Freethought & Rationalism Archive

gsx1138 · 10-20-2002, 07:04 PM

As the title says I went to a Buddhist temple this last wednesday for the first time. There was only 5 of us there and no senior instructor. However, I really enjoyed the experience. I don't see myself dropping my Paganism but it was definately more cerebral than anything I experienced when I was a Christian. All in all it was great and I plan on going back.

10-20-2002, 10:12 PM

You went to look around and feel the surroundings or to find information about Buddhism?

Steve K · 10-20-2002, 10:31 PM

Which temple was it? I'm curious as to which style/school is was... I've been considering visiting one, but I'm so nervous from my fundy days when visiting a church meant they would call and hound me for weeks afterwards to get me to keep showing up.

- Steve

10-21-2002, 01:52 AM

Nope, such thing doesn't happen in Buddhism. Your choice whether you want to continue to visit or stop visiting at any time and you will not be force to do anything you may not like. I should know since I usually visit a temple not far from where I live here.

Not sure the temple you are going/planning to go, but in some temples, there are even books which you could read (on the spot) and ask questions from the monks (but try not to disturb them while the mediating).

gsx1138 · 10-21-2002, 08:06 AM

I went for the experience actually. I knew next to nothing about Buddhism (still don't). My previous understanding was that Buddhism was basically nihilism. You know, everything is nothing. I've been reading one of the Dalai Lama's books and realized I was wrong so I thought I would give it a shot.
The Temple I went to is in Tacoma, Wa and is an actual reproduction of a traditional temple. Once you see it it is hard to miss with it's giant gold Buddha's, intricate carvings and painting. As far as I could assertain it was a Zen temple with its main teachings coming from Korea. They have free classes on Wednesday nights and of course retreats that you have to pay.
It was strange though; after I left I had this perma grin for about two days. I did find it disconcerting that after an hour of meditating (two 30 min. intervals) I was only able to clear my mind of random thoughts for about 2 breaths. As soon as I realized I had done it the thoughts came flooding back. I guess it will be harder for the MTV generation like me to filter all of the crap out.

edited to add: This was nothing, let me repeat NOTHING like a christian church. The student that instructed us was great and there was no stress about coming back. The most he said was , "Hope to see you guys again." No money plates passed around and no cheap emotional trickery. This attitude actually makes me want to go now. I remember to well my fundy days because I used to minister and do missionary work.

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: gsx1138 ]</p>

Waning Moon Conrad · 10-21-2002, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gsx1138:
<strong>I was only able to clear my mind of random thoughts for about 2 breaths. As soon as I realized I had done it the thoughts came flooding back. I guess it will be harder for the MTV generation like me to filter all of the crap out.
</strong>

In the Tibetan styles at least, the idea is not to block your thoughts and practice a state of blankness but to watch them without involving yourself too much with them and maintaining awareness. Some have described it as watching the watcher.

monkey mind · 10-21-2002, 10:04 AM

My advice is that if you enjoy it, go try out a couple of different schools and techniques. Even the ones that may seem superstitious to you at first glance. They all go to the same thing, but one might click better than others. I think that no matter what your beliefs, practicing meditation is bound to improve your life.

Also, I'm telling you right now, the institution of Buddhism is not perfect. You will find things you don't agree with. Remember, this is for yourself, and the question is, "Is practicing Buddhism benefitting me?" (so that you can in turn benefit all sentient beings of course =))

An important teaching of the Buddha to remember is not to accept or reject anything outright, until you've made your own investigation and compared it to your own experience.

One of the things you will be bound to struggle with as a westerner exploring Buddhism is the androcentrism of a lot of the teachings.

Also, I would say that meditation can give you a mystical experience that at first may give you a "high", but take it in stride. That's not what it's all about.

That's all the unsolicated advice I have for you heheh. Hope you don't mind, just wanted to share my thoughts, as a westerner who has come over time to be a believer in Buddhism.

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: monkey mind ]</p>

monkey mind · 10-21-2002, 10:07 AM

Also, the complaint of not being able to clear your mind very well is completely normal. EVERYONE has that problem. Don't be hard on yourself when meditating, just keep gently training your mind. The real effects of meditation are very subtle.

gsx1138 · 10-21-2002, 10:19 AM

One thing I enjoyed about the book I'm reading is that (I don't have an exact quote) the Dalai Lama says not to accept things just because. Or something to the effect, don't always believe something because someone tells you something is true. I like the fact that you are encouraged to make up your own mind. Christianity doesn't have this. When I gave a sermon I expected everyone in the congregation to just agree with what I was teaching. Sure I could say, "You don't have to believe me look for yourself." But I would provide the scriptures that proved my point. I would basically encourage selective exposure in making sure that they only read other Christian texts.
I've yet to make up my mind totally on what I'm going to do with the experience. Thanks for the advice though folks.

