The Planet's Sangha: Buddhist discussions, thought, etc.
 

I consider myself Buddhist. I haven't found a Sangha here in NY that I feel at home with so I've been self teaching and trying to understand. I am hoping that I might find something once i move to Los Angeles but until then, an online option would be the best way to go. I'll admit that it was Lama Surya Das' books that appealed to me and I'm hoping to get through the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

I was curious if there are others out there.

Linus I am what is called a Nichiren Buddhist.. sadly I do not know much about the basic philosophy of the sect you are mentioning... I am still learning more about my practice... I would like to learn more about yours sometime.. and if you would like to learn about mine you can go to www.sgi.org or www.sgi-usa.org ... SGI stands for the Sokka Gakkai International... well have a wonderful day

Cool. I'm going to look into the links you've posted. I've read a bit about Nichiren from E-Sangha Forums but will read more. I'll probably have questions for you about it specifically. (particular when I've finished my teach this week -- which will be today)

I am curious, however, as to why you choose this particular path over others and if you go to a Sangha in RT (Real Time; not online)?

I will be honest I have never heard of Shanga, but I am assuming, so correct me if I am wrong, that it is a term used for temple? Nichiren Buddhist do not go to temples persay... We have community centers that we congregate at. I dont think I can really do it justice. I dont attend much anymore because I live in York and the closet Community Center is in Baltimore and I am sadly lacking a car... When I was in Austin I was there as much as I could be. I miss it terribly. Well I am off for the day and not back til tomorrow sometime... you know the whole Thanksgiving thing lol.. You have a wonderful Turkey Day!

I have not known many practicing Buddhists...but the ones I have known always seemed so centered. (I know that word is almost cliche` any more....)

I've been curious and intrigued about Buddhism, but never really took the time to see if it might suit me.

This past year has been one of many changes...coming to grips with many things....having to give up control....and having now read this article, perhaps this way of life WOULD be the right way for me....it seems to speak to my soul and is reminding me of a compass of sorts.....

Thank You Rainbow.....for posting this.....I am overwhelmed in the best of ways!

I am doing a research report for my religious studies class, and I decided to attend a temple and it was the most warm and welcoming place I could have gone. The "usher" sat me with this older woman who explained everything to me about what was going on in the service. She was very open to any and all my questions. They gave me books, pamphlets, just about anything that I could read on Buddhaism and Jodo Shinshu. This particular sect focuses on Shinran Shonin and his teachings that suffering is going to happen, but how you choose to deal with it is up to you.

I felt like my past didn't matter, and according to the Rev. it doesn't matter, it is gone just as quickly as it came. Everything is cause and effect. It was amazing. No one cared that I am queer. No one cared that I am a single parent. No one cared about all the stigmas that my life tends to bare. I was greeted with smiles, hardy handsakes, and a genuine niceness that is rare to find in Los Angeles.

The 9:30 am service is geared towards family and the Rev was in the isle getting the children involved, getting the whole congregation involved. I have never been to a service of this sort. It has always been sit down, shut up, and hang on for dear life cause everyone in this joint is going to judge the fuck out of you. It was refreshing and heartwarming. I told my son we will be going back there next week. Today's service was a celebration day - Bodhi Day (Jodo-e). The whole experience left me warm and fuzzy inside.

lilith, very similar to you I've experienced a very open look at individuals regardless of background, orientation, race, etc. It is refreshing that the message is generally the same between variations. I am curious as to where this particular temple is. I'll be moving to Los Angeles next year and need to look into finding a place.

Hey Linus. Los Angeles is a big place, where are you planning on moving to? The temple I went to is in Gardena (near the beach cities or LA's version of the South Bay). There are great temples all around here and in the valley and out east. It all depends on where you are moving to.

If you would like, I can do some research on a temple that is close to where you are moving to.

Hope you are having a good day.

lillith :praying:

I have a very very good friend in Denver who is Buddhist. He and I have had some of the most amazing conversations around what it is and isn't for him. When we first met, he was an athiest. His journey has been mind-blowing to watch.

His wife and I share a Wiccan path. I find that Buddhist are some of the least judgmental folk. I admire that. It's something I really struggle with.

Love you, Linus!

