What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
Buddhist is just a word, a label, remove the word and you have nothing!
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
I must say, I have wondered about this myself. Trying to live a better life by following the Path is what I do - I don't always succeed, but I am trying - and I know I will never be perfect. That's ok, because now it is more about the journey than the end destination. I was also wondering if being a Buddhist means one has to be able to both comprehend and join in all of the heavy duty discussions here, with all the philosophical speculations about life and everything else....because frankly, I can't follow most of you or understand what the heck you are talking about. Nor do I want to. I pick up a lot of books on Buddhism, and my eyes glaze over after one or two chapters. So for a while, I thought that my lack of understanding - or interest - in the discussions here on this site was a problem, that it meant that I didn't understand Buddhism. Now I am not so sure. I understand the basics, and I understand that I feel at "home" with Buddhism - and I do want to learn more, just not at the level that others seem to be at.David N. Snyder wrote:Opinions vary; imo, Refuge is not necessary, following a particular school is also not necessary. There are many who follow "Buddhayana" or some mixture of different traditions / general Buddhism. Just calling yourself a Buddhist, following the Path as best as possible is enough.Dave The Seeker wrote:I was wondering about this.
Does one have to formally take Refuge to be considered a Buddhist?
Does one have to follow a school or sect if you prefer?
- Dave The Seeker
- Posts: 409
- Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:02 pm
- Location: Reading MI USA
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
Bhavana wrote:
I must say, I have wondered about this myself. Trying to live a better life by following the Path is what I do - I don't always succeed, but I am trying - and I know I will never be perfect. That's ok, because now it is more about the journey than the end destination.
You aren't alone there. There is a lot that goes on here on this board.I was also wondering if being a Buddhist means one has to be able to both comprehend and join in all of the heavy duty discussions here, with all the philosophical speculations about life and everything else....because frankly, I can't follow most of you or understand what the heck you are talking about. Nor do I want to. I pick up a lot of books on Buddhism, and my eyes glaze over after one or two chapters. So for a while, I thought that my lack of understanding - or interest - in the discussions here on this site was a problem, that it meant that I didn't understand Buddhism. Now I am not so sure. I understand the basics, and I understand that I feel at "home" with Buddhism - and I do want to learn more, just not at the level that others seem to be at.
Take what helps you and don't worry about the rest, it may come in time.
Do what you feel comfortable with and learn what you can. You never know where you'll be farther along your path.
Everyday problems teach us to have a realistic attitude.
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
Bonsai Doug wrote:Old joke: What's the difference between a Buddhist and a non-Buddhist?
The non-Buddhist thinks there's a difference.
spot on
I would not consider myself a Buddhist . . . except temporarily . . .
I would certainly call myself Buddhist but rarely live up to even basic precepts
. . . maybe we are all 'wannabe Buddhas' . . .
Christ be with us
There goes the label . .
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
Is there a Buddhist nature? I don't think so. A person cannot be intrinsically Buddhist.
The reason is, that if you were intrinsically Buddhist, you would have to be Buddhist from the day of birth all the way to the grave, and this "Buddhist Nature" would have to remain unchanged the whole time. It would have to be completely unrelated to things like practice and belief. So your practices and beliefs coud go completely ga-ga and still you would have this "Buddhist Nature" and you would still be a Buddhist. The concept doesn't work.
So I think it comes down to this: if a sufficiently large number of people agree you are a Buddhist, then you are. Whether or not the label applies is purely a social convention.
So I would suggest that you follow the Middle Path, seek enlightenment, study learn and meditate, and don't bother yourself about what people call you.
The reason is, that if you were intrinsically Buddhist, you would have to be Buddhist from the day of birth all the way to the grave, and this "Buddhist Nature" would have to remain unchanged the whole time. It would have to be completely unrelated to things like practice and belief. So your practices and beliefs coud go completely ga-ga and still you would have this "Buddhist Nature" and you would still be a Buddhist. The concept doesn't work.
So I think it comes down to this: if a sufficiently large number of people agree you are a Buddhist, then you are. Whether or not the label applies is purely a social convention.
So I would suggest that you follow the Middle Path, seek enlightenment, study learn and meditate, and don't bother yourself about what people call you.
Sergeant Schultz knew everything there was to know.
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
I think- this is a very good topic, as I have been very interested in Buddhism for the past 3 years, and have been reading and trying to walk the path.
But- would not call myself a Buddhist yet
For me, it's one of the refreshing things about the religion. Entry is not based upon a ceremony, or a written exam, or being part of a certain clan, etc.
You have bought a puzzle, because you want to put it together. So you are a Buddhist when you realize what the image is, what you are looking at.
Then the work of the actualized Buddhist is putting it together (the graceful ascent).
But- would not call myself a Buddhist yet
For me, it's one of the refreshing things about the religion. Entry is not based upon a ceremony, or a written exam, or being part of a certain clan, etc.
You have bought a puzzle, because you want to put it together. So you are a Buddhist when you realize what the image is, what you are looking at.
Then the work of the actualized Buddhist is putting it together (the graceful ascent).
OK
- Dave The Seeker
- Posts: 409
- Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:02 pm
- Location: Reading MI USA
Re: What actually makes someone a Buddhist?
[quote="catmoon"
So I would suggest that you follow the Middle Path, seek enlightenment, study learn and meditate, and don't bother yourself about what people call you.[/quote]
Thanks cat
And people usually call me Dave, so it really doesn't bother me
Also, thanks David for your response, makes a lot of sense
So I would suggest that you follow the Middle Path, seek enlightenment, study learn and meditate, and don't bother yourself about what people call you.[/quote]
Thanks cat
And people usually call me Dave, so it really doesn't bother me
Also, thanks David for your response, makes a lot of sense
Everyday problems teach us to have a realistic attitude.
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~