Why Aren't You a Buddhist? (salvation, pagan, Christianity, Christian)

[eudaimonia]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Why aren't you a Buddhist?

- Because I embrace life! I don't believe I do so obsessively, but I do so eagerly and enthusiastically. While I occasionally enjoy a "meditative" walk in the forest, I do not seek the tranquil, "selfless" life, but one filled with adventure and achievement.
- Because I embrace my humanity! One of the glories of humanity is the actualization of one's creative talents. Art and technology are sacred values. If I am going to spend my life, I would prefer to place the emphasis on developing my talents.
- Because I embrace my individuality! I'd much prefer to spend my life engaging in computer programming, and my various hobbies, than in meditating. This is more in accord with my deepest psychological nature. My personal callings are not to meditation.
- Because I have self-respect! While I largely agree with Buddhist views on the dynamic nature of human existence, I believe that self-esteem is a profoundly important spiritual value which seems to be lacking in Buddhism.

Buddhism seems largely like a "medicine" to "cure" dissatisfaction with life. I want more than a medicine. I seek to fulfull my life. Compassion is fine, but is not nearly enough of an answer.

Think of it this way. Let's say I was overweight, and someone offered me a miracle diet-and-exercise plan. Would this be sufficient as a way of life? What would I be dieting for? Simply to be thinner... and to diet? Or would it be to engage in activities that might have been more difficult before?

(Additionally, I do not believe in rebirth, other "worlds" where "gods" and other beings live, and some other metaphysical views that one finds in Buddhism.)


eudaimonia,

Mark

[eudaimonia]

A true story:

A year ago, I met a Swedish college student who tried to interest my wife and myself in joining his Buddhist group. He started talking about his group, but cautioned us about how we wouldn't necessarily get Buddhist superpowers, such as telepathy, right away (I imagine that the Buddha is alleged to have had such "superpowers"), but that it was still worth it to join up.

I insisted that I wouldn't join unless he could guarantee that we could acquire Super Saiyan powers. My wife concurred.

We all have our price.


eudaimonia,

Mark

[giant space amoeba]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Why aren't you a Buddhist?

Actually im just on the start of researching Buddhism, out of pure interest.

I've found somethings that i agree with and other things that i don't.

Don't think i'll b a Buddhist but some interesting concepts, which put somethings into clarity of things that i observe in life.

[Random]

I don't have the personal discipline required for Buddhist observation, but I do love the religious philosophy.

[Kcnorwood]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Why aren't you a Buddhist?

Why are you not a Pagan?

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Why aren't you a Buddhist?

Same reason I'm not a Christian: I don't care for the way the symbolism is employed.

[Jaymes]

Dunno. I looked into it for a while and decided it wasn't for me after I read about how most traditions don't allow transgender individuals to become monks. I also haven't had the time to truly devote myself to studying it, and I believe it would be insulting to call myself Buddhist if I didn't study it inside and out.

[ChristineES]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Why aren't you a Buddhist?

Because I am not Buddhist.

[Pariah]

Isn't the word "Buddhist" a trifling concept within the system itself?

Isn't it more important that there is no such as a Buddhist or Hindu or Christian, etc.? and that division resides only in maya?

As an agnostic (at least, on most days), no religion appeals to me best, which is why I pointed out above. Belief in Buddhist metaphysics doesn't make you Buddhist does it?