know that you're doing this out of love for your family and not out of a spiritual desire.
But I am not Catholic so I don't know if that is a good suggestion. Just trying to put in my two cents.
Keep smiling,
Jeff Mash, Founder and Editor
MyJokeMail.com - Jokes and Humor
http://MyJokeMail.com
Thank you all for the replies! They were very helpufl. Especially the personal stories. I love stories; they are such a great way to learn.
I'm still dwelling on the issue. Just thought I'd pop in to let you know I really appreciate your advice here.
Have a good day,
themadness
Greetings themadness!
You must do what your heart, higher self and guides advise you to do. Listen to that inner voice of reason which is very real and follow its advice. That is why you have been led here - it is no coincidence, you can be sure of that, and neither was the path by which you arrived here as you described.
Of course you have to respect your physical parents and other relations, and at least give them the time to put forward their own point of view while listening to same - but this is your incarnation, and what you do with it is vitally important to your own ongoing eternal Spiritual progression.
No one here can advise that you do anything specific, but you should always listen to your own guides and higher self. To disregard them could set you back significantly - by a whole lifetime even.
It might be wise to avoid any religious confrontations, and simply tell your people that you are doing what you feel is right for you.
Good luck!
With kind regards,
Adrian.
Hi guys,
I'm in a really big dilema here, but I've already formed my plan - it seems. I just have to get this off my chest and get some reactions from you guys.
I'm 16 and live in the United States. I was born and raised a Catholic. Three years ago I had my faith shaken and on an almost seemingly too perfect and random thought the Buddha came into my head. I delved into Buddhism. I've read many books, had many thoughtful discussions. I've met online friends and through them I learned about astral projection, and hence Robert Bruce and this site. I've somewhat adopted the idea that I wouldn't jump onto a certain religion into I felt like I knew more about the religions and ideas of the world. I formed that about a year ago. Well, I still have many core beliefs that are obviously influenced by Buddhism. There are a few clinging Catholic traditions and I still do respect the authority of the Mother Church. Sounds odd, huh? But I used to be deep into Catholisicm.
So now my time to become confirmed is coming up. I've hinted at my mom that I don't really want nor do I feel I'm ready to be confirmed yet. She is a very firm believer in Christ and the Mother Church. I can feel her pain when I tell her that I don't want to be confirmed. She and I are fairly close and it really pains me to see this. But another issue is my grandmother. She is a very strict old-school Catholic. She deeply hurt and irate when my older brother decided not to become confirmed - mainly for drug reasons.
Our confirmation teacher firmly believes in not confirming those who do not want to. However, I am rather torn. I just don't know. I haven't offically renounced Jesus in my studies, but I have made many foolish comments regarding Christianity in years back. I don't know. Am I the person to comply with my mothers' wishes and do something I don't believe in out of love? Or am I going to stand up for my belief in being open to religions? My obligations to myself, the Buddha, the Mother Church? Again, torn between what I want to do and what I feel like I should do.
Man, I don't know. Feel free to comment on whatever.