I'm a buddhist and looking for someone to converse with :)

[cobaltsword]

Hello fellow Rebels

I'm from the Assassin Guild, and for a while now i've converted to buddhism. I follow the tibetan school of Buddhism.

I wondered if there where any more buddhist among you guys, I'd love to meet some more Buddhists, maybe debate a bit, answer each others question, get to know each other

So, anyone there?

[OtakuBosatsu]

Soto Zen Buddhist here.

[cobaltsword]

Nice i'm affiliated with Zen Buddhism, but is there a difference with 'Soto' Zen Buddhism? how long have you been following it?

[OtakuBosatsu]

The main schools in Japan are Rinzai and Soto (there's at least one more but I forget what it's called).  To be very general about it, Soto emphasizes shikantaza (just sitting) zazen.  Rinzai is the sect that has people working on koans, although they also practice zazen.   I finally decided to follow the Buddhist path in 2009 but I didn't know anyone in my area apart from one guy who'd newly joined the local Soka Gakkai group (that would be the guys who like to chant "Nam myoho renge kyo" over and over).  Their practice didn't really resonate with me because I was really interested in learning Zen - I'd read Alan Watts and Joko Beck and I felt this was a path worth exploring.  Anyway at first I tried sitting zazen on my own but I happened upon an online sangha called Treeleaf.  I was a bit wary about joining an online Buddhist community but I joined eventually in 2010 and I haven't regretted it.  

[Wolfhorde]

Not a bhuddist but I'm quite interested in Eastern philosophies like the ancient Hindu, Daoist and some Bhuddist ones. Some of these (such as certain  solipsist views) have already influenced my perspective. I'm also on the verge of reintroducing breathing exercises, WC form and later meditation back into my routine.

[cobaltsword]

The main schools in Japan are Rinzai and Soto (there's at least one more but I forget what it's called).  To be very general about it, Soto emphasizes shikantaza (just sitting) zazen.  Rinzai is the sect that has people working on koans, although they also practice zazen.   I finally decided to follow the Buddhist path in 2009 but I didn't know anyone in my area apart from one guy who'd newly joined the local Soka Gakkai group (that would be the guys who like to chant "Nam myoho renge kyo" over and over).  Their practice didn't really resonate with me because I was really interested in learning Zen - I'd read Alan Watts and Joko Beck and I felt this was a path worth exploring.  Anyway at first I tried sitting zazen on my own but I happened upon an online sangha called Treeleaf.  I was a bit wary about joining an online Buddhist community but I joined eventually in 2010 and I haven't regretted it.  

 

interesting is there a big difference actually between shikantaza zazen and the tibetan loving-kindness meditation or inward meditation? i was always fascinated by buddhism and it's only since end last year that i really pledged myself to Mahayana Buddhism. I just finished reading the Art of Happiness by his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a fascinating and helping book. I heard about the Soka Gakkai group, interesting too

And how is Soto Zen Buddhism working for you? Are you from Japan btw?

[cobaltsword]

Not a bhuddist but I'm quite interested in Eastern philosophies like the ancient Hindu, Daoist and some Bhuddist ones. Some of these (such as certain  solipsist views) have already influenced my perspective. I'm also on the verge of reintroducing breathing exercises, WC form and later meditation back into my routine.

 

interesting, so are you well versed with the various philosophies of buddhism, daoism and hinduism? seems like an interesting combination for debat

[Ancalagon The Black]

I have actually met the Dalai Lama.

[cobaltsword]

I have actually met the Dalai Lama.

 

thats so cool it's my dream to meet him. Did you go to one of his speeches or lectures?

[ModernSpartacus]

I've looked into Buddhism, along with many other modern and ancient religions, but I'd love to learn more. 

[cobaltsword]

I've looked into Buddhism, along with many other modern and ancient religions, but I'd love to learn more. 

 

Well ask away i'm glad to answer any question i can

[Barbarossa]

Former Soto Zen clergy aspirant right here, currently sort of a "lapsed" Buddhist.

[cobaltsword]

Former Soto Zen clergy aspirant right here, currently sort of a "lapsed" Buddhist.

