Thoughts on Buddhism

[Abracadabra]

Abracadabra wrote

The idea of Zen Buddhism is more along the lines of Taoism where the main focus is to come into harmony with life as much as possible (i.e. learn to flow with the Tao). After all, Zen Buddhism evolved after Buddhism from India had migrated through China and became intimately entangled with Taoism. So Zen Buddhism is really a mixture of Buddhism and Taoism.

Hmm...I never really thought of it that way. That is a very good insight. I am mostly attracted to Zen buddhism as I learn more about it. Taoism is also a great philosophy which I kind of automatically incorporated with my beliefs in Buddhism. Your last post is very informative and gives me some pause for reflection. You bring up alot of good points, especially when you mention how early Buddhism was geared toward escaping rebirth into the next life. It always seemed kind of backwards to me....I thought one would WANT to reincarnate into another human life after death, NOT stop that cycle! Yet perhaps if that cycle was stopped, something better would occur?? Who knows, but I see the point you are making that puts the focus on THIS life and THIS moment which ZEN does, as far more worthy of belief and acceptance than how Hindu/Buddhist Indians might percieve the teachings.

Yes, Buddhism is so diverse that when someone tells me that they are a Buddhist my first question to them is "Which Buddhism?"

By they way if you'd like to watch a college-level course on the history of Buddhism that is quite interesting you might want to check out this course at The Teaching Company:

Buddhism

It's a quite interesting course. This isn't a documentary, this is an actual college type course with a professor just standing behind a podium giving a lecture.

Also DON'T pay $250 for it! These courses go on sale periodically for a only $69 at least once or twice a year.

Or better yet go to your local library and see if they have it, or if you can get it via inter-library loan. That inter-library loan thing usually works. Then you don't need to pay anything to watch it.

It is funny how you say that you are more of an 'unconventional' or 'maverick' or individualistic Wiccan in Wiccan circles. I think I am kind of like that in alot of Buddhist circles, in a sense, in that I am more freethinking and non attached to certain ideas. Or perhaps it is just that I am not as smart and educated on the subject as I like to think I am! lol But I think you got alot of good stuff to say Abracadabra and I enjoy your input and perspective. Take care and good luck in all you do!

Well it's in the original Buddha teachings to question everything and to follow only that which calls to you. So in that sense, a "homemade" or "maverick" version of Buddhism is quite valid.

The same is true of Wicca actually. But again, that can depend on who you ask.