I Love my Faith

[Robert.Evans]

Ill use me as an example.

My belief and reality (not seperate) is there is such thing as a cycle of birth and death. We live it to different degrees all the time. What I struggle with in his part of my reality is when I face issues like my health issues I have to remember that thats part of life. I cant change it. What I do to help with this challenge is to chant and pray. That is my reality, devotion to life. Learning the cycle of birth and death can get a bit annoying. I really want to know why i was going blind for a year and why i keep having eye spells. But i have to understand the ten worlds we go through: that is also my reality. It is fustrating to really understand this. Just because i call it my reality doesnt mean there are some things i get annoyed by it.

Thats my question. Are there some things thats part of youe reality (devotion, living, practice, et ) that you struggle with? Or is it smooth sailing with no challenges to your faith to make it strong.?

When you say your eyes, you mean for real? If so, I am sorry.

So you think when something happens in life, I would ask my faith, why? Fore example, If someone dies, I might ask, Why God? Is that what you are asking?
If so, I don't. I know why it happens. But i am not saying it is easier because of it. Someone dying is still someone dying. I might know why and so forth, but I am still in a flesh body so feel as a man.

Does that answer it?

 

[Robert.Evans]

Ill use me as an example.

My belief and reality (not seperate) is there is such thing as a cycle of birth and death. We live it to different degrees all the time. What I struggle with in his part of my reality is when I face issues like my health issues I have to remember that thats part of life. I cant change it. What I do to help with this challenge is to chant and pray. That is my reality, devotion to life. Learning the cycle of birth and death can get a bit annoying. I really want to know why i was going blind for a year and why i keep having eye spells. But i have to understand the ten worlds we go through: that is also my reality. It is fustrating to really understand this. Just because i call it my reality doesnt mean there are some things i get annoyed by it.

Thats my question. Are there some things thats part of youe reality (devotion, living, practice, et ) that you struggle with? Or is it smooth sailing with no challenges to your faith to make it strong.?

I think my faith does not need to be strong. It might sound arrogant, but when you know, you don't need much faith if any. It is the lord that faces the challenge. I am just there for the ride. It is like following someone that knows the way. So you just switch off and follow. That is trust I suppose. That is what you do with someone you know well.

 

[Robert.Evans]

Ill use me as an example.

My belief and reality (not seperate) is there is such thing as a cycle of birth and death. We live it to different degrees all the time. What I struggle with in his part of my reality is when I face issues like my health issues I have to remember that thats part of life. I cant change it. What I do to help with this challenge is to chant and pray. That is my reality, devotion to life. Learning the cycle of birth and death can get a bit annoying. I really want to know why i was going blind for a year and why i keep having eye spells. But i have to understand the ten worlds we go through: that is also my reality. It is fustrating to really understand this. Just because i call it my reality doesnt mean there are some things i get annoyed by it.

Thats my question. Are there some things thats part of youe reality (devotion, living, practice, et ) that you struggle with? Or is it smooth sailing with no challenges to your faith to make it strong.?

He is really good..... I guess you make me realise that. I am not so good. But I am Man and he is God.

 

[Quintessence]

I actually think that's one of the biggest stumbling points when it comes to evolving in a faith you connect with. It is trying to disconnect with the faith you are not connected with. I haven't experienced that; and, I do agree that the word "God" can get a little annoying when first starting out.

Yeah, and folks have different starting points for things like that. Someone who was never raised with anything has a different experience than someone who left their parent religion ten years ago versus yesterday.

How is your OBOD training coming along?

Awesome. One of the best life decisions I've ever made. It was the right time for me to do it. Had been doing the Pagan thing for around a decade, which meant I had a pretty solid practice build already, but was wanting more inspiration to build things up. This has definitely done that. For one, I finally do relatively standard openings and closings for my rituals.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Faith is trust. People use the word to avoid the word religion.

In buddhism we have prsctic

But is Buddhism really a "Faith?" Per se?

I always thought it to be more of a guidelines for living. What with the 8-Fold Path. And the Four Noble Truths. And the non-worship of any gods.

A great Buddhist sage once said, "If you meet the Buddha on the side of the road, kill him."

Do you know why he said that? What his meaning was?