 

cool what inspired you to become a Soto Zen clergy man? why did you 'laps'? if you don't mind me asking, i'm very interest into this stuff X3

[Wolfhorde]

interesting, so are you well versed with the various philosophies of buddhism, daoism and hinduism? seems like an interesting combination for debat

Not necessarily well versed (not as well versed as in other ideologies) but I like to draw from a lot of influences and I've seen some interesting correlations between 'modern' philosophies (from the 1800s and upwards) and older philosophies like the ones mentioned above and partially even scientific findings. One of the things that I took away from - I don't exactly remember which - is trying to see the world in a more 'neutral' way and not going the way of blaming outer circumstances but actually find out potential causes or be alright with the fact that there can be multitude of causes that lead to a certain outcome, e.g. with people. (very existentialist, I know). Another thing is taking charge of the things I actually can control and a continuous progression of "widening my horizons".

[cobaltsword]

@ wolfhorde Seems like a very Buddhist view point that's what attracted me to the philosophy, the belief that our inner peace and happiness is within our reach and just demands a dedication and discipline from our part. It just seemed more suited for me.

The things is, modern philosophies have taken some influence from ancient Asian philosophies (example that comes to mind: Max Weber, even though he was more of a sociologist than a philosopher). Funny thing I have found is that today's modern views on life are actually saying what (in my case) the Buddha has already said about 2500 years ago.

Occidental philosophy seems to have gone a slower pace than Asian philosophy on the themes of human nature.

I wonder, which philosophy that you have studied most affected you on a personal level?

[Wolfhorde]

That's basically what I meant by correlations, I just wanted to be wary of making bold statements as as I have said - I'm not yet that versed on these Eastern philosophies. And I agree, while I believe that certain things (like a good 'environment', social relationships ect.) can support our happiness, trying to get it using other people or items as means just doesn't seem too productive or effective for that matter. First this was just a personal observation for me but with increasingly getting into psychology and behavioral sciences this was further affirmed.

Yeah, I've noticed that. The Ancient Asians were incredibly advanced partially - not only in philosophy but partly even in science. (the first accurate seismograph being Chinese from 2.500 years ago, interpretations of the stars and celestial bodies ect.)

Ooph, that's a good question - quite frankly I don't think I could rate it. Frequently? Probably digging deeper into Aristotle and Immanuel Kant. All across the board? Constructivism, Kant, Aristotle, Postmodernism, Existentialism, a bit of Wittgenstein & Nietzsche, various ideas from different religions, a tad of science (most prominently psychology), solipsist ideas/principles and the aforementioned influences from Eastern philosophies, be it Laotse or Sun Tsu.

[OtakuBosatsu]

interesting is there a big difference actually between shikantaza zazen and the tibetan loving-kindness meditation or inward meditation? i was always fascinated by buddhism and it's only since end last year that i really pledged myself to Mahayana Buddhism. I just finished reading the Art of Happiness by his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a fascinating and helping book. I heard about the Soka Gakkai group, interesting too

And how is Soto Zen Buddhism working for you? Are you from Japan btw?

I don't know about the tibetan loving-kindness meditation - is that the one where you direct loving-kindness first to yourself, then to another and so on until you get to all sentient beings?  We also do that sometimes but zazen is basically just sitting with your whole body-mind, not trying to direct the mind or get to some special state of enlightenment or insight.  We just sit and let everything come and go: thoughts arise, let them come and let them go.  Daydreams arise, let them come and let them go.  Feelings arise, same thing.  Insights arise, same thing.  Etc. etc.  The idea is that fundamentally we are already Buddha so it doesn't make sense for us to try to be Buddha by sitting in meditation.  So we sit not so much to get Buddha-nature but to express our Buddha-nature.

 

I won't say that Zen (and Soto Zen in particular) is THE WAYâ„¢, but it is the way that really resonates with me - and I think that that's what matters really.

As for your 3rd question, no I live in the Philippines.  My wife is Japanese though.

[cobaltsword]

That's basically what I meant by correlations, I just wanted to be wary of making bold statements as as I have said - I'm not yet that versed on these Eastern philosophies. And I agree, while I believe that certain things (like a good 'environment', social relationships ect.) can support our happiness, trying to get it using other people or items as means just doesn't seem too productive or effective for that matter. First this was just a personal observation for me but with increasingly getting into psychology and behavioral sciences this was further affirmed.

Yeah, I've noticed that. The Ancient Asians were incredibly advanced partially - not only in philosophy but partly even in science. (the first accurate seismograph being Chinese from 2.500 years ago, interpretations of the stars and celestial bodies ect.)

