Converting to Zen Buddhism (mystic, tradition, philosophy, religion)

[Francine]

Originally Posted by lilithu

Conversion means to change, from one thing to another.

Maple trees shed all their leaves in November and change to a bare frame of wood. Pine trees shed their needles all year and are said to be "ever green".

[zenzero]

Yes,
CHANGE is the only thing permanent in this universe.
Total accpetance of this change is being with TAO.
Love & rgds

[Francine]

Originally Posted by zenzero

Yes,
CHANGE is the only thing permanent in this universe.
Total accpetance of this change is being with TAO.

Total acceptance represents an end to change. The sage feels varying degrees of acceptance, and often finds that to be acceptable.

[zenzero]

Friend Francine,
Being no sage; have no ideas of such people.
Know that have to accept everything in totality.
Feelings/emotions are rare besides calculating degrees is too mathmatical specially when finally it has to be accpeted.
Love & rgds

[Somkid]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

Then what?

Well, practicing some form of Buddhism would be a good start, I'm making the terrible mistake and assuming that you have some idea about Buddhism if you are considering "converting" as you put it. Learn and know what the 4 noble truths are and find a personal meaning in them for yourself, learn and know the 8 fold path follow what is agreeable to you at first and work on the rest latter. There is so much about Buddhism on the internet and for the most part it is all good. See what kind of Buddhism fits you and your beliefs. For some Buddhists, Buddhism is a religion for some it is a philosophy and for others it is a way of life.

[Sean514]

Hi! I actually learned a great deal about Buddhism, especially Zen Buddhism, from books. Read up on the practices and beliefs of Zen. Then apply the information from the books into your life, such as following the Eightfold Path, looking into zendos, etc. Then you should also try to find a Buddhist community in your area, so you can learn more about ideas and practices from actual people. Good luck and congratulations!

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Somkid

Well, practicing some form of Buddhism would be a good start, I'm making the terrible mistake and assuming that you have some idea about Buddhism if you are considering "converting" as you put it. Learn and know what the 4 noble truths are and find a personal meaning in them for yourself, learn and know the 8 fold path follow what is agreeable to you at first and work on the rest latter. There is so much about Buddhism on the internet and for the most part it is all good. See what kind of Buddhism fits you and your beliefs. For some Buddhists, Buddhism is a religion for some it is a philosophy and for others it is a way of life.

I find it kind of confusing; Theravada appeals to me in some ways, Mahayana in others. Soto Zen would mesh well with Quakerism, I think. I think I just need to go on some visits, and take some classes.

[Somkid]

Here is a web site that might help you figure out what you believe or what is your best fit. Oddly enough after all the forms of Buddhism and Tao are used my number 6 best fit is Quaker then again I was born and raised in "The Quaker State".

Beliefnet: Belief-O-Matic, Religion Beliefs, What Religion Am I Quiz -- Beliefnet.com

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Somkid

Here is a web site that might help you figure out what you believe or what is your best fit. Oddly enough after all the forms of Buddhism and Tao are used my number 6 best fit is Quaker then again I was born and raised in "The Quaker State".

Beliefnet: Belief-O-Matic, Religion Beliefs, What Religion Am I Quiz -- Beliefnet.com

I always score higher on Theravada than Mahayana. But then, we don't have a Theravada community locally, and I think the Mahayana tradition might be better for a layman, since Theravadans emphasize monasticism so much. And I like the Mahayana emphasis on compassion.

[michaelm]

If Theravada appeals, can i suggest looking at the Thai Forest tradition, particularly of Ajahn Chah. there a few web sites and some books on his teachings.
although he was a monk, the teachings apply to the householder life, most of the teachings were directed at householders, and usually the challenges of both are the same, even if the life is different.