buddhism ...mmm trendy...

Vidiot · 07-07-2002, 01:57 AM

has anyone noticed how its become trendy to say you're a buddhist? the problem is, very few of those who claim to be buddhist are. people are confused as to their spirituality, and because buddhism is such a mysterious topic to most, its a tempting claim. most of these people don't even know shit about the religion, but neither does anybody else, so it's easy to sound knowledgable about it. if you like meditation, more power to you, but don't automatically associate that with buddhism. meditation is a key element in my theory of everything (which i guess you could say is my religion, though its really just what i consider to be most likely), but that doensn't make me a buddhist. so if your going to say you're a buddhist, fine, but know your shit before decideding that's what you really believe. there are so many great resources avalible for those who are new to the religion, either in electronic or print format. All you have to do is look.

Cola di Rienza · 07-07-2002, 02:07 AM

I've definately noticed this. I've been in several situations where a person who only moments before claimed to be a practicing Buddhist could not tell me anything about the religion. It really makes it clear just how devoid of individuality and character people are nowadays.

I'm not saying I know anything about it, because I really only know the very basics.. which should be a lot less than people who 'are' buddhists, but it's not in most cases..

supermarket :) · 07-07-2002, 02:25 AM

the fact of the matter is, if your spiritual or religious and yet open-minded, try NOT following a way of life or a religion, and simply knowing yourself what you do and dont believe in.

07-07-2002, 02:26 AM

i definately see the argument that you all present. spirituality, for me, is more important than identification with any organized religion. religion and spirituality can be two independent ideas...and that is what it is for me. i am not a religious person...yet am highly spiritual, praying many times a day and giving my will and life over to the care of my higher power. religion might be nothing more than spirituality for the lay. merely a thought.

Hedons · 07-07-2002, 10:27 AM

Buddhisim certainly has a lot to offer. The messages are simple and clear and probably make more sense of the big picture than most other belief systems. Maybe that is why your obeservation of people readily wanting to indentify themselves as Buddhists hold true.

-Hedons

stonehammered · 07-07-2002, 11:31 PM

[quote]Originally posted by Cola di Rienza:
<strong>I've definately noticed this. I've been in several situations where a person who only moments before claimed to be a practicing Buddhist could not tell me anything about the religion. </strong><hr></blockquote>

I've seen that with every religion. But why knock people for seeking to identify something within themselves. Religion is never perfect, that's why we practice it. I think one of the attractive characteristics of buddhism for people is that it's entirely within you. There's no church demanding attendance and adherence. There are monks and lamas to guide you on your way, but it's your way.

It's kind of humorous to note though that people of a religion that seeks the abandonment of ego and desire are accused of trying to be trendy. Funnier still, you may be right!

Cola di Rienza · 07-08-2002, 12:05 AM

[quote]I think one of the attractive characteristics of buddhism for people is that it's entirely within you<hr></blockquote>

Good point.

All I know is that when a person who claims to be a highly informed practicing Buddhist doesn't know anything at all about the religion, I consider it an attempt to be just another attempt at being cool or trendy or whatever.

stonehammered · 07-08-2002, 12:39 AM

[quote]Originally posted by Cola di Rienza:
<strong>

All I know is that when a person who claims to be a highly informed practicing Buddhist doesn't know anything at all about the religion, I consider it an attempt to be just another attempt at being cool or trendy or whatever.</strong><hr></blockquote>

It does happen, I bet

07-07-2002, 01:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
Vidiot Old School Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Denver, Colorado, United Stoners of America Posts: 618 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	buddhism ...mmm trendy... has anyone noticed how its become trendy to say you're a buddhist? the problem is, very few of those who claim to be buddhist are. people are confused as to their spirituality, and because buddhism is such a mysterious topic to most, its a tempting claim. most of these people don't even know shit about the religion, but neither does anybody else, so it's easy to sound knowledgable about it. if you like meditation, more power to you, but don't automatically associate that with buddhism. meditation is a key element in my theory of everything (which i guess you could say is my religion, though its really just what i consider to be most likely), but that doensn't make me a buddhist. so if your going to say you're a buddhist, fine, but know your shit before decideding that's what you really believe. there are so many great resources avalible for those who are new to the religion, either in electronic or print format. All you have to do is look. __________________ i want to die with a hard on.

07-07-2002, 10:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
Hedons Ribbed for her pleasure! Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Chicago Burbs. Delta(x) times Delta(p) is greater than or equal to h-bar over two. Posts: 4,645 Thanks: 23 Thanked 189 Times in 101 Posts	Buddhisim certainly has a lot to offer. The messages are simple and clear and probably make more sense of the big picture than most other belief systems. Maybe that is why your obeservation of people readily wanting to indentify themselves as Buddhists hold true. -Hedons __________________ New and improved! Now with flushable applicator.

07-07-2002, 11:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
stonehammered world saviour Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: the comfy chair Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	[quote]Originally posted by Cola di Rienza: <strong>I've definately noticed this. I've been in several situations where a person who only moments before claimed to be a practicing Buddhist could not tell me anything about the religion. </strong><hr></blockquote> I've seen that with every religion. But why knock people for seeking to identify something within themselves. Religion is never perfect, that's why we practice it. I think one of the attractive characteristics of buddhism for people is that it's entirely within you. There's no church demanding attendance and adherence. There are monks and lamas to guide you on your way, but it's your way. It's kind of humorous to note though that people of a religion that seeks the abandonment of ego and desire are accused of trying to be trendy. Funnier still, you may be right! __________________ The more you give, the less you have.

07-08-2002, 12:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
stonehammered world saviour Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: the comfy chair Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	[quote]Originally posted by Cola di Rienza: <strong> All I know is that when a person who claims to be a highly informed practicing Buddhist doesn't know anything at all about the religion, I consider it an attempt to be just another attempt at being cool or trendy or whatever.</strong><hr></blockquote> It does happen, I bet __________________ The more you give, the less you have.

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07-07-2002, 02:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cola di Rienza Old School Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,638 Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 1 Post	I've definately noticed this. I've been in several situations where a person who only moments before claimed to be a practicing Buddhist could not tell me anything about the religion. It really makes it clear just how devoid of individuality and character people are nowadays. I'm not saying I know anything about it, because I really only know the very basics.. which should be a lot less than people who 'are' buddhists, but it's not in most cases..

07-07-2002, 02:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
supermarket :) -2012- Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Scaryetta, GA Posts: 7,619 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	the fact of the matter is, if your spiritual or religious and yet open-minded, try NOT following a way of life or a religion, and simply knowing yourself what you do and dont believe in.

07-07-2002, 02:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
tha_gouda Guest Posts: n/a	i definately see the argument that you all present. spirituality, for me, is more important than identification with any organized religion. religion and spirituality can be two independent ideas...and that is what it is for me. i am not a religious person...yet am highly spiritual, praying many times a day and giving my will and life over to the care of my higher power. religion might be nothing more than spirituality for the lay. merely a thought.

07-08-2002, 12:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
Cola di Rienza Old School Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,638 Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 1 Post	[quote]I think one of the attractive characteristics of buddhism for people is that it's entirely within you<hr></blockquote> Good point. All I know is that when a person who claims to be a highly informed practicing Buddhist doesn't know anything at all about the religion, I consider it an attempt to be just another attempt at being cool or trendy or whatever.

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