To worship nobody? Have "faith" in nobody. Or nothing. To work on yourself and find your own Path. Learn your own Way.

Faith is usually defined as a belief in something for which there is no proof.

How does this apply yo you calling Buddhism a Faith?

I ask this because I am fairly well-acquainted with Buddhism, I like it more than other so-called religions. And I usually see a red flag when I hear the word "faith." To me it smacks of religious fundamentalists and their superstitious beliefs in sky gods and Jewish carpenters who rise from the dead after three days. LOL. Total turn-off.

Thanks!

http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism8.htm

Is that the best approach to religion, do you think? This is an aspect of religion that might be at times, part of ''keeping people in the flock'?

In a good way or bad way? I'd say people want to be in the flock in fellowship with like-minds. Religion is also a community who worship or so have you together in their faith or social communion. In addition to othe characteristics that make up religion, I don't see it as a bad thing.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Actually, yep. For real. I saw five doctors and none of them can pin point it. They saw the blind spot but their computers can't figure out the cause. I have vertigo with eye issues that make me almost legally blind. That, too, they don't know the cause.

So you think when something happens in life, I would ask my faith, why? Fore example, If someone dies, I might ask, Why God? Is that what you are asking?

No. I feel everyone has struggles in their faith. That is how we grow. Some things about my faith kind of bothers me (like being in this cycle of birth and death) and I continue because that is what the Buddha taught: acceptance of the cycle, wisdom, and so forth to alleviate the sufferings we have of the cycle of birth and death.

I ask readers if they have struggles in their faith or frustrations about things within their faith even though they also continue on living by it, not take them seriously, and find was to adapt and move on.

Is it possible to say one lives their faith/their reality and not find challenges within their faith/their reality that helps them grow? Is it possible that one cannot find anything wrong in their belief (things that one may not understand, for example rather than incorrect) and live free sailing?

What are those hurdles within our belief/our reality that we struggle with?

That's a bigger question than the OP. I was also just wondering if there are some things in ones faith that may be annoying, uncomfortable, or whatever even though it does not change their view, their belief, and their lifestyle within the faith? It sounds like a catch twenty two question. I'm sure that even people who say they are one hundred percent comfortable in their faith have some frustrations from time to time.

That's natural. That's why I ask?

I also ponder to those who say no. Does that mean you faith is perfect? Do you not have challenges or things that make you go "okay?" or things like "Some people in my faith kind of put a bad name to the religion/life style I live. I don't like that and that's okay."

I'm asking a, what is it called, juxtaposition.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Faith is trust. People use the word to avoid the word religion.

In buddhism we have prsctic

But is Buddhism really a "Faith?" Per se?

I always thought it to be more of a guidelines for living. What with the 8-Fold Path. And the Four Noble Truths. And the non-worship of any gods.

A great Buddhist sage once said, "If you meet the Buddha on the side of the road, kill him."

Do you know why he said that? What his meaning was?

To worship nobody? Have "faith" in nobody. Or nothing. To work on yourself and find your own Path. Learn your own Way.

Faith is usually defined as a belief in something for which there is no proof.

How does this apply yo you calling Buddhism a Faith?

I ask this because I am fairly well-acquainted with Buddhism, I like it more than other so-called religions. And I usually see a red flag when I hear the word "faith." To me it smacks of religious fundamentalists and their superstitious beliefs in sky gods and Jewish carpenters who rise from the dead after three days. LOL. Total turn-off.

Thanks!

http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism8.htm

He is really good..... I guess you make me realise that. I am not so good. But I am Man and he is God.

Everyone is good, they just don't realize it. (Everyone is a Child of God, for example. Some people find it hard to see that). So... I'd think you're in good hands.

Nam.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Faith is trust. People use the word to avoid the word religion.

In buddhism we have prsctic

But is Buddhism really a "Faith?" Per se?

I always thought it to be more of a guidelines for living. What with the 8-Fold Path. And the Four Noble Truths. And the non-worship of any gods.

A great Buddhist sage once said, "If you meet the Buddha on the side of the road, kill him."

Do you know why he said that? What his meaning was?

