I said in my blogpost about whether Buddhism was the best world religion (let alone win an award) that I was halfway a Buddhist myself. I got a question about that: what do I mean?
A real Buddhist, in my view, and in the traditional Asian view, is someone who has taken refuge. That is, in a solemn ritual they have taken refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. I have not done that, so I’m not officially a Buddhist.
However, being a vegetarian who tries to live by the five precepts, who believes that Buddha was one of the greatest spiritual teachers of all time, believing in karma and rebirth, and knowing sunyata to be a true description of reality, Buddhism is certainly closer to my personal religion than any other religion.
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I really liked your description of your views of how you relate to Buddhism, in comparison to what you perceive Buddhism to be all about.
“A real Buddhist, in my view, and in the traditional Asian view, is someone who has taken refuge. That is, in a solemn ritual they have taken refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. I have not done that, so I’m not officially a Buddhist.”
You said that so clearly and concisely. I too believe in and try to live the 5 precepts. It’s pretty much a quick-n-easy “How-To” guide on morality. I am a flexitarian vegetarian wanna-be that can’t seem to somehow get away from chicken.
I have always believed in karma. I don’t believe in reincarnation per se, but do believe that energy is never destroyed, that it only changes form.
Anyway, thanks for an opportunity to discuss spirituality without getting stuck on religious differences. In response to your question: Is spirituality a lifestyle or a quest? I would say “both”. Take care ~ Les
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You can still learn from Buddhism without the Buddhist label. I wrote about one of the central tenets of Buddhism recently at my blog. http://richardshelmerdine.com/blog/2009/09/29/acceptance-of-pain-and-transcending-suffering/ if you’d like to check it out.
To be fair, I did mention your definition of a “true” buddhist in one of my blog posts. My post is not meant to be a criticism as much as an exploration of my own definition but I did use your post as a springboard.
If it comes across as inflammatory or insulting I do apologize and will revise..
Cheers,
Jack
I think to be truly Buddhist, you only have to mindfully shed your definitions.