Ooph, that's a good question - quite frankly I don't think I could rate it. Frequently? Probably digging deeper into Aristotle and Immanuel Kant. All across the board? Constructivism, Kant, Aristotle, Postmodernism, Existentialism, a bit of Wittgenstein & Nietzsche, various ideas from different religions, a tad of science (most prominently psychology), solipsist ideas/principles and the aforementioned influences from Eastern philosophies, be it Laotse or Sun Tsu.

 

indeed, that seems to be one of the key points in eastern philosophy that most things are in our own hands no matter the situation. Oh are you working in behavioral sciences/psychology? i'm studying political sciences and i'm fascinated by international relations.

That's true, the asians were usually more advanced than the europeans in sciences (medecine, astronomy...) usually this was due to religious/social conditions (same can be said for the middle east).

Man you seem to be really into the modern day philosophers, personnaly i didn't really like philosophy (especially medieval) but i am always interested by eastern viewpoints, I don't know why but they seem to touch something in me. (hence buddhism) I've also read a few things of Sun Tzu (mainly his Art of War), and off course i've heard of all the rest Frankly i'm more of an ancient philosophy/ eastern philosophy kinda guy

[cobaltsword]

I don't know about the tibetan loving-kindness meditation - is that the one where you direct loving-kindness first to yourself, then to another and so on until you get to all sentient beings?  We also do that sometimes but zazen is basically just sitting with your whole body-mind, not trying to direct the mind or get to some special state of enlightenment or insight.  We just sit and let everything come and go: thoughts arise, let them come and let them go.  Daydreams arise, let them come and let them go.  Feelings arise, same thing.  Insights arise, same thing.  Etc. etc.  The idea is that fundamentally we are already Buddha so it doesn't make sense for us to try to be Buddha by sitting in meditation.  So we sit not so much to get Buddha-nature but to express our Buddha-nature.

 

I won't say that Zen (and Soto Zen in particular) is THE WAYâ„¢, but it is the way that really resonates with me - and I think that that's what matters really.

As for your 3rd question, no I live in the Philippines.  My wife is Japanese though.

 

Ah I see, yes loving-kindness meditation is where you direct first feelings of compassion at yourself, a close one you love, a neutral person and finally an enemy. The idea is to build up your sense of compassion for everyone and thus generate peace for yourself. But the same kind a meditation exists in Mahayana Buddhism, the type of meditation that is. If I'm not mistaken, in Mahayana we go from the principal that everyone wants to be happy and that those who have nearly reached Buddhahood, deliberately hold back so as to lead the rest into the Buddha nature before becoming one themselves.

 

Indeed, there are so many branches to Buddhism that you really just have to pick the one that resonates the most with your own senses. Btw, this just came to my mind. In Zen, is there a certain 'allegiance' towards the Dalaï Lama? or does Zen Buddhism have it's own high priest (/lama)?

 

Oh the phillippines, that's nice want to visit that place again, the culture has always fascinated me (as with most Asian cultures), oh okay so then she's a Zen Buddhist too or not? Give her my kind greetings ^^

[Wolfhorde]

indeed, that seems to be one of the key points in eastern philosophy that most things are in our own hands no matter the situation. Oh are you working in behavioral sciences/psychology? i'm studying political sciences and i'm fascinated by international relations.

That's true, the asians were usually more advanced than the europeans in sciences (medecine, astronomy...) usually this was due to religious/social conditions (same can be said for the middle east).

Man you seem to be really into the modern day philosophers, personnaly i didn't really like philosophy (especially medieval) but i am always interested by eastern viewpoints, I don't know why but they seem to touch something in me. (hence buddhism) I've also read a few things of Sun Tzu (mainly his Art of War), and off course i've heard of all the rest Frankly i'm more of an ancient philosophy/ eastern philosophy kinda guy

Haha, no I'm a student but I've been reading psychology books, studies, experiments and such for at least 4 years and I'm taking courses and so on. When I started having insomnia during puberty I forged the habit of reading up on things/learning things when I'm bored/have nothing to do.

 

Hah, we're on a similar boat there - I'm actually looking at applying for a 'dual scholarship' (training + study program) at our Department of Foreign Affairs. It's basically about law, political science, a bit of econ, 'cultural' studies and languages and 'Generalists' working there move every 3 to 4 years to a new embassy (something that basically sounds like my 'vocation') Application process can be tough but I'll still give it a shot, I'll just have to prepare properly and deepen my French knowledge. Either way, I'm planning to work internationally.