To worship nobody? Have "faith" in nobody. Or nothing. To work on yourself and find your own Path. Learn your own Way.

Faith is usually defined as a belief in something for which there is no proof.

How does this apply yo you calling Buddhism a Faith?

I ask this because I am fairly well-acquainted with Buddhism, I like it more than other so-called religions. And I usually see a red flag when I hear the word "faith." To me it smacks of religious fundamentalists and their superstitious beliefs in sky gods and Jewish carpenters who rise from the dead after three days. LOL. Total turn-off.

Thanks!

http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism8.htm

Yeah, and folks have different starting points for things like that. Someone who was never raised with anything has a different experience than someone who left their parent religion ten years ago versus yesterday.



Awesome. One of the best life decisions I've ever made. It was the right time for me to do it. Had been doing the Pagan thing for around a decade, which meant I had a pretty solid practice build already, but was wanting more inspiration to build things up. This has definitely done that. For one, I finally do relatively standard openings and closings for my rituals.

Nice. I like that. I know I went to a pagan pride festival a couple of days ago and enjoyed that. We didn't do any rituals, just stood in a circle and beat drums. One group, Sister's of the Moon, asked me to write for their classes and I will receive free training on different pagan practices. I would have a mentor and help write rituals and such. It's not in conflict with my faith and I always wanted to have a strong practice in rituals, prayers, divination, and the like. I have to talk to them a little more to get a feel of the seriousness and structure of their group and classes.

I am glad you enjoy and in-tune with your faith.

And the beat goes on....

 

[Saint_of_Me]

Ill use me as an example.

My belief and reality (not seperate) is there is such thing as a cycle of birth and death. We live it to different degrees all the time. What I struggle with in his part of my reality is when I face issues like my health issues I have to remember that thats part of life. I cant change it. What I do to help with this challenge is to chant and pray. That is my reality, devotion to life. Learning the cycle of birth and death can get a bit annoying. I really want to know why i was going blind for a year and why i keep having eye spells. But i have to understand the ten worlds we go through: that is also my reality. It is fustrating to really understand this. Just because i call it my reality doesnt mean there are some things i get annoyed by it.

Thats my question. Are there some things thats part of youe reality (devotion, living, practice, et ) that you struggle with? Or is it smooth sailing with no challenges to your faith to make it strong.?

Also, I have a question regarding Reincarnation. What the Buddhists call the cycle of Samsara.




Where are all the new souls coming from? LOL.





By that I mean, since there are billions more people on the planet now, from when Siddartha Gautama became Enlightened after 40 days under the Bodhi Tree some 2500 years ago, how are the new babies supplied with souls if there were less way back then. The Buddhists say that we die, and in the Bardo state between death and life, our past life is reviewed and necessary lessons to learn are acquired, so our soul--like a flame passing form candle to candle--is passed on to the next life so we can learn it. And then we are re-incarnated, with yet another chance to learn our life lesson, and escape the Wheel of Samsara, and ascend to Nirvana.

But there are billions more people now than when the Buddha lived. So there would need to be a new infusion of souls, as the original supply is not enough. Right?

Where do they come from? To me this a a big problem with the logistics of reincarnation.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Also, I have a question regarding Reincarnation. What the Buddhists call the cycle of Samsara.




Where are all the new souls coming from? LOL.





By that I mean, since there are billions more people on the planet now, from when Siddartha Gautama became Enlightened after 40 days under the Bodhi Tree some 2500 years ago, how are the new babies supplied with souls if there were less way back then. The Buddhists say that we die, and in the Bardo state between death and life, our past life is reviewed and necessary lessons to learn are acquired, so our soul--like a flame passing form candle to candle--is passed on to the next life so we can learn it. And then we are re-incarnated, with yet another chance to learn our life lesson, and escape the Wheel of Samsara, and ascend to Nirvana.

But there are billions more people now than when the Buddha lived. So there would need to be a new infusion of souls, as the original supply is not enough. Right?

Where do they come from? To me this a a big problem with the logistics of reincarnation.

I dont see the connection between my post and your reply?

 

[Robert.Evans]

Actually, yep. For real. I saw five doctors and none of them can pin point it. They saw the blind spot but their computers can't figure out the cause. I have vertigo with eye issues that make me almost legally blind. That, too, they don't know the cause.



