(October 17, 2018 at 2:49 pm)Dr H Wrote:(October 16, 2018 at 3:22 pm)Astreja Wrote: I agree with a lot of the basic (non-theistic) principles like the Four Noble Truths, but the particular group I tumbled into was derived from the Mahayana tradition rather than the Theravada side. It came with a large side order of woo-woo, attributing supernatural qualities to a mantra and a scroll. My onboard BS detector prevented me from accepting that aspect of the practice, and eventually I just walked away.
Studying Buddhism taught me how to meditate. Of course I could have learned meditation in other ways, without the mantras and the mandalas and the koans... but since I was studying Buddhism, at least I took something useful with me when I left. I can't unequivocally make the same claim about Christianity.
I eventually settled into a casual nonsectarian mindfulness practice, anywhere/anytime. Once in a long while I try for a formal seated meditation, but more commonly I just stop what I'm doing and spend a few minutes observing my thoughts and/or the environment.