 

But back to philosophy: It always depends, you always have to consider the historical context as you already noted. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were partially also pretty advanced in science and in certain areas of Europe science and thinking progressed further despite 'dark times' (e.g. Italy). Well, quite frankly I don't think any single philosophy can give us an all encompassing frame that will be applicable to our situation (both historically and personally) - that's why I like to work with different perspectives and put together a continuously progressing patchwork that forms my 'ideology'. For me personally, historical context can also play a crucial role with Marx being the best example. While his ideology hits home on some points (even scientifically proven, look for experiments done on work motivation by Dan Ariely for example) the ideology as a whole framework just isn't applicable to our modern world. (plus internal discrepancies, e.g. 'producing meaningfully' for motivation/fulfillment and the latter being determined by external material circumstances)

 

(little sidenote: Aren't you French?)

[cobaltsword]

Haha, no I'm a student but I've been reading psychology books, studies, experiments and such for at least 4 years and I'm taking courses and so on. When I started having insomnia during puberty I forged the habit of reading up on things/learning things when I'm bored/have nothing to do.

 

Hah, we're on a similar boat there - I'm actually looking at applying for a 'dual scholarship' (training + study program) at our Department of Foreign Affairs. It's basically about law, political science, a bit of econ, 'cultural' studies and languages and 'Generalists' working there move every 3 to 4 years to a new embassy (something that basically sounds like my 'vocation') Application process can be tough but I'll still give it a shot, I'll just have to prepare properly and deepen my French knowledge. Either way, I'm planning to work internationally.

 

But back to philosophy: It always depends, you always have to consider the historical context as you already noted. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were partially also pretty advanced in science and in certain areas of Europe science and thinking progressed further despite 'dark times' (e.g. Italy). Well, quite frankly I don't think any single philosophy can give us an all encompassing frame that will be applicable to our situation (both historically and personally) - that's why I like to work with different perspectives and put together a continuously progressing patchwork that forms my 'ideology'. For me personally, historical context can also play a crucial role with Marx being the best example. While his ideology hits home on some points (even scientifically proven, look for experiments done on work motivation by Dan Ariely for example) the ideology as a whole framework just isn't applicable to our modern world. (plus internal discrepancies, e.g. 'producing meaningfully' for motivation/fulfillment and the latter being determined by external material circumstances)

 

(little sidenote: Aren't you French?)

 

oow interesting ^^ and what do you study exactly because now you're telling me of an array of sciences which is more or less the same direction i would like to go in (international relations, politics and law...) and then maybe go work for a great international organisation like the UN (unesco...) or EU or something ^^ so me too i'm going for the international sphere.

 

Indeed historical context has always influenced the minds of great people, from the ancient civilizations to the renaissance and today Take Machiavelli for instance, his views were rooted in the context he was in (italy at war, papal power expansion (kinda sounds like a badguy supercombo XD) and so on), but then you take other guys like Rousseau, or Hobbes who had more or less the same views but differed on major parts due to the historical context they were in. In addition, Marx is a great example, interesting about him (noting that i've broken my head many a time over his works) is that he crosses the whole board, he has done influential work in various sectors (politics, social, religion, econ...) which makes him a key person in our european way of thinking.

To that extent, i've been drawn towards eastern philosophy because it gave me a more soothing view on the world. Whereas european/american views gave me more questions than answers. Btw, what do you think of Mahayana Buddhism (or Tibetan Buddhism)?

 

Well, i'm Belgian but I speak fluent English, Dutch, French and German (although my writing in french and german still need tweeking ^^)

[Barbarossa]

cool what inspired you to become a Soto Zen clergy man? why did you 'laps'? if you don't mind me asking, i'm very interest into this stuff X3

 

Honestly, I couldn't say precisely what motivated me to pursue ordination. Once I started looking at the hierarchy and talking to people already in it, though, I got sort of disheartened--for many it's more of a job that one inherits from one's father than a calling.  An unfortunate side effect, I believe, of Japanese-tradition priests being allowed to marry and have children.