No. I feel everyone has struggles in their faith. That is how we grow. Some things about my faith kind of bothers me (like being in this cycle of birth and death) and I continue because that is what the Buddha taught: acceptance of the cycle, wisdom, and so forth to alleviate the sufferings we have of the cycle of birth and death.

I ask readers if they have struggles in their faith or frustrations about things within their faith even though they also continue on living by it, not take them seriously, and find was to adapt and move on.

Is it possible to say one lives their faith/their reality and not find challenges within their faith/their reality that helps them grow? Is it possible that one cannot find anything wrong in their belief (things that one may not understand, for example rather than incorrect) and live free sailing?

What are those hurdles within our belief/our reality that we struggle with?

That's a bigger question than the OP. I was also just wondering if there are some things in ones faith that may be annoying, uncomfortable, or whatever even though it does not change their view, their belief, and their lifestyle within the faith? It sounds like a catch twenty two question. I'm sure that even people who say they are one hundred percent comfortable in their faith have some frustrations from time to time.

That's natural. That's why I ask?

I also ponder to those who say no. Does that mean you faith is perfect? Do you not have challenges or things that make you go "okay?" or things like "Some people in my faith kind of put a bad name to the religion/life style I live. I don't like that and that's okay."

I'm asking a, what is it called, juxtaposition.

I am comfortable with it.

 

[Robert.Evans]

Faith is trust. People use the word to avoid the word religion.

In buddhism we have prsctic





Everyone is good, they just don't realize it. (Everyone is a Child of God, for example. Some people find it hard to see that). So... I'd think you're in good hands.

Nam.

I thought you didn't believe in God

 

[George-ananda]

Where do they come from? To me this a a big problem with the logistics of reincarnation.

That logistics problem does not exist in Hinduism as it is not believed to be a closed system. There are always souls entering and leaving the human chain of reincarnation.

 

[Saint_of_Me]

That logistics problem does not exist in Hinduism as it is not believed to be a closed system. There are always souls entering and leaving the human chain of reincarnation.

And pray tell: where do those new souls entering the human chain come from?

Who decides who gets what soul? Are they all the same? I always thought a soul was a person's life spark, of sorts, that was "born" with them at the time of conception? But now you guys say our souls come from "out there" somewhere. If a soul is actually the spiritual core of a person, than how can it be so when it comes from without? Not within? Who makes the souls?

Religion. Sheesh! If logic flaws were airplanes it would be an airport. LOL

 

[Saint_of_Me]

I dont see the connection between my post and your reply?

No, sorry, you won't. I digressed a bit, since your post on Buddhism reminded me of a huge question I always had about one of its central tenets: that of Samsara and Reincarnation. I used to give a little bit of possibility to the idea of something like reincarnation existing. As I scientist, I figured that maybe reincarnation actually has a scientific base. Like some sort of "cyclic transference of energy." Because, after all, many things in nature DO work in cycles. Same deal in the cosmos, lots of cyclical stuff. (I'm an Astronomer.) I could never buy into the Hindu ideas on reincarnation, however, since they believe in something called 'transmigration" where you can be reincarnated into an animal. Or an insect. (This is the reason for India's Sacred Cows!) LOL.
I find that totally absurd.

But years ago I gave up on the idea of ANY sort of reincarnation being possible. The mechanics just do not work out. And one of those ways it doesn't is, like I said, the problem of enough souls. Where do the new ones come from? I just had a Hindu guy say they come from out there somewhere. LOL. He did not specify. This to me is no better of an answer than NO answer. But as a science guy that is one of my character traits: I am used to having to explain and prove my ideas, and to be willing to admit I am wrong when all logic and known facts contradict mine. religious folks are loathe to do this though. that's why, will, they're religious. LOL. And why not many scientists are. The religious people usually falter repeatedly at offering ANY proof for their ideas, no matter how silly, and they then high tail it to their last resort, which is to say to us Atheists, "Well--you can't prove that it DOES'NT work like that!" Or..."You can't prove there is NO God!"

To this I point them to Carl Sagan's parable of the "Dragon in my Garage."

Thanks!