Heathen Dawn · 10-21-2002, 11:03 AM

Buddhism is a cruel religion.

10-20-2002, 07:04 PM	#1
gsx1138 Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Bremerton, Washington Posts: 379	First Buddhist Experience As the title says I went to a Buddhist temple this last wednesday for the first time. There was only 5 of us there and no senior instructor. However, I really enjoyed the experience. I don't see myself dropping my Paganism but it was definately more cerebral than anything I experienced when I was a Christian. All in all it was great and I plan on going back.

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10-20-2002, 10:12 PM	#2
Seraphim Guest Posts: n/a	You went to look around and feel the surroundings or to find information about Buddhism?

10-20-2002, 10:31 PM	#3
Steve K Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Corvallis, OR USA Posts: 64	Which temple was it? I'm curious as to which style/school is was... I've been considering visiting one, but I'm so nervous from my fundy days when visiting a church meant they would call and hound me for weeks afterwards to get me to keep showing up. - Steve

10-21-2002, 01:52 AM	#4
Seraphim Guest Posts: n/a	Nope, such thing doesn't happen in Buddhism. Your choice whether you want to continue to visit or stop visiting at any time and you will not be force to do anything you may not like. I should know since I usually visit a temple not far from where I live here. Not sure the temple you are going/planning to go, but in some temples, there are even books which you could read (on the spot) and ask questions from the monks (but try not to disturb them while the mediating).

10-21-2002, 08:06 AM	#5
gsx1138 Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Bremerton, Washington Posts: 379	I went for the experience actually. I knew next to nothing about Buddhism (still don't). My previous understanding was that Buddhism was basically nihilism. You know, everything is nothing. I've been reading one of the Dalai Lama's books and realized I was wrong so I thought I would give it a shot. The Temple I went to is in Tacoma, Wa and is an actual reproduction of a traditional temple. Once you see it it is hard to miss with it's giant gold Buddha's, intricate carvings and painting. As far as I could assertain it was a Zen temple with its main teachings coming from Korea. They have free classes on Wednesday nights and of course retreats that you have to pay. It was strange though; after I left I had this perma grin for about two days. I did find it disconcerting that after an hour of meditating (two 30 min. intervals) I was only able to clear my mind of random thoughts for about 2 breaths. As soon as I realized I had done it the thoughts came flooding back. I guess it will be harder for the MTV generation like me to filter all of the crap out. edited to add: This was nothing, let me repeat NOTHING like a christian church. The student that instructed us was great and there was no stress about coming back. The most he said was , "Hope to see you guys again." No money plates passed around and no cheap emotional trickery. This attitude actually makes me want to go now. I remember to well my fundy days because I used to minister and do missionary work. [ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: gsx1138 ]</p>

10-21-2002, 10:04 AM	#7
monkey mind Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: canada Posts: 140	My advice is that if you enjoy it, go try out a couple of different schools and techniques. Even the ones that may seem superstitious to you at first glance. They all go to the same thing, but one might click better than others. I think that no matter what your beliefs, practicing meditation is bound to improve your life. Also, I'm telling you right now, the institution of Buddhism is not perfect. You will find things you don't agree with. Remember, this is for yourself, and the question is, "Is practicing Buddhism benefitting me?" (so that you can in turn benefit all sentient beings of course =)) An important teaching of the Buddha to remember is not to accept or reject anything outright, until you've made your own investigation and compared it to your own experience. One of the things you will be bound to struggle with as a westerner exploring Buddhism is the androcentrism of a lot of the teachings. Also, I would say that meditation can give you a mystical experience that at first may give you a "high", but take it in stride. That's not what it's all about. That's all the unsolicated advice I have for you heheh. Hope you don't mind, just wanted to share my thoughts, as a westerner who has come over time to be a believer in Buddhism. [ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: monkey mind ]</p>

10-21-2002, 10:07 AM	#8
monkey mind Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: canada Posts: 140	Also, the complaint of not being able to clear your mind very well is completely normal. EVERYONE has that problem. Don't be hard on yourself when meditating, just keep gently training your mind. The real effects of meditation are very subtle.

10-21-2002, 10:19 AM	#9
gsx1138 Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Bremerton, Washington Posts: 379	One thing I enjoyed about the book I'm reading is that (I don't have an exact quote) the Dalai Lama says not to accept things just because. Or something to the effect, don't always believe something because someone tells you something is true. I like the fact that you are encouraged to make up your own mind. Christianity doesn't have this. When I gave a sermon I expected everyone in the congregation to just agree with what I was teaching. Sure I could say, "You don't have to believe me look for yourself." But I would provide the scriptures that proved my point. I would basically encourage selective exposure in making sure that they only read other Christian texts. I've yet to make up my mind totally on what I'm going to do with the experience. Thanks for the advice though folks.

10-21-2002, 11:03 AM	#10
Heathen Dawn Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 4,656	Buddhism is a cruel religion.

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