Thoughts on Buddhism

[passionatefool]

I'm no longer a Buddhist but I will say most buddhist will give you more thought-provoking answers. Tibetan monks are trained to debate each other given a short period of time for each response.

It sounds like you still retain alot of the core teachings, Passionate fool. That's great! So, in a way, once a buddhist, always a buddhist, because all that spiritual knowledge never really leaves you. Are there still times in your life when Buddha's ideas pop into your head when you see something really beautiful or intriguing? And I would guess that you still revert to some form of meditation or breathing exercise when under stress or feeling over anxious? Yet even if you answered NO to these two personal inquiries, in truth whenever you are totally engrossed in the present moment, loving others and feeling really happy, you are automatically practicing Zen!.... so then you are a passionate buddha! You can't escape the magnetic grasp of the Awakened One, hehehe! Peace, ttyl.

Bgood,

Yes, though I am no longer a Buddhist, most of my daily routines and habit is still greatly influenced by it. One example is that instead of killing bugs and insects I see in my house, I just take them out and I got into the habit of looking for small insects when sweeping the floor (all those years when I sweep and mob the floor at my monastery put me in that habit) I still like the idea of compassion and selflessness. I still retain a lot of the influence such as giving donation daily or I automatically thinking of the idea of impermanence and emptiness, and I follow the "middle path" idea in general. I am generally not wasteful and when eating something with meat, I get into the habit of eating all the meat before I throw the food away if I can't eat anymore. I believe it is wrong to waste meats of living things that die in order for me to survive....this was a compromise I made with myself when I was no longer a vegetarian while being a Buddhist. I dont do breathing exercises, but I actually meditate now days, not as often, though not like the meditation I did when I was attending a Chan monastery, I just do a relaxation with music now.

So yes you are right, Buddhism greatly influenced who I am as a person and my habit, but I just no longer believe in the basic belief system such as rebirth or Samsara, or any sort of invisible Karma forces that result in retribution. I also reject the modern Buddhist practice and traditions. I do not believe in prayers or the existence of deities. I do not believe there is that type of "enlightenment" that modern Buddhism are claiming. I don't believe in any invisible protections from an invisible force such as claims in the chapter of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva of the Lotus Sutra. I just generally do not believe in what I would consider superstition which main stream Buddhism believe. Infact if I reject the idea of reincarnation/rebirth, the structure of Buddhism's belief as a religion falls apart so there is really no point. I also do not like how many masters teach as if what they are teaching or the "dharma" they are teaching is the undeniable truth, I dislike how followers generally follow it blindly and in fear of retribution so they do not "slander" or criticize it. Therefore I am no longer a Buddhist. I do like their virtues and morality tho.

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Buddhism IS a progressive, evolutionary philosphy that teaches us how to relate to our world and others more wisely and compassionately.

I disagree with your sentiments Bgood. The parts I have bolded are contra to what I understand the Buddha to have taught.

Buddhism was progressive and revolutionary 2500 years ago because Buddha rejected Hinduism and the criticized practices like sacrifices and stuff, and introduced new ideas and belief. But it is probably not that revolutionary now. Just a religion. Science is much more progressive and revolutionary to me lol

Thanks passionate, that is my point.

Any reference material I should further look up??

Lol none that came to mind, when I was a Buddhist I read a lot of articles and sutras, but I'm sure that is not something you would be interested in doing, because it isn't something I'm interested in doing now.