 

I honestly think that on the larger details, I didn't "lapse" at all--I still live my life in accordance with the Dharma as best I can, but I don't wear the Rakusu/Okesa anymore, don't chant in Sino-Japanese (or English for that matter), don't do Oryoki.  For me, it's about doing the best that I can right now, and being as pragmatic as the situation calls for.  All of the "traditional" stuff that I felt compelled to do was getting in the way.

[cobaltsword]

Honestly, I couldn't say precisely what motivated me to pursue ordination. Once I started looking at the hierarchy and talking to people already in it, though, I got sort of disheartened--for many it's more of a job that one inherits from one's father than a calling.  An unfortunate side effect, I believe, of Japanese-tradition priests being allowed to marry and have children.

 

I honestly think that on the larger details, I didn't "lapse" at all--I still live my life in accordance with the Dharma as best I can, but I don't wear the Rakusu/Okesa anymore, don't chant in Sino-Japanese (or English for that matter), don't do Oryoki.  For me, it's about doing the best that I can right now, and being as pragmatic as the situation calls for.  All of the "traditional" stuff that I felt compelled to do was getting in the way.

 

I respect that, at the essence of the buddhist teachings lays the idea that we carry his teachings out each in our own way because he knew that we were all different.

Mmmh it seems that the japanese clergy tradition resembles protestant tradition. But if that was the reason you didn't feel it anymore, shame but you can still follow the path ^^

Btw what is Oryoki? I don't know so much about japanese Zen

[Ancalagon The Black]

I have actually met the Dalai Lama.

 

I have been to Dharamshala (where he actually lives) a few times. Once, he was giving a lecture and some kids were allowed to meet him. This is about 15 years ago and I was a kid. I am irreligious and have always been. However, the 8 fold path (vanilla Buddhism) and the concept of karma (Hinduism) are ways of life and not some series of instructions given in most religions and therefore, this philosophy has always been attractive. 

 

I told the DL of my belief. He speaks pretty good Hindi. The DL told me that its a very good way to lead life. He also said that he was against the very concept of entrenched and intractable religious beliefs. He wanted to separate ways of life from religion. Unfortunately, most organized religions are susceptible to this. He said believe in what you must in your heart and never try to force your beliefs on other people. Never preach to others that your belief is better and is the one, true belief. He said that Buddhism, with its various sects and clans (and newly created rules) are also trying to follow the path of Abrahamistic religions which is not a good thing.

 

I don't believe in religion. But, I think that old man was pretty darn insightful.

[cobaltsword]

I have been to Dharamshala (where he actually lives) a few times. Once, he was giving a lecture and some kids were allowed to meet him. This is about 15 years ago and I was a kid. I am irreligious and have always been. However, the 8 fold path (vanilla Buddhism) and the concept of karma (Hinduism) are ways of life and not some series of instructions given in most religions and therefore, this philosophy has always been attractive. 

 

I told the DL of my belief. He speaks pretty good Hindi. The DL told me that its a very good way to lead life. He also said that he was against the very concept of entrenched and intractable religious beliefs. He wanted to separate ways of life from religion. Unfortunately, most organized religions are susceptible to this. He said believe in what you must in your heart and never try to force your beliefs on other people. Never preach to others that your belief is better and is the one, true belief. He said that Buddhism, with its various sects and clans (and newly created rules) are also trying to follow the path of Abrahamistic religions which is not a good thing.

 

I don't believe in religion. But, I think that old man was pretty darn insightful.

 

oooh great yeah i know he lives in Daramshala, since his exile ^^ still you got to meet him, which is an experience in itself. true, the 8 fold path is more of a way of life than a religious doctrine and so is the concept of Karma. with only those two one could already lead a good life.

Mhm, and he speaks very good english too, i'd love to go to one of his lectures but he rarely comes to Belgium :/ True, i read multiple times that he tries to detach ways of life from religion. Indeed, one of the concepts of buddhism is a respect for everyone and everyone's belief. i never flaunt my beliefs, and only answer when someone asks me questions. as the Dalaï Lama said, we are too divers for one religion to rule the world. We should cultivate a mutual respect and understanding for each other's beliefs and not force them on others. Buddhism is a philosophy that constantly adapts through time,and evolves with society (faster than most beliefs i noticed).

Mhm, his holiness is indeed a great and wise person. He has an insight in everyone's being that is sometimes frightening yet he is a mere man just like all of us I dream of meeting/seeing him.