In your words.... (mystic, tradition, Buddhism, theist, faith)

[Comet]

Why is it you chose Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Jainism, etc.... over the other "somewhat" similar belief systems? I know the differences in many of them from one another, but I am curious as to why one made a better path in your life over the others.

(and why have I met no Hindus or Jainis here yet?)

[Comet]

I included Taosists in this for a reason: where are the Jains and Hindus. So similar, so I wish to know.....


By the way (21 for contest now)

[MysticSang'ha]

The only reason why I practice Vajrayana is because my purpose in life is to hook up with Richard Gere.




I started practicing yoga when I was 8 and was a nervous child. Through practice, I learned the precepts of the different branches of yoga and became familiar with the vedic teachings. Around 11-12, I also watched Ghandi on videotape (I think).......so I had grown up being VAGUELY familiar with other traditions.



It wasn't until I was in New York City after taking a yoga class where I was referred to books by Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a highly regarded Zen monk. The Heart of the Buddha was the first book I ever read on Buddhism, but it spoke everything I believed and *knew* in my heart. Ever since, whenever I come across anything related to the Dharma, I feel like I've come home.




For what it's worth, I studied Zen Buddhism for around 10 years until I stumbled upon Tibetan Buddhism 2 years ago. I visited a local Soka-Gakkai International group for a couple of months before I discovered the regional Tibetan Sang'ha. The minute I walked in, the "coming home" feeling washed over me 10-fold. This feeling never gets old, BTW.



Regarding other dharmic faiths, I don't believe in the henotheistic nature of God in Hinduism, and Taoism doesn't provide the kind of structure that I prefer. I also haven't studied Jainism or Sikhism enough to give any kind of informed opinion. When it comes to the other schools of Buddhism...........don't know. I guess I regard them like family or extended family.



Peace,
Mystic

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by Comet

Why is it you chose Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Jainism, etc.... over the other "somewhat" similar belief systems? I know the differences in many of them from one another, but I am curious as to why one made a better path in your life over the others.

(and why have I met no Hindus or Jainis here yet?)

I have similar reasons to Mystic Sangha for choosing Buddhism. Taoism is also attractive to me because it describes a "natural way" for me if you like. But Buddhism provides tools for appreciating the nature of Tao and living it I think. That is a completely personal perspective of course.

[xexon]

Any path is like a pair of shoes. You may have to try several before you find one that fits.


x

[Hema]

Originally Posted by Comet

(and why have I met no Hindus or Jainis here yet?)

What am I...dog chow? Okay okay, just joking. I'm in a mischeivous mood today. I'm a Hindu. You've met me before. I know you probably didn't realize that I'm Hindu. That's okay though. Or maybe...just maybe...I was hiding from you and planning on sneaking up on you. Me and some other Hindus here! Muaahaahaahaa.

[Pariah]

Mystic Sangha -
Do you not believe in a personal God?
I don't understand why Henotheism as part of many other theisms should be a reason not to agree with Hinduism. As in, assuming you were a theist, why would Henotheism not be good in your eyes?

This is taken from the way I viewed your question. If it is not, obviously, fix it.

[Aupmanyav]

Originally Posted by Comet

Why is it you chose Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Jainism, etc.... over the other "somewhat" similar belief systems? I know the differences in many of them from one another, but I am curious as to why one made a better path in your life over the others.

(and why have I met no Hindus or Jainis here yet?)

I would say 'exactly the same beliefs', barring the unimportant ones (Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism are derivatives of Hinduism; and Taoism is no different). That one is better than the other is the pre-judice of the believer. About Hindus and Jains in Spokane, I am sure there are many, it is a chance that you have not met them.