Heh. Yes, it definitely is big. As to where we'll be exactly, we haven't fully decided but are looking at West Hollywood, Van Nuys and a few other places. K's parents are near Manhattan Beach. I know there are a few Buddhist temples but haven't been able to find all of them on Google.


Hey Arwen,

It is something that I struggle with at times (removing old habits) but I find that it lessens the more I spent time on Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Reminding myself of each reminds me that others do suffer as I do, even if that experience is different. And no one should suffer.

For those unaware the Four Noble Truths are:

1. All of life is marked by suffering.
2. Suffering is caused by desire and attachment.
3. Suffering can be stopped.
4. The way to end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

And the Noble Eightfold Path is:

1. Right knowledge
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

Hey Linus. Here is are some results I did on google: http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...uddhist+temple

Hope it helps.

Lillith

Ya. It did. Took me to here: http://www.urbandharma.org/wilshire/.../buddhist.html which lists the variety of temples and the Buddhist lineage that it comes from. That should give me an idea of where I'd want to look for a temple (I prefer more of a Tibetan buddhism to the Japanese buddhism but then again.. the concepts are the same). And who knows? Perhaps I may find more of what I'm looking for at a temple near me because of the people involved.

Linus,

Thank you for this thread. I want you to know that I have quite a few friends who are practicing Buddhists. They too are very centered in what their priorities are. And it reflects in their lives.

I also belong to a paranormal group. In this group are several Buddhists. They have taught me quite a bit about spirituality and inner peace. It is something that once you obtain, you never loose it.

Love,
Andrew

Yes, thank You.....this is what I am picking up in my readings. I'm loving the energy of this thread for the most part because it is inspirational in my quest.

I love the harmony of Buddhism. The concept that nothing exists in and of itself, that everything is related, that when you hurt I am hurt, the connection of it all is wonderful to ponder.
And I love the music!!!!

a song I love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbRHkhNXX_0

Daily Quote
 

I need to ask a question that has been on my mind. I am Roman Catholic. I have been away from organized religion for years (20+). I only recently went back to Church when my sister was dying from cancer.

I have taken on Buddhist principles. Is there a problem or issue with someone taking on both religious belief systems?

Andrew

Hey Andrew,

AFAIK, from a buddhist point of view no. In fact, I've seen this quite a lot. Buddhism, in the Western world, is more of a philosophy or guide while something like the RC is more about faith and belief. They can work in tandem -- and, IMO, compliment each other.

:praying:

The Dalai Lama in his book in which he discusses the gospels and the book of matthew.(think it is called matthew, cant remember) .said..do not turn away form your chrisitianity....as it has been with you since you were born.
I found this comforting because; as attracted as I was to buddhism I could not break my ties or my beleifs which are considered christian..so for the past
almost 11 years I have labeled my religiousity as a Christian Buddhist. I practice buddhism but have in my priavate practice comgbined it with those christian beleifs that are deep within me and are the foundation of my life, my faith, and guide my footsteps on this planet..

For today and the holidays when people need to be reminded of the need to listen and be listened to, to be respectful, to love:

I'm more along the lines of Taoist but a lot of taoist philosophy matches up with buddhism. I do enjoy a bit of banter with a buddhist ;)

I have enjoyed sitting
 

But have to admit I don't have that kind of long term discipline. And the Buddhists that I have known are very centered indeed. Love me some Pema Chodron. http://www.pemachodron.org/ However, I get some mixed messages about Buddhism's acceptance (or lack thereof) of homosexuality. Some places I read that we fall under "sexual misconduct" laws of their religion and other places I read that they do not judge us. As someone who grew up under the boot of "hate the sin, love the sinner" Xtianity, this kind of gives me the willies.

Certainly don't want to discourage anyone from walking the path of their choosing, but worry that all religion, even ones without God's can be a minefield of do's and don'ts that is bound to leave someone out.

I guess any door through which we enter, can snag us on it's splinters, we must walk on through to get to (what I believe) is our shared destination.

Sacred communion with all.

The same is true of many religions: depending on the church, temple or group they may be more or less accepting. I have found, personally, Lama Surya Das (Western Lama of the Nyingmapa Dzogchen lineage) teachings and those around to be very accepting and open. I had attended a session with one group and they were very open and had no issue with me being trans.

