[hennypenny]

I am not a Buddhist, but am interested in it, and I have read up on this beautiful religion/philosophy. When life gets less busy, I will start going to a temple to see if it 'fits' me as well as I think it might. Do we have buddhists here?

[mcmama]

Haven't met any, although we expanded the section to include other major world religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism.

If you have not already done so, you might try reading some of the works of the Dalai Lama for starters. He reaches a wide audience, and you can see in his writings how Buddhist ideas shape his writings and perspective.

[hennypenny]

Thanks! I haven't read much of his works yet, but what I have, I love!

[banko]

you may also want to try reading some books from Thich Nicht Hahn. He is vietnamese author who has some great books about almost everything and how buddhism handles life.
Some of my favorites are his book on death, Being Peace, and true love. Those are great starters that are easily relatable to daily life. Chapters carries a lot of his material.

[JeanLynn81]

Buddhism is a beautiful religion, I agree. I've read a few stories here and there, and loved them.

I do not think it is a religion that I could live up to! I know some of the stories are just that-stories, but I don't know if I could even come close to being that good.

I know they believe all life is equal. While I like the idea of that, I wouldn't compare my life, say, to a whole group of starving lions (I think I remember a story about a man who flung himself off a cliff to feed a group of hungry lions.) I don't think I could see a mosquito on my leg and say "Poor hungry creature, eat all you like..."

The whole point, as I understand, is to complete all the stages to reach enlightenment. If, at this point I can look and say "I don't have what it takes to reach that goal by the end of my life", then it seriously discourages me from it.

I love this religion! But its not for me...

[banko]

I would encourage you to read more about it before making your descision. I was exactly the same as you at one point. I remember reading about not having attachments and thinking how unrealistic that is. But as I continued with it I understood the meanings of what they are saying more and more.
Just keep in mind that enlightenment is not a pre-set measureable mark to meet. It is about personal growth and happiness. If at the end of your life you understand more than when you started and you always kept an open mind about things then you are better off and perhaps closer than you think to enlightenment.
I find that buddhism is a very personal path to go down, no two people can find enlightenment the same way. I work everyday with my own struggles not to judge people, or to yell profanities at the driver that cut me off. That is just part of my many struggles.
What I love about it is that everyone is equal, there is no place for judgments or hate, or revenge. I find that it brings out the best in me, it calms me, and makes me feel happiness that I never had before. I used to have a very serious temper, so much so that I would throw things and lose it. In the past 2 years I don't remember having an argument or disagreement with my spouse. I can better understand how they are feeling and we can easily work through things.
I would also recommend the magazine Shambhala Sun which Chapters carries usually. Pick up the book True Love by Thich Nicht Hahn. It is a great place to start and incorporate buddhist philosophies into daily life. And it will help your relationships at the same time so double bonus.

[banko]

I hope that last post wasn't too preachy, and I don't mean to try and sell you on the idea.

[hennypenny]

I certainly don't feel the detachment part is unrealistic at all, not sure what gave that idea.

[banko]

JeanLynn81 made the comment that she wasn't sure if she could ever live up to certain points of buddhism. I was simply trying to use that as an example of a stumbling block for me when I started this journey, something that I too thought I could never possibly live up to such a high standard. And no it isn't an issue for me now, but it did take some time.

[JeanLynn81]

Yes, the physical attachments-I forgot about that! (Can you tell its been while since I've read anything?) That is another almost impossible hurdle for me. I love the idea of reincarnation, its a great concept, but I am attached to people that I don't want to ever let go of.

Anyways, I really wanted to ask...What are the "payoffs" or good things about being a buddhist for you?