I have often wondered why Buddhism is not more popular than it is currently. I personally have found Buddhism to be a great help in thought and in life, as well as reasonably easy to grasp (unlike Hinduism and humanistic materialism) and generally devoid of serious logical or ethical problems (unlike Abrahamic religions).
So, for those you who have heard or read a bit about Buddhism. what were the main objections that caused you to not pursue it or give up on it or feel uninterested in it?
I have a lot, if not all, Buddhist morals but I find the practice of Buddhism both Zen and Nichiren are not personal. They are more intellectual beliefs that you apply to your life; and, if beyond intellectual, then you can fall into the "attachment" of pleasure. Not saying people can't make Buddhism personal; and, the teachings in and of themselves are about the mind that influence the heart rather than abrahamic religions where the heart influences the mind.
I know Buddhists do not worship The Buddha and other sects the Dharma but I never was one to put anything over myself in any way regardless if one calls it worship (a way of submission) or reverence (an act of respect). When I pray to my ancestors, spirits, and grandmothers to know them more, it's more on a personal level. I don't know The Buddha personally so it's like following a political party of a politician with whom even though I share his or her views, I don't know that person personally. Of course, that sounds a bit off but that's just me.
Paganism or
whatever you guys want to call it brings me to a sense of home. Whether one calls me an animist, pantheist, polytheist, or whatevertheist it all comes to the same reflection and multicolored unique unfiltered cultural definitions of life. Being part of that diversity of "spirits" lets me know I'm not just focused on the mind. I know we suffer. I dislike christianity because it has the same concept as Buddhism in that the cause of life is suffering and their needs to be a redemption from it.
It doesn't hit a personal string in my heart. My family does. Meditation helps but prayer to my family is personal. Chanting Diamoku is cool but actually being a part of nature and touching the ground where my grandmother's ashes are asleep lets me know I'm part of the chain of life.
Buddhism doesn't give me that. I hold a lot of their views because it is common sense. It's just not personal religion to where I'd put those views to practice and make them my life.