I think it's a matter of finding one that is open and speaks to your heart and soul.

Namaste. :praying:

If I am in no way able to bear the pains of the hells, why then don't I give up anger, which is the cause of all that pain? -- Shantideva in The Three Levels of Perception (from More Daily Wisdom)

I have to admit (and perhaps it's an age thing or perhaps its because of the studying I've been doing) but I am getting better about letting anger go. I just started reading Thubten Chodron's Buddhism for Beginners and I was reminded how letting go of "things" (physical or otherwise) lessened suffering and with it, I believe, anger.

Has anyone else found that as well in their path?

:praying:

I was thinking it was my age.....as it has been easier and easier for me to purge.....I have too many THINGS....I've been going through Rubbermaid TUBS of stuff, asking myself.....HOW many times have I moved this? Never looking inside to see what it WAS.....and....um...>WHY did I keep this 1994 bill?

I know, right?

But since I've moved to Austin....and I'm [hopfully] not going anywhere until my ashes are floating in the Seine......I have found it empowering to 'let go' of all KINDS of stuff....physical stuff....toxic people.....anger.... regrets.... guilt....

And it has really been empowering, and, at the same time giving me a great deal of peace.

Thanks to those who added to the conversation.

Diva, I wanted to ask:

Was it the place that helped you let go or a inner decision to let go?


To all: I've been reading slowly so I can absorb it all. I'm into Chapter 8: Karma: The Functioning of Cause and Effect.

I think that one of the things that is often misunderstood is karma. It is neither good nor bad, it just is. Have you ever considered an action before doing it and what the resultant response will be (either short term or long term), and upon realizing that it may cause more suffering than not decided against it? I try hard and it's my one daily challenge as I tend to think -- too often -- on my feet and not long term from my head.

So as I continue down this path, I decided to finally get through The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Within the 2nd Chapter something hit home:

-- Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (Medicine & Compassion)

As I read this, I pondered the recent events surrounding the Health Care bill. As shocking as the behaviour was, I couldn't help but feel compassion for these individuals. Their lives, defined in some part by the world as interpreted by themselves, family and friends, has it's own hardships. Often, many I wouldn't necessarily understand and the pain associated with it by being clouded by hate, classness and bigotry.

I can only hope that something or someone will shine a light on them at some point and show them the compassion that they should show to others. Perhaps by showing them compassion they may understand what they need to show, in turn, to others.

Linus, forgive me for just now seeing this!!

I think the 'letting go' process began when I realized what I had been doing wasn't working. Yes..part of it was the place. But part of it was the need for my spirit to be fed with more of the positive.

Thank You for this thread.....it makes me breathe deeper for some reason.....

Linus, I am in agreement with this notion. However, I find it almost impossible to keep responding and seeing them with an open heart and compassion.

For me, after a life time of being challenged on almost everything that I am, the wounds, the damage done makes it almost impossible to move past the baggage.

I want to but each time "they" take yet another underhanded action against me and others like me.... well my best intentions and compassion seem to vanish in a moment. I then go into self preservation mode.

I'm rambling. I still hold out hope that I will take the high road.

I get Tricycle Magazine's Dailly Dharma email and I really loved today's:

June 5 , 2010
Tricycle Daily Dharma
Right and True

A famous sutra tells of a group of villagers who came to visit the Buddha. They said to him, “Many teachers come through here. Each has his own doctrine. Each claims that his particular philosophy and practice is the truth, but they all contradict each other. Now we’re totally confused. What do we do?” Doesn’t this story sound modern? Yet this was twenty-five hundred years ago. Same problems. The Buddha replied, “You have a right to be confused. This is a confusing situation. Do not take anything on trust merely because it has passed down through tradition, or because your teachers say it, or because your elders have taught you, or because it’s written in some famous scripture. When you have seen it and experienced it for yourself to be right and true, then you can accept it.”

-Ani Tenzin Palmo, "Necessary Doubt" (Summer 2002)

Very excellent reference. I do like that quote, Oblivia.

I've noticed on Huffington Post Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has been writing (I'm actually waiting for his Rebel Buddha book to be released).

His article on Emotions and accepting them is interesting: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dzogch..._b_598417.html