buddhism where buddhism isn't allowed (ritual, mystic, tradition, beliefs)

[Tomohr]

Hi everyone, I just googled buddhism forum and found this... so I hope that I may be able to find a quick few answers. I am one that has always struggled with the idea of the norm religion in america, obviously which is christianity. I just didn't like how it was built with the whole God and having to bend to the whole will thing. anyways, i happened upon the idea of reading in to buddhism almost at first like a joke, but then it became serious because i started to do a little soul searching and I felt that I needed something to believe in and buddhism seemed like a healthy road to follow. I cannot say that I am a buddhist yet, for I just started reading up on it and do not if i completely believe everything that I'm reading yet. Not to say that I don't like what I have read so far... anyways, question, what does one do when he is surrounded by christians and others that just really are accepting of something like another religion... so how can I learn and grow in this if i choose to do so when people around me are not accepting... let alone there are really no people that i know of that feel the same what..has anyone else had this problem? hope someone out there can help me out!

[Jaymes]

Though I'm not Buddhist, one quote attributed to Siddhartha Gautama that I've always agreed with is "Do not believe something merely because it has become a traditional practice." This applies to Buddhism, too. Don't believe in it; try it! See if it works for you.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Tomohr

what does one do when he is surrounded by christians and others that just really are accepting of something like another religion... so how can I learn and grow in this if i choose to do so when people around me are not accepting... let alone there are really no people that i know of that feel the same what..has anyone else had this problem? hope someone out there can help me out!

Namaste Tomohr. Where are you? Are you certain that those around you would not accept you further pursuing Buddhism? Are you talking about the general populace or your immediate friends and family?

Just off the bat, I don't see why the religious beliefs of those around you should affect your own spiritual path. But I can see how being isolated would make it harder to learn.

[Tomohr]

I know I can walk my own path, i'm not worried about that. I'm more worried about the further learning... stuff that I can't read out of books etc. and just people that I can talk to about stuff, finding others that i can relate to and things like that... i'm located in Central IL

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Tomohr

I know I can walk my own path, i'm not worried about that. I'm more worried about the further learning... stuff that I can't read out of books etc. and just people that I can talk to about stuff, finding others that i can relate to and things like that... i'm located in Central IL

Ah, well, if you can't find a Buddhist sangha in your area, there are these forums and Engyo has recommended the following website:
http://www.e-sangha.com/

Ain't the interweb grand?

[MysticSang'ha]

Tashe Dalek, Tomohr. (Peace unto you)



Just to let you know, I'm in southern Illinois, so we're practically neighbors (woot). And I've been a practicing Buddhist for around ten years, now.




I can understand the initial trepidation you have. Breaking away from what is traditional can seem frightening and lonely. Experience has shown me that when you really are sincere in your spiritual practice, you won't go through what you fear the most - social abandonment.




There certainly have been times where I was not accepted for my beliefs. I was invited to a Bible study for the claimed reason to pray together. When attempts at conversion failed after I arrived, I was scorned, condemned to Hell, and spit on (by one of the members) when I left. I have to admit that I did not handle my own emotions well when I was there, either.




But these instances are so few and far between that they are hardly worth mentioning. Overall, I have been welcomed in others' churches no matter what my beliefs are. The majority of the time, I've found people to generally be kind, even if they don't accept my beliefs.




I'd advise that it's perfectly fine if they don't accept your beliefs. If you don't accept theirs, then you're on a level playing field, eh?





Go to buddhanet on the web, and they provide lists of sang'has in every state and every country that they are aware of. You can find a community somewhere. I don't have any in my hometown, and I must travel 40 minutes by car to enjoy the Tibetan center that I visit. But the search and the journey is worth it.






Good luck on your own journey, whether you find the ultimate truth in Buddhism or not.





Peace,
Mystic

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by Tomohr

I know I can walk my own path, i'm not worried about that. I'm more worried about the further learning... stuff that I can't read out of books etc. and just people that I can talk to about stuff, finding others that i can relate to and things like that... i'm located in Central IL

Tomohr -

My recommendation would be to find a Buddhist group near you and observe their practices or meetings. If you have several, visit them all. Try it on for size. You might look to see if there will be a Change Your Mind Day observance near you too, at: http://www.tricycle.com/foundation/c...istings06.html . This happens on the first Saturday in June, and many Buddhist traditions participate.

The thing about Buddhism is that it IS a practice. It does not require belief. If you lift weights and exercise every day, your body will respond, becoming stronger and in better shape whether you believe in it or not. "Just do it" could be a Buddhist phrase if Nike hadn't copyrighted it. Try it out, and see what happens with your life.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Just do it. Yeah, that works. At some point or another you're very likely to get stuck and at times like that counsel from someone more experienced, or at the very least familiar with your position, can help move things along.

The internet is a great resource, I've had far more luck corresponding with Buddhists over the net than I have seeking local groups.

Just in case you use IRC ever, #Buddhism on Undernet has a good mix of dedicated Buddhists, complete beginners, and critics.