 

[George-ananda]

And pray tell: where do those new souls entering the human chain come from?

Who decides who gets what soul? Are they all the same? I always thought a soul was a person's life spark, of sorts, that was "born" with them at the time of conception? But now you guys say our souls come from "out there" somewhere. If a soul is actually the spiritual core of a person, than how can it be so when it comes from without? Not within? Who makes the souls?

Religion. Sheesh! If logic flaws were airplanes it would be an airport. LOL

Basically your problem is looking at creation from a homo-centric viewpoint. Humans are just a small recent introduction to the universe and not the purpose of it. There are mentally ungraspable types and numbers of life experiences in the universe much different from the human one. There are many planes/realms in nature with life forms abounding on all of them. What we call souls are beings on the Causal Plane desiring experiences on the denser planes to further their development towards enlightenment. We can't grasp the limit.

 

[George-ananda]

I just had a Hindu guy say they come from out there somewhere.

I don't know if that Hindu guy was me but I never addressed yet the question of where souls come from but I will a little now.

In Advaita thought, only Brahman is ultimately real. Brahman is best described as pure consciousness sat-chit-ananda (being-awareness-bliss). We finite thinkers can not well grasp this. The universe is likened to a great play/drama of Brahman where He separates Himself from Himself in Act I and returns Himself to Himself in Act II.

So what we call life is Brahman consciousness animating a finite form giving it finite experience and comprehension. Souls are just beings on a Higher Plane than the physical that animate bodies on the lower planes in an attempt to advance and realize their origin/Brahman. This is Act II in the play.

 

[Emi]

Nothing about my faith truly frustrates me.

I do wish more people conformed to my faith near me. I also wish the Book was available in hard copy.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I thought you didn't believe in God

I dont. I am one to talk to others in "their language." Since I experienced what it is like to be with God, I thought it apropriate for you regardless of my faith.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Nice observation. Im no scientist nor hindu, so cant really counter. I do believe in souls and I dont believe they just come from no where but have always existed as long as the first human. I do believe in reincarnation but I never called it that. I just know life works in a cycle and nothing comes from thin air and nothing disapears. I dont know any science test thst can make something pop out of nothing or disapear. We just change form.

I also believe that the spirits of family is a part of us and visa versa. I think thats how thry exist is by generations. Kind of the reasons why people want their name kept in the family. To keep the culture, blood, and faith alive.

I havent looked into the details of terms like samsera. The Lotus Sutra is a thick book already but it helps me a lot when thinking of how the Buddha taught about death, life, and keeping the Law going.

Anyway, you have a Dr. in Astronomy or hobby?

No, sorry, you won't. I digressed a bit, since your post on Buddhism reminded me of a huge question I always had about one of its central tenets: that of Samsara and Reincarnation. I used to give a little bit of possibility to the idea of something like reincarnation existing. As I scientist, I figured that maybe reincarnation actually has a scientific base. Like some sort of "cyclic transference of energy." Because, after all, many things in nature DO work in cycles. Same deal in the cosmos, lots of cyclical stuff. (I'm an Astronomer.) I could never buy into the Hindu ideas on reincarnation, however, since they believe in something called 'transmigration" where you can be reincarnated into an animal. Or an insect. (This is the reason for India's Sacred Cows!) LOL.
I find that totally absurd.

But years ago I gave up on the idea of ANY sort of reincarnation being possible. The mechanics just do not work out. And one of those ways it doesn't is, like I said, the problem of enough souls. Where do the new ones come from? I just had a Hindu guy say they come from out there somewhere. LOL. He did not specify. This to me is no better of an answer than NO answer. But as a science guy that is one of my character traits: I am used to having to explain and prove my ideas, and to be willing to admit I am wrong when all logic and known facts contradict mine. religious folks are loathe to do this though. that's why, will, they're religious. LOL. And why not many scientists are. The religious people usually falter repeatedly at offering ANY proof for their ideas, no matter how silly, and they then high tail it to their last resort, which is to say to us Atheists, "Well--you can't prove that it DOES'NT work like that!" Or..."You can't prove there is NO God!"

To this I point them to Carl Sagan's parable of the "Dragon in my Garage."

Thanks!