How long will it be until I am enlightened? (translation, hell)

[koan]

A major difference between westerners practicing Zen/Buddhism is, that most Asians are devotional Buddhists. I come from the Korean Seon (Chogye) tradition and have even been to Korea. What I have found, is that the majority of Korean Buddhists, view the Buddha and Bodhisattva's as almost God like and pray to such for this or that. Completely missing the point of self reliance. This also holds true for the majority of people who frequent the Temple I attend in Australia.
Except for the Westerners I have met that, "Practice" Buddhism, because it is cool, most appear to practice for the right reason. What is the right reason? To end their suffering. Unless one wants to really change their attitude (or because it is cool), why would anyone in the west take up Buddhism in the first place?
Most Asian Buddhists, are born into Buddhist families, just like the majority of Westerners are Born into Chritianity ( I am classing westerners, as people from, or originally from Europe).
Most Christians who attent church, do so only because they think it is right to do so. Not that they really want to practice true christianity. Again this holds true for most Buddhists, born into this tradition. Unfortunately, this is human nature.

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by koan

A major difference between westerners practicing Zen/Buddhism is, that most Asians are devotional Buddhists. I come from the Korean Seon (Chogye) tradition and have even been to Korea. What I have found, is that the majority of Korean Buddhists, view the Buddha and Bodhisattva's as almost God like and pray to such for this or that. Completely missing the point of self reliance. This also holds true for the majority of people who frequent the Temple I attend in Australia.
Except for the Westerners I have met that, "Practice" Buddhism, because it is cool, most appear to practice for the right reason. What is the right reason? To end their suffering. Unless one wants to really change their attitude (or because it is cool), why would anyone in the west take up Buddhism in the first place?
Most Asian Buddhists, are born into Buddhist families, just like the majority of Westerners are Born into Chritianity ( I am classing westerners, as people from, or originally from Europe).
Most Christians who attent church, do so only because they think it is right to do so. Not that they really want to practice true christianity. Again this holds true for most Buddhists, born into this tradition. Unfortunately, this is human nature.

I see what you're saying. I have had the problem of "being" of a religion because it was cool(among the friend I hang out with(that was when I was a Chaote, when I left my Shinto practice). When I came across Shinto I didn't start to look more into it because it was a Japanese really and Love everything from there(I find most Eastern culture really interesting). I found stuff within it that made sense to me and what I seem to already believe. But that is for a different thread sorry for going off topic. I will agree though that a lot of people start a religion or say they are that religion and "try" and practice it with out really looking into because they think that's it's cool. I will admit that I don't know a whole lot about Buddhism, but being here and talking to you all is helping(thank you). From what I got(and correct me if I am wrong), for the most part Buddhism is a belief that has a set of precepts one can chose to follow(some or all) and define them to what fit them(for the most part). Please do correct me if I am wrong. Also it seem that Buddhism can be mixed in with other religious beliefs(I think my mixing thread tell it well, thank you all once more). Well I don't know what elseto say, dang I'm talkative today ^_^

PS

What I have found, is that the majority of Korean Buddhists, view the Buddha and Bodhisattva's as almost God like and pray to such for this or that. Completely missing the point of self reliance. This also holds true for the majority of people who frequent the Temple I attend in Australia.

This reminded me of a quote from Miyamoto Musashi: Venerate Buddhas and Gods but not relay on them.

[koan]

Supeficialy, Buddhism may be mixed with other religions. Realisticaly, it can't. Why Buddhism can't really be mixed, esp. with Abrahamic religions, is the denial of a God creator. Buddhism also denies the existance of Soul. Buddhism is based on Sunyata (emptiness), Anicca (Impermanance), Anatta (No real self) and Karma (the cause of cyclic existance).

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by koan

Supeficialy, Buddhism may be mixed with other religions. Realisticaly, it can't. Why Buddhism can't really be mixed, esp. with Abrahamic religions, is the denial of a God creator. Buddhism also denies the existance of Soul. Buddhism is based on Sunyata (emptiness), Anicca (Impermanance), Anatta (No real self) and Karma (the cause of cyclic existance).

Okay, but what about other religions like those of other Eastern cultures(they seem to fit good with each other at times, or at lest it's easy to do then Christian and Buddhism)?

[koan]

I know very little about other religions and can't comment.

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by koan

I know very little about other religions and can't comment.

Understand, thank you for your answer that you have given. It has helped. ^_^