Thunder

Thanks for the open comments Scigirl. I am very interested in how Christian doctrine is perceived by non-Christian's based on Christian's actions. America is surely a difficult place for this because so much of America identifies itself with Christianity. It is also difficult because the squeaky wheels always characterize the movement. Anyway, thanks for taking my comments lightly. There were not meant in anger or spitefully and you seem to have understood this. It is just my curious observation, that I've seen often, as to the gentle and open armed and one eye closed way that people approach Buddhism. In many ways Buddhism lends itself to this, however, I believe in the greater sense it is as Suzuki writes (which I have quoted above) that America, in its usual postmodern style, conveniently dispenses with that which it doesn't like. It is the cosmic salad bar religion of postmodernism. Pick and choose what you like and don't like, agree with and disagree with, and make your own incoherent worldview that should never need defending.

In regards to your original question, for what its worth, during my undergraduate work I found myself often thinking that if I ever found atheism compelling, I'd become a Buddhist.

Thunder

Prince Ashitaka

Thunder, I am sorry for misinterpreting your post. I am also sorry if I came off in a sounding rough around the edges. Please accept my apology.

boneyard bill

Can anyone name a Buddhist war? I can't and I've read quite a bit about Buddhist history. The Tokugawa regime in Japan definately persecuted the Christians and quite severely. I don't know that this was supported by the Buddhist clergy. It might have been, but the motive seems to have been more about driving out foreign influence than suppressing heretical views.

Of course, Tibetan Buddhists fought the Chinese to keep the Dalai Lama from being captured by the Chinese communists. But those are the only conflicts I'm aware of. What are the others? Sri Lanka? That's an ethnic conflict.

Asoka conquered northern India before his conversion to Buddhism. So what's left. I'd really like to know if anyone has any info on this.

Prince Ashitaka

Leaving your family to search for truth wasn't that bad in those days (As long as your family was provided for). It was fine for you to do this. Also, it wasn't like he was leaving them to fend for themselves or anything. They lived in a palace with servants, not a dump.

Thunder

Thanks. No problem. All's forgotten. Nice to meet you awake.


Thunder

boneyard bill

Never returned? Not from what I've read. He returned after his enlightenment to convert his parents, his wife, and his son, Rahula.

Being from a wealthy and indulgent family, his responsibities were few, and this just fed his sense of alienation. The way I see it, he delayed his quest for enlightenment long enough to be sure he had produced a male heir, the only family responsibility left to him in those circumstances.